How to Use Fire Blankets in Fire Safety Drills: A Practical Guide

Fire safety drills are essential for preparing individuals and organizations for fire emergencies. They help to practice the necessary steps to take when a fire breaks out, such as evacuating the building, using fire extinguishers, and calling for help. However, one of the most overlooked tools for fire safety is the fire blanket. A fire blanket is a sheet of woven fire-resistant material that can smother small fires and protect people from flames. In this article, we will explain what fire blankets are, how they work, and why they are important for fire safety drills. We will also provide some practical tips on how to use fire blankets effectively and safely in different scenarios.

Key Takeaways

• A fire blanket is a safety device that can extinguish small fires and shield people from flames by cutting off the oxygen supply to the fire.
• Fire blankets are usually made of fiberglass or aramid fibers and are stored in a quick-release container for easy access.
• Fire blankets can be used for various purposes in fire safety drills, such as extinguishing small fires, protecting during fire escapes, putting out clothing fires, and providing first aid for burns.
• Fire blankets should be used correctly and safely by following these steps: pull the tabs to release the blanket, cover the fire or person completely with the blanket, leave the blanket in place until the fire is out or help arrives, and dispose of the used blanket properly.

What are Fire Blankets and How Do They Work?

A fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish small fires. They are typically made of a flame-resistant material such as fiberglass or aramid fibers and are often used in kitchens and other areas where small fires can break out. Fire blankets work by smothering a 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. So 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. The container should be mounted on a wall near potential fire sources, such as stoves, ovens, or heaters. The container should also be clearly labeled and visible so that anyone can find it quickly in an emergency.

Why are Fire Blankets Important for Fire Safety Drills?

Fire blankets are important for fire safety drills because they can provide an effective and accessible way to combat smaller fires before they become unmanageable. They can also protect people from heat and flames during fire escapes or clothing fires. Here are some of the benefits of using fire blankets in fire safety drills:

• They can extinguish small fires that are unsafe or impractical to put out with water or other methods. For example, grease or oil fires in kitchens can get out of control quickly and spread to other combustible materials. Water can make these fires worse by splashing the hot oil and spreading the flames. A fire blanket can smother these fires safely and quickly without causing any damage.
• They can provide a protective shield for people who need to move through a fire or flames to escape. If a person needs to pass through a burning area or exit through a window with flames nearby, a fire blanket can help shield their body from the heat and flames. The person wraps the blanket around themselves to cover their head, face, and body as much as possible.
• They can put out clothing fires that can cause severe burns or death. If a person’s clothes catch fire, they should stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames. However, sometimes this may not be enough or possible depending on the situation. A fire blanket can be used to smother any remaining flames on the person’s clothes or body.
• They can provide first aid for burns by covering the burned area. In some cases, a fire blanket can also be used to treat burns by keeping them clean and protecting them from further damage. However, this is a secondary use, and the blanket should not be used as a substitute for proper medical treatment. The person should seek professional help as soon as possible.
• They can be used in professional settings where there is a risk of small fires. Fire blankets are also used in laboratories, industrial workplaces, or other settings where there may be flammable liquids, gases, or chemicals. A fire blanket can help contain and extinguish these fires before they spread or cause explosions.

How to Use Fire Blankets Correctly and Safely

Fire blankets are simple and easy to use, but they should be used correctly and safely to avoid any injuries or complications. Here are some general steps on how to use a fire blanket in different scenarios:

• To extinguish a small fire, such as a grease or oil fire in a kitchen, follow these steps:
  1. Pull the tabs to release the fire blanket from its container.
  2. Hold the blanket by the corners and wrap it around your hands to protect them from the heat.
  3. Carefully approach the fire and cover it completely with the blanket. Make sure there are no gaps or openings for air to enter.
  4. Leave the blanket in place until the fire is out. Do not lift or move the blanket until it is cool.
  5. Dispose of the used blanket properly. Do not reuse it.
• To protect yourself during a fire escape, such as moving through a burning area or exiting through a window with flames nearby, follow these steps:
  1. Pull the tabs to release the fire blanket from its container.
  2. Wrap the blanket around yourself to cover your head, face, and body as much as possible.
  3. Move quickly and calmly to the nearest safe exit. Avoid touching anything that may be hot or burning.
  4. Once you are outside, remove the blanket and check yourself for any injuries or burns.
• To put out a clothing fire, such as when your clothes catch fire from a stove or a candle, follow these steps:
  1. Stop, drop, and roll to extinguish the flames on your clothes.
  2. Pull the tabs to release the fire blanket from its container.
  3. Wrap the blanket around yourself or the person whose clothes are on fire to smother any remaining flames.
  4. Call for help and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
• To provide first aid for burns, such as when you or someone else suffers from a minor burn from a fire or hot object, follow these steps:
  1. Cool the burn with cool water for at least 10 minutes. Do not use ice, butter, or creams on the burn.
  2. Pull the tabs to release the fire blanket from its container.
  3. Cover the burn with the fire blanket to keep it clean and prevent infection.
  4. Seek professional help as soon as possible.

Tips on Choosing and Maintaining Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are relatively inexpensive and widely available, but not all of them are created equal. Here are some tips on choosing and maintaining fire blankets for your home or workplace:

• Choose fire blankets that meet the relevant standards and regulations for your country or region. For example, in the UK, fire blankets should comply with BS EN 1869:1997. In Australia, fire blankets should comply with AS/NZS 3504:2006. Look for labels or markings that indicate the certification of the fire blanket.
• Choose fire blankets that are suitable for your needs and environment. Fire blankets come in different sizes, shapes, and materials depending on their intended use and location. For example, smaller fire blankets (1m x 1m) are ideal for kitchens or cars, while larger fire blankets (1.8m x 1.8m) are suitable for industrial settings or laboratories. Some fire blankets are also specially designed for specific purposes, such as welding blankets or baby blankets.
• Choose fire blankets that are easy to use and access. Fire blankets should be stored in a quick-release container that can be opened easily and quickly in an emergency. The container should also be mounted on a wall near potential fire sources, such as stoves, ovens, or heaters. The container should also be clearly labeled and visible so that anyone can find it quickly in an emergency.
• Check and inspect your fire blankets regularly to ensure they are in good condition and

ready for use. Look for any signs of damage, such as tears, holes, stains, or burns. Replace any fire blankets that are worn out or damaged.

Conclusion

Fire blankets are valuable tools for fire safety drills that can help extinguish small fires and protect people from flames. They are simple and easy to use, but they should be used correctly and safely to avoid any injuries or complications. Fire blankets should also be chosen and maintained properly to ensure they are effective and reliable. By incorporating fire blankets into your regular fire safety drills, you can improve your preparedness and confidence in dealing with fire emergencies.