How to Use a Fire Blanket Safely: Step-by-Step Guide | FireRescue

Fire Safety Essentials

What Is A Fire Blanket?

A fire blanket is a safety device made from fire-resistant materials such as woven glass fibre or Kevlar. It’s designed to smother small flames by cutting off their oxygen supply, which helps prevent fires from spreading quickly.

Fire blankets are commonly found in kitchens, workshops, laboratories, and areas where small fires may occur. They are easy to use and require no training to operate effectively when you understand the correct steps.

Unlike fire extinguishers, which release chemicals or foam, fire blankets work silently and without residue, making them ideal for certain environments like food preparation areas or clean rooms. Their compact design allows them to be stored in small spaces, ready for immediate use.

Fire blankets come in various sizes, typically ranging from 1m x 1m to larger sizes suitable for wrapping around a person or covering bigger objects. Choosing the right size for your environment is important to ensure effectiveness and ease of handling.

When To Use A Fire Blanket

You should use a fire blanket only for small, contained fires. These include cooking oil or fat fires, clothing fires, or small waste bin fires. If a fire grows beyond a small size, it’s safer to evacuate and call the fire brigade immediately.

Fire blankets are particularly useful for grease fires, which can be dangerous if water is used. The blanket safely smothers the flames without splashing burning oil.

In addition, fire blankets can be used to wrap around a person whose clothing has caught fire, providing rapid flame suppression and reducing injury. This makes them an essential safety item in environments where open flames or hot equipment are present.

They are also effective for extinguishing fires on small electrical appliances, as long as the power is switched off first, because the blanket cuts off oxygen and prevents sparks or further ignition.

Do Not Use On Large Fires

If a fire is spreading fast or is out of control, do not try to tackle it with a fire blanket. Instead, alert others, leave the area, and call emergency services.

Attempting to use a fire blanket on a large fire can put you at serious risk. The flames may spread quickly, and your efforts may be ineffective or worsen the situation. Always prioritise personal safety and professional response.

Large fires require the use of appropriate fire extinguishers, fire suppression systems, or professional firefighting equipment. Fire blankets are not designed to handle fires that involve large quantities of flammable liquids, electrical faults under load, or expansive fires such as bushfires.

How To Use A Fire Blanket Safely

First, always read the instructions on your fire blanket’s packaging or label. Different brands may have slight variations in size or folding method.

To use the blanket, stand between the fire and your escape route. This keeps you protected and allows a clear path to safety if needed.

Pull the tabs or loops to fully unfold the blanket. Hold it in front of you like a shield with your hands gripping the top edge, wrapping the blanket around your hands for protection.

Carefully place or gently throw the blanket over the fire, starting from the side closest to you and moving away. This helps contain the fire without scattering burning material.

Once the fire is covered, leave the blanket in place until the fire is completely out and the blanket has cooled. Do not remove it too soon, as flames could reignite.

After use, never reuse a fire blanket. It should be replaced immediately to ensure safety in future emergencies.

If someone’s clothing catches fire, wrap the blanket around them quickly to extinguish flames. Encourage them to stop, drop, and roll if unable to use the blanket immediately.

When deploying the fire blanket, avoid rushing or panicking. Swift but deliberate movements reduce the risk of accidents and improve the chance of successfully extinguishing the fire. Wearing protective gloves can add an extra layer of safety, especially when handling hot or smouldering materials.

It’s important to approach the fire cautiously and avoid leaning directly over the flames to reduce the risk of burns or inhalation of smoke. If the fire is on a stove or in a pan, turning off the heat source before applying the blanket will help prevent re-ignition.

After extinguishing the fire, carefully monitor the area for any signs of smoke or heat. Fire blankets do not cool the surface beneath the fire, so residual heat may cause flare-ups if disturbed too soon.

Safety Tips For Fire Blanket Use

Store your fire blanket in an accessible and clearly marked location, free from obstructions. It should be mounted on a wall or kept in a fire safety kit near likely fire hazards.

Check the fire blanket regularly for damage or signs of wear. Replace it if the material is torn, worn, or contaminated.

Do not use a fire blanket for electrical fires unless it is rated for such use. In those cases, make sure the power supply is turned off before applying the blanket to avoid electric shock.

After using a fire blanket, ventilate the area to clear smoke and fumes. Seek medical help if anyone has inhaled smoke or suffered burns.

Practice calmness and clear thinking during an emergency. Fire blankets are effective if used properly, but rushing or panicking can cause accidents.

It’s also important to educate all household members or employees about the location and proper use of fire blankets. Regular safety drills or demonstrations can increase preparedness and confidence in an emergency.

Remember to wear appropriate clothing when handling fires; avoid loose garments that could catch fire easily. Keeping a fire blanket within easy reach in kitchens or workshops can reduce response time and improve outcomes.

In workplaces, ensure that fire safety equipment, including fire blankets, is included in regular safety audits and training sessions. This helps maintain readiness and compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

Consider pairing fire blankets with other fire safety devices like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers to create a comprehensive fire safety setup. Knowing when to use each tool is crucial to effective fire management.

Understanding Fire Blanket Limitations

A fire blanket is not a substitute for a fire extinguisher, especially on larger fires. It is designed for small fires only and should be part of a broader fire safety plan.

Fire blankets are not effective for fires involving large amounts of flammable liquids, electrical panels under load, or large rubbish or bushfires.

Always have working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and an evacuation plan alongside your fire blanket. Together, these tools improve your overall safety.

It’s crucial to understand that fire blankets cannot cool down hot surfaces or prevent re-ignition once removed prematurely. They are most effective when used as a first response tool to quickly isolate flames.

In workplaces or homes with specific fire hazards, consider consulting fire safety professionals to tailor a fire response plan that includes the right equipment and training for your environment.

Fire blankets also have a limited lifespan, usually around 5 to 10 years, depending on manufacturer guidelines and storage conditions. Exposure to moisture, dust, or sunlight can degrade the material and reduce effectiveness.

If You Only Do Five Things

Know where your fire blanket is located and ensure it’s easily accessible at all times. Quick access can make all the difference in an emergency.

Before approaching a fire, assess whether it is small enough to tackle with the blanket. If in doubt, evacuate and call emergency services.

Hold the blanket correctly with your hands protected and cover the fire slowly and carefully to smother flames without spreading them.

Keep calm and remember to have a clear escape route behind you so you can leave quickly if the fire grows.

Always replace or inspect your fire blanket after any use, even if the fire appears extinguished, to maintain safety standards.

For comprehensive fire safety, follow advice from your local fire authority and stay informed about fire risks in your area. Fire blankets are a practical and effective tool when used correctly and in the right situation.