If you’ve seen our 2024 catalogue, you may have noticed an exciting new range of products – lithium-ion battery fire blankets.
(If you haven’t, you can order or download your own copy here.)
These new blankets are specially designed to fight the emerging risk of lithium-ion battery fires.
As a relatively ‘new’ risk and new product, we thought there may be some questions regarding their use and makeup, so we’ve collated a list of questions and answers to make sure that everyone is in the know!
Firstly, let’s start with the basics:
What is a fire blanket?
A fire blanket can be draped over a fire to smother the fire, depriving the fire of oxygen.
This contains the fire in a controlled way.
The size of fire that can be tackled with a fire blanket depends on the size of the fire blanket and the user’s confidence that they will be able to place the blanket over the fire without the risk of harm.
What does the lithium-ion battery (LiB) fire blanket do?
The lithium-ion battery fire blanket tackles a different type of fire.
When a lithium-ion battery burns, it is as a result of a chemical reaction and, unlike other types of fire, does not require oxygen.
This makes it more difficult to fight as it burns very hot, releases toxic gases, and can sustain itself for long periods of time.
The lithium-ion battery fire blankets work in the same way as normal fire blankets above.
It contains and controls the fire by smothering it and prevents the spread of fire to other flammable materials in the area.
However, the blanket is made from a specialist material to withstand the extreme temperatures and neutralise the gases released.
Once placed over the LiB fire, the fire blanket can allow safe evacuation of the premises, building, or office, until the Fire Service arrives.
Where can the LiB fire blanket be used?
The LiB can be used on any device containing a lithium-ion battery.
This includes electrical vehicles, scooters, drills, laptops, mobile phones, and more!
There are a multitude of sizes and types to suit each piece of equipment.
It is recommended that the LiB blankets should be left on the battery for a minimum of 2 hours, however thermal imaging monitoring is also recommended if a device is readily available to monitor the heat.
The toxic off gases that are produced can, in extreme cases, be flammable in contained environments so some form of venting will be required, if possible, to reduce the likelihood of further danger.
What variations do you sell?
We sell two car fire blankets:
- 104-1088 Firechief® Single-Use Car Fire Blanket 6 x 8m (FCB68S)
- 104-1089 Firechief® Multi-Use Car Fire Blanket 6 x 8m (FCB68M)
A smaller 1.5 x 1.5m blanket:
- 104-1090 Firechief® Multi-Use Battery Fire Blanket 1.55 x 1.55m (BFB/S)
And a 3x3m blanket:
- 104-1091 Firechief® Single-Use Battery Fire Blanket 3 x 3m (FBB3S)
- 104-1092 Firechief® Multi-Use Battery Fire Blanket 3 x 3m (FBB3M)
What material is it?
In all blankets, the material is made from coated fibreglass – designed to withstand temperatures of 1000°C.
The material has also been tested to EN13501 through KIWA.
What standard is the Firechief lithium-ion blanket accredited to?
There are currently no British or EU standards available to test this type of fire blanket on Lithium-ion battery fires [at the date of writing: February 2024].
However, we have the interest and safety of our customers and consumers at the forefront of our minds at all times and would never knowingly put them at risk. Therefore, these blankets have undergone independent tests at KIWA (the European equivalent to BSI).
What is the lifting weight of the carry handles of the car fire blankets?
The car fire blankets (FCB68S & FCB68M) have had the carry handles tested to 55kg pull per handle.
That means that the EV and car fire blanket can tolerate a weight of 110kg.
Can I use it more than once?
There are two types of blankets in our range: single-use and multi-use.
The multi-use blankets can, of course, be used more than once.
We would suggest a thorough visual inspection of the blanket after every use including:
- Making sure there is no penetration of the blanket
- Making sure there were no flames through the blanket
- Checking for any nicks, tears, melted battery elements, or chemicals
We would suggest using the multi-use blanket twice maximum as the blankets are not suitable for cleaning – they should be visually inspected and then folded back into their original packaging.
How do you store it and how long does it last?
The lithium-ion battery fire blankets should be kept in a dry, ventilated place.
If kept in the recommended environment the blanket will be in usable for a minimum of 5 years.
What tests have been done?
There are currently no British or EU standards available to test this type of fire blanket on Lithium-ion battery fires [at date of writing: February 2024].
However, we have the interest and safety of our customers and consumers at the forefront of our minds at all times and would never knowingly put them at risk. Therefore, these blankets have undergone independent tests at KIWA (the European equivalent to BSI).
An independent test on the 3 x 3m blankets was successfully completed using a 950W battery.
An independent test on the 1.5 x 1.5m blanket was successfully completed using a 450W battery.
The field test was certified by KIWA:
- 3 x 3m blankets
- Weight of fabric: 550g/m2
- Temperature up to 1000°C
Test houses in the UK and EU have been contacted but they declined due to a lack of standards and knowledge.
How do you dispose of it?
The blanket is made of a fabric used for industrial applications but has no significant hazards.
This means that there is no special restriction on its disposal – normally through controlled industrial landfill sites.
However, if the blanket has been used and was exposed to lithium-ion battery products the user should consult the local authorities or national regulations for the correct route of disposal.
This is due to the fact that lithium-ion batteries can release toxic gases when burning and may transfer harmful or hazardous materials to the blanket which cannot go through normal waste disposal routes.
Can we see a video test of one of the blankets?
Yes – please see below!
These products are for use on car, EV, and lithium-ion battery fires, as directed.
It is up to a suitable risk assessor (on behalf of the user) to decide suitability for use for other types of fires.
All information was correct at the time of writing.
The Firechief® range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers and the Kitchen Stove Guard. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader's risk.