Absestos Fire Blankets
Asbestos has many useful properties, some of which have led to its becoming the ‘miracle mineral’ of the twentieth century. A generic term used to refer to six different kinds of naturally occurring minerals; asbestos is almost completely resistant to the corrosive effects of heat and chemicals. It is also a very good nonconductor of electricity. Weatherproof and waterproof, the fibers of asbestos are malleable and flexible.
Because of its high thermal insulation properties, the use of asbestos was popular in every application that necessitated proximity to heat. Thus, it came to be used in fireproof curtains, clothing, and fire blankets.
Fire blankets are sheets used to control small, extinguishable, and contained fires. Firefighters or personnel were required to wrap the blanket around their hands and position themselves behind the blanket. The blanket would then be placed over the source of fire so that it was completely covered. This would effectively cut off the oxygen supply to the source and bank the fire. The blanket was removed only after the fire was completely put out. This required considerable time because very hot objects have a tendency to re-kindle when exposed to air.
Fire blankets can easily be damaged when they are thrown over sharp objects. Storage and re-use of damaged asbestos fire blankets is dangerous because they give off great concentrations of microscopic, glass-like fibers that stick to the lung surfaces in humans. Fire blankets made from asbestos was a regular feature of many police departments in the US until the early 1990s.
Asbestos fire blankets are still found in old schools and laboratories, where they are normally stored in special closed containers. Unless damaged, these blankets are relatively safe. To ensure safety, these blankets need to be inspected regularly. Asbestos fire blankets stored in cylindrical containers need to be checked to ensure that they can be removed safely and quickly from their containers. Inspection personnel are at risk if they do not take adequate precautions. Maintenance of damaged fire blankets can be risky.
If you believe that you could be exposed to the risk of asbestos exposure, you are eligible for insurance claim. To know more, contact an asbestos lawyer using the form at the bottom of this page.
