What Is a Fire Blanket ?
A fire blanket is a fire safety appliance that can be used as an alternative to fire extinguishers to deal with small fires. Fire blankets are routinely found in commercial and domestic kitchens due to their ability to deal quickly and effectively with the type of fire associated with the kitchen environment.Traditionally fire blankets are manufactured using a sheet of fire resistant woven material which is housed in a container that is mounted on the wall. Standard fire blankets have the capability to withstand temperatures of up to 900 degrees celsius.
When To Use a Fire Blanket
Fire blankets can be used quickly and generally more affordable than fire extinguishers. However, you should be aware that to use them effectively you will need to get close to the fire, which means there is a certain amount of risk involved. This is why you should only ever use them on small fires that are contained such as chip or frying pan fires on cookers. If you are considering putting a fire Blanket in your kitchen you should ensure that it conforms to British Standard BS 6575. Additionally, fire blankets can be wrapped around a person if their clothing catches fire, helping to extinguish the flames and prevent further injury. This is why they can be a valuable tool in commercial and domestic kitchens.How Does a Fire Blanket Work?
A fire blanket works by starving a fire of its supply of oxygen, one of the three elements of fire, which in turn will cause it to go out. You must put it over the fire and seal it to a solid surface which will ensure that the fire is smothered, stopping it from spreading. One of the reasons why many homeowners opt for fire blankets is that they are easy to use, cause less mess and are more affordable than extinguishers.What Type of Fire is a Fire blanket Used For ?
A fire blanket is used primarily to extinguish small fires, especially those involving cooking oils and fats, known as Class F fires. It’s also effective for smothering small flammable liquid fires (Class B) and electrical fires (Class E).How Do You Use a Fire Blanket
If you have a fire safety blanket it is imperative that you understand how to use it safely to avoid the possibility of injury. There are several things you need to do to ensure you are using your fire blanket correctly:- First of all turn of the gas or electric supply
- Pull the straps to release the blanket from the container
- While gripping the straps, wrap the top edge of the blanket around your hands to ensure you protect them when placing the blanket over the fire.
- Make sure your sleeves are rolled up so the flames will not catch them.
- Cover the whole of the fire to ensure it is properly extinguished
- Under no circumstances must you try to put out a fire if it is bigger than your blanket
- Once you have completely extinguished the fire you must wait at least an hour before touching anything under the blanket as it will still be hot and likely to burn your hands.
