Fire blankets: A simple and effective firefighting tool

Fire prevention and fire safety compliance should be a top priority in every workplace. But even with the best workplace fire safety measures in place, the risk of fire can never be completely eliminated. For this reason, it’s important to equip employees with a good understanding of how to use firefighting equipment like fire extinguishers, hose reels, and fire blankets.

Previously, we’ve covered how to use a fire extinguisher. In this article, we’ll explain how and when to use a fire blanket.

What are fire blankets and how do they work?

A fire blanket is a simple, effective, and affordable firefighting tool for extinguishing small fires in the workplace or at home. Made from woven fibreglass with an extra inner layer of fire-retardant film, fire blankets work by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire (a firefighting method known as smothering).

What kind of fires can fire blankets be used to extinguish?

First of all, it’s worth reiterating that fire blankets should only ever be used to extinguish small fires. For reference, a ‘small fire’ is about the size of an office wastepaper bin or a frying pan. Anything larger than that is beyond the scope of a fire blanket to extinguish and attempting to do so puts you at risk.

Fire blankets are most commonly used for extinguishing kitchen fires and flammable liquid fires. These fires are classified as Class K and B fires in South Africa (kitchen fires are classified as Class F fires in the United Kingdom).

Kitchen fires frequently occur when cooking oil or fat becomes hot enough to ignite. While oil pan fires start small, they can quickly spread when the heat and flames make contact with nearby countertops, wooden and cloth cooking utensils, flammable kitchen supplies, and the ceiling. It’s vital to act fast to extinguish the fire with a fire blanket while it is still contained to the pan.

Never attempt to extinguish an oil or grease fire with water. When water makes contact with hot oil, the high temperature of the oil causes the water to instantly vaporise. This results in an explosive effect as burning oil and fat is propelled into the air, potentially spreading the fire and severely burning bystanders.

In addition to extinguishing small fires, a fire blanket can also be wrapped around a person whose clothing has caught fire.

Where is the best place for fire blanket storage?

Fire blankets are housed in small red boxes that can be mounted directly onto the wall or a similar solid surface. Some fire blankets come in pouches that can be hung from a sturdy wall hook.

Because fire blankets are so effective for extinguishing small fires, and grease or oil pan fires in particular, it’s recommended to install your fire blanket in or near to the office kitchen. Make sure that the fire blanket is not positioned too near or above the stove or other potential ignition source, as a fire could then block access to the blanket in an emergency.

How to use a fire blanket.

Fire blankets are straightforward and easy to use:

– In the case of a cooking fire, immediately switch off the heat source (gas or electric hob) if it is safe to do so.

-To release the fire blanket, pull firmly on the two black tabs hanging from the storage box or pouch.

-When using a fire blanket, your first priority is to protect yourself. To do this, hold the fire blanket up in front of you, with the black tabs facing you. Hold the tabs so that the backs of your hands are touching the blanket, then rotate your hands inwards, causing the edges of the fire blanket to wrap around your hands. This method ensures that your hands are protected. Don’t simply grip the edge of the blanket, as this will leave your fingers exposed to the fire. 

-Walk towards the fire with your arms stretched out in front of you, shielding your body from the heat and flames.

-Don’t hold the fire blanket so high as to block your view of the fire, but don’t let the blanket drag on the floor causing you to trip over it. 

-Carefully but swiftly place the fire blanket over the entire fire source to completely block any oxygen from reaching the fire. 

-Leave the blanket in place, covering the fire, for at least 15 minutes, or even half an hour. If you remove the fire blanket too soon, the reintroduction of oxygen could reignite the fire. 

-Fire blankets are single-use items. Once a blanket has been used, it must be replaced with a new fire blanket.

–Don’t throw the fire blanket at the fire. It is lightweight and unlikely to land fully covering the fire.

–Don’t approach the fire and then back away with the fire blanket still in hand, as the flames will cling to it, and you may end up spreading the fire.

-If you are not able to extinguish the fire on your own within 10 to 15 seconds, remove yourself from the area and call the Fire Department.

Fire blankets vs. fire extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are excellent fire suppression tools that are appropriate for use on a wider range of fires than fire blankets. Read our breakdown of the different types of fire extinguishers for more information.

When it comes to kitchen or grease fires, a wet chemical extinguisher is recommended. One disadvantage of using a wet chemical extinguisher instead of a fire blanket is that it leaves a soapy, foamy residue that will have to be cleaned up once the fire has been extinguished.

Ensure that your firefighting equipment is compliant with fire safety regulations in South Africa.

Workplace fire safety and preparedness isn’t a choice – all businesses in South Africa are legally required to ensure fire safety compliance in line with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and its Regulations, municipality bylaws, and even the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Having incorrect or insufficient firefighting equipment on site risks non-compliance with the law, hefty fines, or, in the case of a serious workplace incident where negligence is proven, even imprisonment.

Absolute Health Services provides an OHS Equipment Assessment service to assess your emergency equipment compliance status. A Fire Equipment Technician or OHS Practitioner will conduct an inspection at your workplace to identify any gaps in your fire safety equipment. Contact us to book an OHS Equipment Assessment.

Absolute Health Services also stocks high-quality fire blankets. Contact us for our fire blanket price list.