Fire blankets can be used to fight any kind of fire, unlike water, which is hazardous to use with grease or electrical fires. Key considerations When shopping for a fire blanket, it’s important to think about where you expect to use it and store it.
Full Answer
Are fire blankets safe to use?
Fire blankets deprive a fire of oxygen rather than add substances to the fire, so there’s no risk of unexpected chemical reactions. A fire blanket is safe for grease fires, since it won’t splash burning oil. And it doesn’t create pools of moisture that can conduct electricity – the main reason you shouldn’t use water on an electrical fire.
What is a fire blanket and how does it work?
Fire blankets are one of the essentials when it comes to home fire safety. They are specially designed to keep the fire from spreading and protecting people trying to escape a blaze. When to Use a Fire Blanket? You probably have some fire safety protocols already in place to reduce the damage to your property and valuable belongings.
What are the different types of fire blankets?
Small fire blankets are commonly known as light-duty fire blankets. Basically, these fire blankets are used in kitchens. Large fire blankets are also known as heavy-duty fire blankets. These fire blankets are commonly used in industries and laboratories.
How do you light a blanket over a fire?
Hold the blanket with both hands from one edge to another. Try and fold the corners over your hands so they are protected. 4. Carefully place the blanket over the hob or pan. Walk away and let the fire or smoke be smothered. Don't be tempted to take a peek in the pan just yet. Let it cool down for a while.
Do fire blankets work on electric fires?
Car Fire blankets The most efficient way to isolate and extinguish car fires, even in electric vehicles.
When should you not use a fire blanket?
While you should not use fire blankets when a large fire breaks out, they can be critical in preventing the spread of small fires, especially those fires caused by fat, oil or grease in cooking areas, such as a kitchen or a canteen. Given their function, fire blankets are also a useful fire safety feature for the home.
What type of fire should you use a fire blanket?
Fire blankets are only suitable when the fire is small, or Class F fires. These are especially helpful for Class F fires. These fires are typically caused by cooking fat oils. These types of fires should not be doused with water and you should use a fire blanket to put it out.
What do you use for electrical fires?
In terms of which fire extinguisher to use for an electrical fire, you will need to use one which is non-conductive. With an electrical fire, you should only use extinguishants such as powder or CO2 (carbon dioxide).
What could you use a fire blanket for?
Most commonly they are used to extinguish small contained fires such as chip pan fires in a kitchen, paper fires in the office, barbeques and engine compartment fires. The larger sizes can also be used as a body wrap, ideal for children and young adults and especially useful to childminders for safe evacuation.
What are the disadvantages of using a fire blanket?
DisadvantagesTo use on a fire, you have to move close to the fire, and your hands are particularly vulnerable.You can only use on a very small and contained fire.You probably only get one go at extinguishing the fire – if you fail to put it out, you can't retrieve the blanket.
What type of fire can a fire blanket be used on UK?
Fire Blankets can be used on Class A & B fires and works by smothering the fire. It may also be used to contain fire extinguisher media to improving its effectivenss when applied to a small fire in open conditions or extinguish clothing on fire etc.
Which two types of fire extinguishers should you never use on an electrical fire?
Water fire extinguishers are NOT suitable for electrical fires as water is a conductor and you are at risk of electrocution if used on this type of fire. They are also NOT suitable for flammable liquids or flammable metal fires as it will not extinguish the fire.
What are the two types of fire blanket?
Fire blankets made of fiberglass act as a shield against fires, protecting you from not just the flames but also the heat. Fiberglass blankets are used in houses, offices, manufacturing plants, welding shops, etc. Fiberglass blankets protect you from a higher intensity of heat than wool.
What should you not use on electrical fire?
As water and foam have the ability to conduct electricity, even after the power source has been cut off, you should not attempt to apply water or foam extinguishers to the flames. Carbon Dioxide and dry powder fire extinguishers are the only types of fire extinguishers recommended for tackling electrical fires safely.
How do you put out an electrical fire at home?
If there is an electrical fire, pull the plug out, or switch off the power at the fuse box – if it's safe to do so. Sometimes this can stop the fire immediately. Never use water on an electrical fire, and don't take any risks with your safety – get out, stay out and call 999.
What device helps prevent electrical fires?
An AFCI is a product that breaks the circuit when it detects a dangerous electrical arc. AFCIs (such as a duplex receptacle or circuit breaker) help prevent electrical fires.
Can you use a fire blanket on a chip pan?
A build-up of fat and grease can easily catch fire. Never throw water on a chip pan fire. A fire blanket will smother small frying pan fires if used properly and quickly. Never fill a pan more than one-third full of oil.
When would it be appropriate to smother a fire with a fire blanket NHS?
Fire Blankets are used to smother chip pan, waste bin and deep fat fires. In addition, a fire blanket can also be used to wrap around the body of a person and smother the flames if their clothes are on fire. For use on Petrol, Oils, Spirits, and Flammable liquids.
Can you smother a grease fire with a blanket?
Smother with lid, fire blanket or wet (wet you plonker!) cloth. Then, yes, use the extinguisher.
How do I place a fire blanket on a fire?
The process is simple, but you must stay calm, which is easier said than done. To best extinguish the fire, remove the blanket from the package by...
Can I keep a fire blanket in my kitchen instead of a fire extinguisher?
No. The two have different uses. A fire blanket is your first line of defense. If you successfully smother the fire while it’s small, you won’t nee...
Are there any kinds of fires where I can’t use a fire blanket?
No, as long as the temperature of the fire isn’t higher than the blanket’s temperature rating. Fire blankets deprive a fire of oxygen rather than a...
Can I reuse a fire blanket?
Probably not. Most fire blankets are not reusable. Even a blanket used to smother a small fire will be weaker in the spot where it was exposed to f...
What are fire blankets made of?
What are typical fire blanket materials? Fire blankets are made of fire-resistant materials . They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for wrapping around a person whose clothing is on fire. Fire blankets conforming to British Standards BSEN1869: 1997 are suitable for use in the home.
What to do if a fire blanket is not controlled?
If the fire or smoke isn't controlled, don't try to adjust the blanket. Call the emergency services straight away. You should use a fire blanket in situations involving flammable cooking materials. Also, use them when fabric or clothing has caught fire. They are suitable for small household fires that you can contain without a fire extinguisher. ...
How to install a fire blanket?
Where do you place the fire blanket? At what height should you install it? We answer these below: 1 Keep the fire blanket somewhere in the kitchen within easy reach for young adults. 2 Do not place it too close to your hob. You want it to be at a distance away so you can reach for it. 3 Place the fire blanket next to a designated escape route. It may come in useful should you need to exit the property.
Why do you use body wraps?
You can use the larger variant to wrap around a body. This will help to: act as a body wrap if you need to escape larger flames.
Can you use a fire blanket without an extinguisher?
They are suitable for small household fires that you can contain without a fire extinguisher. While they are straightforward to use, there are a few pointers to take on board to ensure you stay safe. Elsewhere, we discuss these key points and give our opinion on the best fire blankets available.
Why is my fire blanket inaccessible?
Often, a fire blanket becomes inaccessible. This could be because the fire has blocked the path for you to get to your fire blanket, or maybe you just haven’t bought one yet. Either way, you will need a fire blanket alternative to ensure safety for yourself and your family. Acting quickly to identify an alternative, like a woolen coat, can also help you stop the spread of the fire and limit damage to your belongings.
Why do welders use welding blankets?
A welding blanket is the protective covering used by welders to keep their bodies and surrounding structures safe. Since welding can create spatters and result in droplets of molten metal flying out, it is imperative that you put on a welding blanket to eliminate skin exposure.
Is a Mylar blanket safe?
A Mylar survival blanket (also called a space blanket, emergency blanket, or first aid blanket) has heat-reflecting properties. This makes people think they are safe to be used against a fire; however that is entirely false.
Who is Nick Klamecki?
Nick Klamecki is a certified Fire and Workplace Safety expert with 15 years experience in product research and testing. He has a degree in Economics from U.C. Davis, is an active outdoorsman and spent years ensuring the safety of special needs children. Nick researches and tests workplace, industrial and safety products and provides advice on their safe use.
