It’s that unassuming little red package that hangs on the wall of your kitchen that could save your life. The humble fire blanket might go unnoticed most of the time, but when you need it, it will be your go-to in an emergency.
While your fire blanket isn’t in use, you might find yourself wondering what it is actually used for. It might seem obvious to some people, but there are actually specific situations your blanket is designed to combat.
What is a fire blanket used for?
Put simply, a fire blanket is made to put out fires — but there’s more to it than that.
You might have noticed that they are usually installed in kitchen areas — this is because fire blankets are designed to stop class F fires. This type of fire involves cooking oils and fats and is best extinguished by suppressing the supply of oxygen to the fire.
Fires need three things to survive — fuel, oxygen, and heat. If you take away one of these elements, you can put out the flame.
Fire blankets are perfect for spreading over contained fires. When a flame starts in a kitchen area, it is usually contained to a pan, bench, or stove top. When a fire starts in a spot like this, you can quickly spread your blanket over the area and smother the entire flame in moments.
You can also use certain types of fire extinguishers on class F fires but you will not be able to cover the entire flame in one foul swoop.
What else is a fire blanket used for? Fire blankets can be used on people. If a person catches on fire, you can wrap the blanket around that person and cut off the oxygen supply.
For more information about how to safely use a fire blanket, take a look at our other article.
If you have any questions, you can refer to the packaging of your blanket for further instructions or get in touch with your local fire department for more information.
Can you reuse a fire blanket?
What are fire blankets used for after they have put out a fire? Are they suitable for reuse?
Fire blankets need to be disposed after they have been used. After you have used it on a fire, your blanket may have visible or hidden damage. This means that next time you use it, there could be holes that allow oxygen to flow through and keep the fire going.
There could also be residue from the fuel of the previous fire that could help the new flame.
If you have simply removed your blanket from the packaging, you can use it again. Just make sure you have a fire safety professional take a look at it and make sure it is packed in correctly for easy removal.
How often should fire blankets be replaced?
Replace your blanket immediately after use.
As for unused blankets, there is no strict timeline. If your blanket is older than ten years you might consider replacing it with something newer.
You will know if your blanket needs to be replaced after your fire safety inspections. According to local standards, you will need your fire blanket tested at least once a year. During this inspection, you will be able to confirm or rule out any damage.
For more information about our testing services, give us a call or fill in the online form for a free quote.
