Did you know that approximately one of four residential fires start in the kitchen?
This fact alone should indicate how important it is to own and know how to use your fire blanket.
What Is A Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a sheet made from a malleable material such as wool or woven fibreglass.
All fire blankets are treated with flame-resistant chemicals and can resist temperatures of up to 500 degrees Celsius.
Fire blankets are ok to be used on small Class A and B fires as well as Class F cooking fires.
How To Use A Fire Blanket?
It’s crucial to remember that a fire blanket use is only useful in cases of minor fire.
- Turn off all electricity/gas supply that can add to the fire — for example, the gas on the stove.
- Completely cover the fire with the fire blanket to ensure that no oxygen is reaching the fire. A Fire blanket works by blocking the oxygen from the fire, which then disrupts the chemical process needed for a fire.
- While using the fire blanket, be sure to wrap the top edges of the blanket around your hands to prevent any burns. Also, be careful not to let your clothing catch fire.
- Gently place the blanket down instead of trying to throw it over the fire; a sudden rush of air could spread the flames.
- Leave the blanket to sit for around half an hour and do not touch the fire blanket until it has had enough time to cool down.
- Evacuate the area and call 111 to get the fire brigade immediately if you’re unable to extinguish the fire with the blanket.
Note:
Fire blankets are not intended to be reused, so make sure you dispose and replace your fire blanket once it has been used.
Where To Use A Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets are usually placed near risks of class F fires.
Kitchens are one such place, as there is a high chance of a fire breaking out even with simple accidents like burning fat oils.
In addition to that, your office, garage and all types of vehicles can benefit from having a fire blanket readily available.
It is also possible to use Fire blankets on clothing. If the clothing you are wearing catches fire, you can wrap the blanket around yourself to smother the flames and extinguish the fire.
Correct fire blanket usage can save not only your valuables but also someone’s life.
How Do You Store A Fire Blanket?
All fire blankets need to be placed in a readily available location.
Fire blankets come in a quick-release PVC sleeve. This sleeve helps to protect your blanket from any contamination from oils etc.
Commonly, it is best to place fire blankets among travel paths or near the exit, but it must be practical. Also, there must be enough room to grab the fire blanket without having to reach over the fire.
Fire Blanket Signage
All fire blankets must be accompanied by fire blanket signage as per NZS4503.
A Fire blanket sign needs to be located at least 2000mm above floor level and be clearly visible to allow quick response during the event of a fire.
The fire blanket sign shall be red with a white border and black writing.
Fire Blanket Sizes
Fire blankets come in numerous sizes with four sizes readily available on the market.
Determining the right size fire blanket depends on the hazards involved. For confined spaces, a small fire blanket will be more convenient to operate. In the risk of a sizeable deep frier fire, a large fire blanket will be more efficient.
Typical fire blanket sizes found in New Zealand are:
- 1.0m X 1.0m
- 1.2m X 1.2m
- 1.2m X 1.8m
- 1.8m X 1.8m
https://fireextinguishersnz.co.nz/how-to-use-a-fire-blanket/
