How do I use a fire blanket correctly?

Is a fire blanket mandatory?

A fire blanket is not a mandatory piece of a company’s firefighting equipment. However, employers must provide firefighting equipment that is ‘suitable for the risks present’. If the risk assessment reveals that a fire blanket is needed, purchase one. This will primarily be the case in (company) restaurants, kitchenettes with a hob (you never use water to put out a fire in a pan), as well as in labs or other workplaces where small-scale fires could break out.

How does a fire blanket work?

A fire blanket is made of fibreglass or wool treated with a fire-resistant substance. When you cover a fire with a fire blanket, it cuts off the oxygen supply and extinguishes the flames. This means the blanket is only effective if the fire can be completely covered and sealed off. What if the fire is larger than the fire blanket? In that case, of course, it won’t work.

In which situations is a fire blanket suitable?

Fire blankets are only suitable for extinguishing small-scale or incipient fires. For example:

• If someone is on fire: if someone is on fire, carefully wrap the fire blanket around them. This quickly extinguishes the flames on their clothes and prevents serious injuries.

• Fires involving small (household) appliances: fires that start in small household appliances such as a toaster, computer screen, coffee maker or kettle, etc. can often be extinguished by covering the appliance with a fire blanket.

• Fires in waste or waste paper bins: if a waste or waste paper bin is on fire, prevent the situation from getting any worse by placing a fire blanket over the burning bin.

ℹ️ A fire blanket can also be used to protect yourself from fire: use it as a shield between yourself and the fire if you need to escape from a burning room.

In which situations is a fire blanket NOT suitable?

Most fire blankets are not suitable for extinguishing fires involving grease or oil because the flames are too hot, e.g. in a chip pan. Use a foam fire extinguisher (fire class F) or a damp, non-synthetic cloth (e.g. cotton mop). Or cover the pot/pan with an appropriate lid.

A fire blanket is not suitable for extinguishing lithium batteries either, such as in an electric bike or your smartphone.

How long does a fire blanket last?

A fire blanket has no expiry date and remains effective, in principle, until it is used. However, you can only use a fire blanket once. Did you use the fire blanket to extinguish a fire? In that case, throw it away and replace it with a new one.

Store the fire blanket in its original packaging somewhere safe and dry.