Fire blankets are a type of safety equipment used to extinguish small fires or to protect individuals from heat and flames during a fire emergency. They are typically made from fire-resistant materials, such as fiberglass or wool, and are designed to smother fires by cutting off the oxygen supply that the fire needs to sustain itself.
Fire blankets are effective in extinguishing small fires, such as those that occur in a kitchen from a stovetop pan fire or a small trash bin fire. They can also be used to protect a person by wrapping them in a blanket and providing a barrier against heat and flames, allowing them to escape from a fire safely.
Fire blankets are especially useful in commercial settings where food is being cooked, flammable substances are being used or created, or the risk of small fires is prevalent. In this article, we will discuss the importance, benefits, and regulations of fire blankets in commercial sectors.
Key Takeaways
- Fire blankets are a type of safety equipment used to extinguish small fires or to protect individuals from heat and flames during a fire emergency.
- Fire blankets are made from fire-resistant materials, such as fiberglass or wool, and are designed to smother fires by cutting off the oxygen supply.
- Fire blankets are effective in extinguishing small fires, such as those that occur in a kitchen from a stovetop pan fire or a small trash bin fire.
- Fire blankets can also be used to protect a person by wrapping them in a blanket and providing a barrier against heat and flames, allowing them to escape from a fire safely.
- Fire blankets are especially useful in commercial settings where food is being cooked, flammable substances are being used or created, or the risk of small fires is prevalent.
- Fire blankets must comply with certain testing standards and regulations depending on the country or region they are used in.
- Fire blankets should be stored in an accessible location, inspected regularly, and replaced if damaged or contaminated.
The Importance of Fire Blankets in Commercial Settings
Fire is one of the most dangerous and destructive forces in the world. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there were an estimated 1.3 million fires reported in the United States in 2020, resulting in 3,700 civilian deaths, 16,600 civilian injuries, and $14.8 billion in property damage.
Many of these fires occurred in commercial settings, such as restaurants, hotels, offices, factories, warehouses, and laboratories. Some of the common causes of these fires include:
- Cooking equipment
- Electrical equipment
- Heating equipment
- Smoking materials
- Arson
- Chemical reactions
- Flammable liquids or gases
These fires can pose a serious threat to the lives and property of employees, customers, and owners of commercial premises. Therefore, it is essential to have a fire safety regime in place that includes:
- Fire prevention measures
- Fire detection systems
- Fire alarm systems
- Fire evacuation plans
- Fire-fighting equipment
One of the most important fire-fighting equipment that every commercial setting should have is a fire blanket. A fire blanket can help to:
- Extinguish small fires quickly and safely
- Prevent small fires from spreading and becoming larger
- Protect individuals from heat and flames during a fire emergency
- Reduce the risk of injury and property damage
The Benefits of Fire Blankets in Commercial Settings
Fire blankets have many advantages over other types of fire-fighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers or water hoses. Some of the benefits of fire blankets include:
- They are easy to use: Fire blankets do not require any special training or skills to use. Anyone can use them by simply pulling them out of their container and draping them over the fire or wrapping them around a person.
- They are versatile: Fire blankets can be used for different types of fires, such as Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), Class C (electrical equipment), Class D (flammable metals), or Class F (cooking oils). They can also be used for different purposes, such as extinguishing fires, protecting individuals, covering flammable materials, or creating an escape route.
- They are effective: Fire blankets can smother fires by cutting off the oxygen supply that the fire needs to sustain itself. They can also reduce the temperature of the fire and prevent it from reigniting. They can also provide a barrier against heat and flames for individuals who need to escape from a fire.
- They are safe: Fire blankets are made from fire-resistant materials that do not burn or melt easily and can withstand high temperatures without releasing toxic fumes. They do not cause any chemical reactions or leave any residues that may damage the environment or the equipment. They also do not pose any risk of electric shock or explosion.
The Regulations of Fire Blankets in Commercial Settings
Fire blankets must comply with certain testing standards and regulations depending on the country or region they are used in. These standards and regulations ensure that the fire blankets are of high quality, performance, and safety. Some of the common standards and regulations for fire blankets include:
- European: UNE EN 1869. Fire blanket. This standard evaluates the fire blanket’s effectiveness in extinguishing small fires; this regulation tests blankets in two tests to evaluate:
- Fire extinction effectiveness
- Electrical behavior
- Australian: AS/NZS 3504:2006. Fire blankets³. This standard specifies the requirements for the design, construction, performance, and labeling of fire blankets.
- American: ASTM F 1989-05. Standard specification for cooking suppression blankets⁴. This specification covers the minimum requirements for cooking suppression blankets intended for use on small stovetop fires.
In addition to these standards and regulations, fire blankets should also follow some general guidelines for their storage, inspection, and replacement. Some of these guidelines include:
- Fire blankets should be stored in an accessible location, preferably near the potential sources of fire, such as stoves, ovens, fryers, or flammable materials.
- Fire blankets should be stored in a container that is clearly marked with instructions on how to use them and a warning not to use them on large or out-of-control fires.
- Fire blankets should be inspected regularly for any signs of damage, contamination, or wear and tear. They should also be checked for their expiration date, if applicable.
- Fire blankets should be replaced if they are damaged, contaminated, expired, or used. They should not be reused, as they may lose their effectiveness or pose a risk of infection.
Conclusion
Fire blankets are essential safety tools for commercial premises where small fires may occur. They can help to extinguish small fires quickly and safely, prevent small fires from spreading and becoming larger, protect individuals from heat and flames during a fire emergency, and reduce the risk of injury and property damage. Fire blankets must comply with certain testing standards and regulations depending on the country or region they are used in. Fire blankets should also be stored in an accessible location, inspected regularly, and replaced if damaged or contaminated.
