Fire blankets are a useful fire-fighting tool in any home or business. Fire blankets are flexible sheets of woven fibreglass used to smother a fire. These blankets can help you put out a fire. This prevents it from spreading and protects you and your property. In this article, we’ll explain what fire blankets are and how they work. This includes the different types of fire blankets that are available today. We’ll also share some tips on how best to use one of these items in case your home ever catches on fire. Fire blankets are extremely versatile and can be used for many different purposes. They’re perfect for use in the home or workplace and are also a great option for camping enthusiasts. Fire blankets are made of lightweight fibreglass and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
What Is A Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a type of safety equipment designed to extinguish small fires or to protect individuals from flames and heat. It is a specially treated sheet of fabric made from fire-resistant materials that can be placed over a fire to smother it and prevent it from spreading.
Fire blankets are usually made of materials such as wool, fibreglass, or Kevlar, which can withstand high temperatures without catching fire themselves. They are often stored in a quick-release container or pouch, which makes them easy to access in an emergency.
Fire blankets are a simple and effective tool for dealing with small fires, but it’s important to remember that they are not suitable for tackling large or out-of-control fires. In such cases, it is best to evacuate the area immediately and call the fire department.
How Does A Fire Blanket Work?
A fire blanket in the UK works by smothering a fire and cutting off its oxygen supply, which is necessary for a fire to keep burning. The blanket is made of a fire-resistant material that is specially treated to withstand high temperatures.
What Element Does a Fire Blanket Remove?
A fire blanket removes the element, Oxygen. It is used to smother a fire by cutting off the supply of oxygen and therefore starving the flame. The blanket is made of fire-resistant materials and is designed to be gently placed over a fire. Fire blankets are often used to extinguish small fires in kitchens, laboratories, or workshops, and can be a useful tool for fire safety.
When to Use A Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is a safety device used to extinguish small fires or wrap around a person whose clothes are on fire. Fire blankets are made of fire-resistant materials, such as fibreglass or wool, and are designed to smother fires by cutting off their oxygen supply.
Fire blankets are commonly used in kitchens and laboratories where fires can quickly start from hot oil, flammable liquids or other hazardous materials. They can also be used to protect people from fire, particularly when their clothing has caught fire. In this case, the person should stop, drop, roll, and then wrap themselves in the fire blanket to smother the flames.
It’s important to note that fire blankets are not suitable for all types of fires. For example, they should not be used on electrical fires or fires involving flammable gases or metals. It’s essential to have the appropriate type of fire extinguisher or seek professional help in case of such fires.
A fire blanket should be used to extinguish small fires, particularly those involving Class F cooking oils. In general, fire blankets are best used to extinguish small fires or to protect people and equipment from flames. If a fire is too large to be contained by a fire blanket, it is important to evacuate the area and call the fire department immediately.
Where Should Fire Blankets Be Located?
If you are unsure where to place your fire blanket, it is important to know that the location of this safety tool can have a significant impact. This can determine whether or not a small blaze becomes an all-consuming inferno. Fire blankets can put out fires by causing asphyxiation and starving the flame of oxygen. This aids in preventing the spread of fire to other areas. In addition, it can help you avoid serious damage to your home. Also, a lot of people don’t know that fire blankets can prevent your clothing from catching fire or protect you if you need to pass through flames. To protect yourself, your business and your family, fire blankets must be easily accessible in the event of an emergency.
Remember that it isn’t just the kitchen where fires can start. There should be fire blankets in every room or place where there is a risk of a fire breaking out. The outbreak may have been caused by candles or fires, so installing fire blankets in easily accessible locations is a good way to make sure your employees or family stays safe.
You must follow your blanket’s manufacturer’s instructions for hanging it on the wall. The tabs on fire blankets make them easy to remove. Before deciding where you’re going to place your blanket, read the instructions carefully.
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What Is The Life Expectancy Of A Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets can last several years if properly cared for. All fire blankets come with instructions that explain how to maintain them and how long they are expected to be effective. Make sure you read the instructions carefully before using a new blanket and change it when needed. Remember to dispose of your fire blanket after you have used it. Don’t reseal the container with the used fire blanket inside if a small fire has been extinguished.
The fire blanket will be exhausted, and you don’t want to use it on another fire. Dispose of the used blanket in accordance with local regulations. If you can’t find a disposal site near you, contact your local waste management department for advice. If you have any questions or concerns about operating a fire blanket, contact us at OHEAP Fire & Security.
British Fire Blankets Standards
The current standard for fire blankets is BS EN 1869:1997, and it covers a variety of sizes. The smallest size is 1m x 1m, while the largest size accepted by this standard is 1.8m x 1.8m. However, some rectangular fire blankets have been manufactured and accepted under BS EN 1869:1997.
Typically, BSI conducts a fire test with the smallest size blanket available. If that smallest blanket is capable of smothering and extinguishing a flame, then an even larger version made from the same material should work as well. It’s important to note that the material should be identical in all sizes.
If you are looking for the best fire blanket in the UK, it’s important to choose a product that has been manufactured under a quality standard and tested against the British Standard BS EN 1869:1997. This standard requires all fire blankets to be made from high-quality materials designed to smother and extinguish fires.
How To Extinguish A Fire With A Fire Blanket
Once you’ve determined that it’s safe to do so, use a fire protection blanket to snuff out the blaze. Make sure that your team understands how these devices work by practising with them until they feel comfortable using one in an emergency situation.
Firstly, in the event of a fire, aim to turn off the heat source if it is safe to do so. Once this has been done, locate the fire blanket and you’ll notice on the bottom of each blanket, there are two tabs. To remove a blanket from its packaging, forcefully pull with both hands simultaneously on the tabs at opposite ends. Keeping the fire blanket in front of you, either roll the blanket over your hands if possible or use fire retardant gloves to protect your hands from the smoke and heat. Gently drape the blanket over the fire whilst keeping your face at a good distance from the flame. Start with the flames edge that is closest to you. This will ensure the flame doesn’t spread towards your body.
If you weren’t able to initially switch the heat source off at the start then please do this as soon as physically possible.
Why Every Kitchen Should Have A Fire Blanket
Around 60% of domestic fires in the UK are started in the kitchen. A recent study shows that 118,700 fires each year are caused by cooking equipment, resulting in 250 deaths and 3880 injuries. Traditional fire extinguishers are not well suited to dealing with common oil pan fires. The force of the spray can propel flaming oil from the pan and cause burns or even secondary fires.
Fire blankets are suitable for Class F fires, which include cooking fat and oil-based blazes. These types of fire should be handled with a blanket rather than water. Fire blankets are most commonly used to tackle fat pan fires. It is therefore sensible to keep them in the kitchen, where users can easily gain access. But don’t put it too close to the cooker because you may not reach it if there’s a real fire. Always keep the fire blanket near an exit so that you have time to escape and call for help if a fire gets out of control.
The fire blanket is also effective on clothes. If someone’s clothing catches on fire, the blanket can be used to put out the flames safely. The fire blanket is a great solution for this situation. In addition, the fire blanket can be used to carry someone out of the room as it is incredibly strong. If evacuation equipment isn’t available, you can use a fire blanket as an evacuation stretcher in the case of an emergency.
A number of kitchen fires are caused by grease, gasoline and oil so pouring water on these flames can make matters worse.
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Steps To Reduce The Risk Of A Kitchen Or Electrical Fire
There are many steps we can take to reduce the risk of an electrical or cooking fire in the kitchen. The first and most important step is to make sure that you have a working smoke alarm in your home. Smoke detectors are a lifesaver, as they can detect smoke from even the smallest fire in your home before it becomes too late.
In addition to having a smoke alarm, it’s important to regularly check your electrical outlets and appliances for any signs of damage or wear. Make sure that all of your appliances are plugged into properly grounded outlets.
Reducing Risks Continued…
Here are some more examples:
- Never leave an electrical appliance running when you’re not in the room. This includes dishwashers, microwaves and washing machines.
- If the appliance or equipment is still hot then do NOT wrap the cable around the item until it has fully cooled down.
- Continually check that flexible cables are still in good working condition and that if there are any tears in the cabling you have them repaired or replaced.
- Don’t attempt repairs or cleaning whilst the electrical appliance is still plugged into the mains.
- Clean your ovens and grills continually as a build-up of fat and grease can cause major Class F fires.
- Ensure that plug sockets aren’t overloaded with too many electrical appliances as this can cause overheating.
- Avoid placing objects on top of electrical appliances as this can affect the ventilation of the product. For example, storing objects on top of your microwave.
- Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your workplace as well as heat alarms where necessary.
The next step is to make sure that you have an escape plan if there is ever a fire in your business or house. It’s important to know what the nearest fire escape route is and what to do if there is a fire. You should also make sure that everyone who works in your business knows how to respond in the event of an emergency and where the fire assembly point is.
Conclusion
Fire blankets are an important tool in any home. They should be stored in a convenient location and used properly when needed. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure that you have the best possible protection from a fire. Be sure to dispose of any used fire blankets properly so that they do not pose a hazard to others in your home or place of business. If you have questions about how to use your fire blanket, consult the instructions that came with it or ask a professional for advice. Fire blankets can save lives.
