Fire Blankets for Welders: Special Considerations and Best Practices

Key Takeaways

• Fire blankets are safety devices that can smother small fires by cutting off their oxygen supply.
• Fire blankets are especially useful for welding applications, as they can protect against sparks, spatter, slag, and molten metal splash.
• Fire blankets for welders should be made of materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as fiberglass, silica, or carbon fiber.
• Fire blankets for welders should be large enough to cover the fire completely and have eyelets or handles for easy deployment.
• Fire blankets for welders should be stored in a convenient and accessible location and inspected regularly for damage or wear.
• Fire blankets for welders should be used in conjunction with other fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and fire escape plans.

What are Fire Blankets and How Do They Work?

A fire blanket is a sheet of woven fire-resistant material that can be used to extinguish small fires. Fire blankets work by smothering the fire, cutting off its oxygen supply. Oxygen is one of the three elements that a fire needs to burn, the other two being heat and fuel. By depriving the fire of oxygen, the fire blanket helps to extinguish the flames.

Fire blankets are typically packaged in a quick-release format for easy deployment. They are stored in a small, compact container, and when needed, you simply pull the tabs to release the blanket.

Fire blankets are used for a variety of purposes related to fire safety, such as:

• Extinguishing small fires: A fire blanket can be used to smother small fires before they become unmanageable. This is particularly useful for welding fires, such as those involving grease, oil, or flammable liquids, which can get out of control quickly and are unsafe to put out with water.
• Protection during fire escapes: If a person needs to move through a fire or flames to escape, a fire blanket can provide a protective shield. The individual wraps the blanket around themselves to help shield their body from the heat and flames.
• Putting out clothing fires: If a person’s clothes catch fire, a fire blanket can be used to extinguish the flames. The person should stop, drop, and roll, and the blanket can then be used to smother and extinguish any remaining flames.
• In emergency first aid: In some cases, a fire blanket can also be used to treat burns by covering the burned area, which can help keep it clean and protect it from further damage. However, this is a secondary use, and the blanket should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment.
• In professional settings: Fire blankets are also used in professional settings, such as laboratories or industrial workplaces, where there’s a risk of small fires.

Why are Fire Blankets Useful for Welding Applications?

Welding is a process that involves joining metals or thermoplastics by melting them with an electric arc or gas flame. Welding produces high temperatures and sparks that can ignite flammable materials or cause burns. Therefore, welding requires proper safety precautions and equipment to prevent accidents and injuries.

Fire blankets are one of the essential safety items for welding applications. They can offer several benefits for welders, such as:

• Protection against sparks, spatter, slag, and molten metal splash: These are common hazards that can result from welding operations. They can cause fires or burns if they come into contact with flammable materials or skin. A fire blanket can act as a barrier or shield against these hazards and prevent them from spreading or causing damage.
• Versatility and convenience: A fire blanket can be used for different types of welding fires, such as those involving grease, oil, or flammable liquids. It can also be used for other purposes related to fire safety, such as protection during fire escapes or putting out clothing fires. A fire blanket is easy to use and store, as it does not require any maintenance or training.
• Cost-effectiveness and durability: A fire blanket is relatively inexpensive compared to other fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers. It can also last longer than other devices, as it does not expire or need refilling. A fire blanket can be reused multiple times if it is not damaged or contaminated by the fire.

What are the Special Considerations for Choosing a Fire Blanket for Welding?

Not all fire blankets are created equal. There are different types of fire blankets available in the market, each with its own characteristics and specifications. When choosing a fire blanket for welding applications, there are some special considerations to keep in mind:

• Material: The material of the fire blanket determines its resistance to heat and flame. For welding applications, the fire blanket should be made of materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as fiberglass, silica, or carbon fiber. These materials are also non-combustible and non-conductive, which means they will not catch fire or conduct electricity. Avoid fire blankets that are made of wool or cotton, as they can burn or melt easily.
• Size: The size of the fire blanket determines its coverage and effectiveness. For welding applications, the fire blanket should be large enough to cover the fire completely and leave some extra margin around the edges. A fire blanket that is too small may not be able to smother the fire effectively or may expose some parts of the fire to oxygen. A fire blanket that is too large may be difficult to handle or deploy. The recommended size for a fire blanket for welding applications is 1.2 x 1.8 meters (4 x 6 feet) or larger.
• Features: The features of the fire blanket determine its usability and convenience. For welding applications, the fire blanket should have some features that make it easy to use and store, such as:
  • Eyelets or handles: These are holes or loops on the corners or edges of the fire blanket that allow you to hang it on a wall or hook for easy access. They also allow you to hold the fire blanket securely and protect your hands from the heat and flames.
  • Quick-release mechanism: This is a system that allows you to release the fire blanket from its container by pulling on some tabs or strings. This enables you to deploy the fire blanket quickly and efficiently in case of a fire emergency.
  • Storage case or pouch: This is a container that holds the fire blanket when it is not in use. It should be made of a durable and fire-resistant material, such as metal or plastic. It should also have a clear label or sign that indicates its contents and location.

What are the Best Practices for Using a Fire Blanket for Welding?

Using a fire blanket for welding applications requires some knowledge and skills. Here are some best practices for using a fire blanket for welding:

• Store the fire blanket in a convenient and accessible location, such as near the welding area or exit. Make sure it is not obstructed by any objects or hidden by any curtains or doors.
• Inspect the fire blanket regularly for any signs of damage or wear, such as holes, tears, stains, or fraying. Replace the fire blanket if it is damaged or contaminated by the fire.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using and maintaining the fire blanket. Read the label or manual carefully before using the fire blanket and follow the steps accordingly.
• Use the fire blanket in conjunction with other fire safety measures, such as fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, and fire escape plans. A fire blanket is not a substitute for these devices, but rather a complement to them.
• Use the following steps to use a fire blanket for welding:
  1. Turn off the heat source, such as the welding torch or machine, if possible.
  2. Remove the fire blanket from its container by pulling on the tabs or strings.
  3. Protect your hands by wrapping them with the corners or edges of the fire blanket.
  4. Place the fire blanket over the fire, starting from the near side and moving towards the far side. Do not throw it, but lay it down gently and evenly.
  5. Leave the fire blanket in place until the fire is out and cool. Do not lift or move it until then.
  6. Call the emergency services if needed and report the incident.

Conclusion

Fire blankets are useful safety devices that can help prevent and control small fires in welding applications. They can protect against sparks, spatter, slag, and molten metal splash that can cause fires or burns. They can also be used for other purposes related to fire safety, such as protection during fire escapes or putting out clothing fires.

When choosing a fire blanket for welding applications, look for materials that can withstand high temperatures, such as fiberglass, silica, or carbon fiber. Choose a size that can cover the fire completely and have eyelets or handles for easy deployment. Store the fire blanket in a convenient and accessible location and inspect it regularly for damage or wear.

When using a fire blanket for welding applications, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use it in conjunction with other fire safety measures. Turn off the heat source if possible, remove the fire blanket from its container, protect your hands with it, place it over the fire gently and evenly, leave it in place until cool, and call for help if needed.

By following these special considerations and best practices, you can use a fire blanket for welding safely and effectively.