How to Use a Fire Blanket

How to Use a Fire Blanket

Fire blankets are non flammable safety items that can fight temperatures up to 900 °F (482 °C). They smother small fires by not allowing any oxygen in to fuel the flames.

Due to its simplicity, a fire blanket may be more helpful for someone who is inexperienced with fire extinguishers. If a small fire breaks out, a fire blanket can be released from its bag by pulling on the two white tabs at the base of the casing.

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Roll the corners of the blanket over your hands before gently placing it over the flames for a minimum of fifteen minutes. Never reuse a blanket — when the fire is out, douse the blanket with water, then dispose of it. To learn how to use a fire blanket to smother a fire on someone’s clothing, continue to read this informative article!

Fire safety is crucial in any working environment. Educating your employees about how to use a fire blanket is just as important as regular equipment testing and maintenance. Accessible, functional fire protection equipment is a standard requirement in every Australian workplace. If your business is in the retail food industry or located in a commercial kitchen, you need to have a fire blanket installed in the cooking area.

Just last month in Byron Bay, a man suffered second-degree burns after a fire caused by a deep fryer. The kebab shop employee tried to extinguish the flame with a Co2 fire extinguisher instead of an appropriate fire blanket and the flame was subsequently exacerbated. Unnecessary harm can be avoided by knowing which equipment to use with the different classes of fire and how to use the equipment during an emergency.

Putting out a Fire

After you have confirmed that the fire is Class F in nature, use a fire protection blanket to suffocate the flame. Make sure every member of your team knows how to use a fire blanket correctly, in order to avoid harm. Your staff can effectively reduce risk by following these simple steps:

⇒ Turn off the source of the heat (if it is safe to do so).

⇒ There are two tabs on the bottom of the blanket packaging. Remove the blanket with a simultaneous sharp pull on each tab. This will release the blanket.

⇒ Hold the material in front of you. Make sure your hands are protected by rolling the edge of the fabric over your hands.

⇒ Place the blanket over the fire gently, keeping your hands and face away from the flame. Do not throw the material on the flame.

⇒ Lay the blanket over the fire from the closest edge of the flame. Do this to avoid fire running up the far side of the blanket and onto your hands.

⇒ If you haven’t already turned off the source of the heat, do so now.

⇒ Leave the blanket on the heat source until you are sure that the flame has been suffocated and the heat dissipated. You should leave the blanket in place for at least 15–30 minutes to ensure the fire is completely gone.

⇒ Leave the building and call the fire brigade. Even if you think the fire is under control, there is a chance of re-ignition, so you should have a professional assess the situation.

If you feel at risk during any of these steps, remove yourself from the situation by using the nearest exit and call the emergency services.

How to Use a Fire Blanket on a Person
Fire blankets can also be used against clothing fires. By wrapping a person in the fire-retardant material, you can prevent extreme and painful injury. Follow these simple steps in immediate reaction to a clothing fire:

⇒ Wrap the blanket around the person. Protect your hands by rolling the material over them before approaching the flame.

⇒ Roll the blanket around the person until the fire is covered.

⇒ Try to remain calm and instruct the person to STOP, DROP, & ROLL. This means that the person wrapped in the blanket should drop to the floor and roll around until the fire is extinguished.

⇒ Call emergency services or seek medical attention immediately.

Precious seconds can be saved when your fire safety equipment is accessible. With a fast response to a clothing fire, a member of your staff could save a life. If you are an employee, and you aren’t sure where your equipment is located, ask your employer to make each fire blanket readily available. According to Australian workplace standards, your boss is obligated to provide you with effective protection and risk management equipment.

Fire Blanket Testing

Working fire protection equipment not only reduces potential harm – it also reduces property damage and loss to productivity. It is in the interest of every business owner and manager to install and maintain fire safety devices. With Jim’s fire blanket testing services, you can verify the functionality and accessibility of each fire suffocating device. Our routine testing and inspection services help minimise risk in businesses across the nation. Get in touch with our fire safety team for more information about our services plus a free quote. Safety is our first concern – make it yours today.