Fire Resistant Blankets: Essential Safety Gear for Home and Workplace
Fire resistant blankets are crucial safety tools that smother small fires by cutting off oxygen. This guide explains how they work, their materials, proper usage, and why every home and workplace should have them.
What Are Fire Resistant Blankets?
Fire resistant blankets are safety devices made from specially treated materials that can withstand extreme heat. Unlike regular blankets, they don't catch fire easily and can smother flames by depriving them of oxygen. You'll typically find them in kitchens, workshops, laboratories, and industrial settings.
The most common materials used in fire resistant blankets include:
- Fiberglass (most common for home use)
- Wool treated with fire retardant chemicals
- Specialized silica fabrics (for industrial applications)
- Ceramic fiber materials (for extreme heat protection)
How Fire Resistant Blankets Work
When you place a fire resistant blanket over flames, it works in three ways:
- Oxygen deprivation:The blanket creates a barrier that prevents oxygen from reaching the fire
- Heat insulation:Special materials reflect heat away from the user
- Flame containment:Prevents flames from spreading to other areas
For best results, remember these key points when using fire resistant blankets:
- Always turn off the heat source if possible before applying the blanket
- Cover the entire fire area completely
- Leave the blanket in place for at least 15 minutes to ensure the fire is out
- Never attempt to reuse a blanket that has been exposed to fire
Choosing the Right Fire Resistant Blanket
Not all fire resistant blankets are equal. Consider these factors when selecting one:
Size matters:For home kitchens, 1m x 1m is usually sufficient. Larger industrial blankets may measure 1.8m x 1.8m or more.
Material quality:Look for blankets that meet recognized safety standards like EN 1869 (Europe) or ASTM F1989 (USA).
Ease of access:Choose blankets with quick-release containers that allow for rapid deployment during emergencies.
Proper Maintenance and Storage
To ensure your fire resistant blanket remains effective:
- Store in a dry, easily accessible location away from direct sunlight
- Inspect monthly for signs of damage or moisture
- Replace every 5-7 years even if unused (materials degrade over time)
- Never wash fire blankets - this removes protective treatments
Common Applications of Fire Resistant Blankets
Beyond kitchen fires, these blankets have multiple uses:
- Electrical fires:Safe for small electrical fires where water can't be used
- Personal protection:Can be wrapped around a person whose clothes are on fire
- Industrial settings:Used in welding, metalworking, and chemical labs
- Vehicle safety:Some racing organizations require them in pit areas
Limitations to Understand
While extremely useful, fire resistant blankets have limitations:
- Not effective for large or spreading fires
- Shouldn't be used on grease fires that have spread beyond a small pan
- Provide limited protection against chemical fires
- Not a substitute for proper fire extinguishers in commercial settings
Training and Proper Use
Simply having a fire resistant blanket isn't enough. You should:
- Practice deploying it quickly (with cold demonstration units)
- Teach all household members or employees how to use it
- Understand when to use it versus when to evacuate
- Know your local emergency numbers for backup
Fire resistant blankets are among the simplest yet most effective fire safety tools available. By understanding their proper use and limitations, you can significantly improve your emergency preparedness for small fires in home or work environments.
