A fire blanket is a safety device made from a special woven fabric that is fire retardant and is designed to help extinguish small starting fires. They are particularly useful for smothering fat pan fires or for wrapping around a person whose clothing is on fire.
Key Takeaways
- A fire blanket can be used to put out small fires that involve flammable liquids, cooking oils, electrical appliances, or clothing.
- A fire blanket works by smothering the fire and cutting off its oxygen supply.
- A fire blanket should be stored in a wall-mounted case or pouch for quick access in a fire emergency.
- A fire blanket should be used only once and then disposed of safely.
- A fire blanket should not be used on fires that involve flammable gases, metals, or large amounts of combustible materials.
When to Use a Fire Blanket
A fire blanket can be used to put out small fires that involve the following types of fuel:
- Flammable liquids, such as petrol, paint, or alcohol
- Cooking oils or fats, such as in a chip pan or frying pan
- Electrical appliances, such as a toaster, microwave, or hair dryer
- Clothing or textiles, such as a curtain, sofa, or clothing
A fire blanket can also be used to wrap around a person whose clothing is on fire, to protect them from the flames and prevent further injury.
A fire blanket should not be used on fires that involve the following types of fuel:
- Flammable gases, such as propane, butane, or natural gas
- Metals, such as magnesium, aluminium, or lithium
- Large amounts of combustible materials, such as paper, wood, or plastic
A fire blanket should also not be used on fires that are too large or too hot to be covered by the blanket.
How to Use a Fire Blanket
Before using a fire blanket, make sure you are safe and have a clear escape route. If the fire is too big or out of control, call the emergency services and evacuate the building.
To use a fire blanket correctly, follow these steps:
- Pull the tabs on the case or pouch to release the fire blanket.
- Hold the fire blanket in front of you with both hands, keeping your hands behind the blanket and away from the fire.
- Approach the fire carefully and cover it completely with the fire blanket, making sure there are no gaps for air to enter.
- Leave the fire blanket in place until the fire is completely out and the source of heat is removed or switched off.
- If possible, turn off the gas or electricity supply to the appliance involved in the fire.
- Call the emergency services if needed and seek medical attention for any burns or injuries.
The following table summarizes how to use a fire blanket for different types of fires:
| Type of Fire | How to Use a Fire Blanket |
|---|---|
| Flammable liquid | Cover the container with the fire blanket and leave it in place until cool. Do not move the container or try to extinguish the fire with water. |
| Cooking oil or fat | Cover the pan with the fire blanket and leave it in place until cool. Do not move the pan or try to extinguish the fire with water. |
| Electrical appliance | Cover the appliance with the fire blanket and leave it in place until cool. Turn off the power supply at the mains if possible. Do not touch any exposed wires or metal parts. |
| Clothing or textile | Wrap the person with the fire blanket and roll them on the ground to smother the flames. Remove any burning clothing and seek medical attention. |
Safety Precautions for Using a Fire Blanket
When using a fire blanket, you should take some safety precautions to avoid injury or damage. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Always read and follow the instructions on the fire blanket before using it.
- Always wear protective gloves and clothing when handling a fire blanket.
- Always keep your hands behind the fire blanket and away from the flames.
- Always cover the entire fire with the fire blanket and leave no gaps for air to enter.
- Never use a wet or damaged fire blanket.
- Never reuse a fire blanket that has been used on a fire.
- Never wash or clean a fire blanket.
- Dispose of a used fire blanket safely by wrapping it in a plastic bag and taking it to a recycling centre or a fire station.
Conclusion
A fire blanket is a useful device for putting out small fires that involve flammable liquids, cooking oils, electrical appliances, or clothing. A fire blanket works by smothering the fire and cutting off its oxygen supply. A fire blanket should be stored in a wall-mounted case or pouch for quick access in a fire emergency. A fire blanket should be used only once and then disposed of safely. A fire blanket should not be used on fires that involve flammable gases, metals, or large amounts of combustible materials. When using a fire blanket, you should follow the instructions on the blanket and take some safety precautions to avoid injury or damage.
