Originally published on 28 May 2019, updated on 8 January 2025
The name might sound simple – but there are plenty of essential rules to follow to ensure that fire blankets do what they are meant to: smother a fire and put it out.
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) provide valuable and detailed information on the updated Code of Practice, as well as how you can ensure you are following the correct steps when commissioning a fire blanket.
If you’re a building owner, a consultant, a fire risk assessor, an office fire warden or you work in the fire industry in any capacity then the below information will help you to understand more about fire blankets and when to use them; while also learning how to select, install, maintain and commission a fire blanket (or choose someone who can do it for you).
What is a fire blanket used for?
Fire blankets are designed to extinguish small fires in and around commercial and domestic kitchens, or the home in general, although they are starting to be adapted for new fire risks including Lithium-ion battery fires and electric vehicle (EV) fires.
In some instances, the blanket alone may not be enough and a portable or small fire extinguisher may also need to be used. An example here is a fire in a small container where the blanket creates a lid, such as food in a saucepan or waste in a small bin.
In all instances of possible causes of fire, it is important to consider the potential size of the fire and therefore the size of the blanket required. The BS EN 1869 standard for fire blankets states that the smallest size allowed is 0.9m x 0.9m, however, there are currently no approved blankets of this size (the closest being 1mx1m).
A smaller blanket might be suitable for things such as spilt candle wax on a counter, or food in a frying pan, but not for other purposes. As such the use of blankets should be tailored to the type of fire that it is likely to be used for, and every opportunity should be taken to instruct personnel in the use of fire blankets, and to demonstrate their performance.
Where should you store a fire blanket?
The next thing to note is that the location and accessibility of said blanket are vitally important. Small fires can very quickly become large fires in a matter of minutes or even seconds, so the location of the blanket becomes particularly vital in these situations since it will be used for first-aid firefighting.
Fire blankets should not be located where a potential fire might prevent access to them. They should never be kept over or close to heating appliances, in concealed positions behind kitchen furniture and/or equipment, behind doors, in cupboards, drawers or deep recesses; or where they might be damaged.
The best place for a fire blanket is mounted on the wall, marked with the correct signage and where they will be easily seen. It should always be in the same room as where it is likely to be used and the user of the blanket should not have to walk through any doorway to gain access to the blanket (because by the time they come back, this method of suppression may not be adequate as the fire may have spread and become too large for a blanket to work).
How to commission a fire blanket
The process of commissioning a blanket should always involve a visual inspection.
Check that it has not been used, is not obviously damaged, or has anything missing from or unsatisfactorily affixed to the blanket.
After any visual inspection is important to put the blanket back exactly as directed by the manufacturer. Remember to replace any safety element designed to show whether the blanket has been deployed, and ensure it is clean. dust-free and ready for use again.
A full explanation is available in the technical document released by the FIA, ‘Code of Practice for the Selection, Installation, Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Blankets manufactured to BS EN 1869.’ This also includes a step-by-step walkthrough and more in-depth information regarding servicing, labelling and when the blanket should be replaced.
The Firechief® range includes rigid case and soft case fire blankets in a variety of sizes. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
Disclaimer
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 felt 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.