Fire Blankets: A Valuable Tool for Fire Safety
In the realm of fire safety, it is crucial to be prepared for unforeseen emergencies. One essential tool that deserves more attention is the fire blanket. These versatile and valuable safety devices with their simplicity and ease of use, fire blankets are a must-have addition to any home, workplace, or public space.
A fire blanket is a specially designed sheet made from fire-resistant materials such as fibreglass or wool. It is designed to smother small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing the flames. Their compact size and lightweight nature make them easy to store and deploy in emergency situations.
One of the significant advantages of fire blankets is their versatility. Unlike fire extinguishers, which can be messy and require maintenance, fire blankets are clean and reusable. They can be used to put out fires on various objects, including clothing, cooking appliances, or small flammable liquids. Additionally, fire blankets can act as a shield, providing protection while evacuating a burning building or assisting someone whose clothes have caught fire.
In case of a fire, all one needs to do is retrieve the blanket, cover the flames completely, and allow it to cool. This straightforward process can help prevent small fires from escalating into larger, more dangerous ones, potentially saving lives and minimizing property damage.
What is Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a specially designed safety device used to extinguish small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply and smothering the flames. It consists of a sheet made from fire-resistant materials that can withstand high temperatures. The blanket is typically stored in a compact and easily accessible container for quick deployment.
The use of fire blankets dates back centuries, with records suggesting their existence in ancient civilizations. In the past, materials like wool or animal skins were used to smother fires. As time progressed, advancements in textile manufacturing led to the development of fire blankets made from more efficient and fire-resistant materials.
Today, fire blankets are an integral part of fire safety measures in various settings, including homes, workplaces, and public spaces. They are particularly useful in environments such as kitchens, laboratories, and workshops, where traditional fire extinguishers may not be the most practical option.
As fire safety standards and regulations continue to evolve, so does the technology behind fire blankets. Ongoing research and development efforts aim to enhance their effectiveness, durability, and ease of use.
Types of Fire Blankets: From Kitchen to Industrial and Personal
Fire blankets are versatile and effective safety devices that come in various types, each designed to address specific fire hazards.
1. Kitchen Fire Blankets
Kitchen fire blankets are specifically designed to handle fires that commonly occur in cooking areas. These blankets are made from fire-resistant materials that can withstand high temperatures and effectively smother fires caused by cooking oils, fats, or other flammable substances. Kitchen fire blankets are typically larger in size to provide ample coverage for stove fires and are often found in residential kitchens, restaurants, and other food preparation areas.
2. Industrial Fire Blankets
Industrial fire blankets are designed to address the unique fire risks present in industrial environments. These blankets are typically larger and more robust, capable of extinguishing fires involving hazardous materials, chemicals, or larger industrial equipment. They are made from highly fire-resistant materials and can withstand extreme heat and exposure to chemicals. Industrial fire blankets are commonly found in factories, warehouses, laboratories, and other industrial settings.
3. Personal Fire Blankets
Personal fire blankets are smaller and more compact compared to kitchen or industrial fire blankets. They are designed for individual use and are often carried in vehicles, homes, or workplaces. Personal fire blankets can be used to smother small fires that occur on clothing, furniture, or other personal belongings. They provide a quick and effective way to control and extinguish small fires before they escalate.
When to Use a Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets are versatile tools that can be highly effective in extinguishing certain types of fires. However, it is important to assess the fire situation properly to determine the suitability of using a fire blanket.
1. Fire Size: Fire blankets are most suitable for small fires. They can effectively smother flames in their early stages when they are still manageable. However, for larger fires or those that have spread extensively, it is safer to evacuate the area and call emergency services.
2. Fire Type: Fire blankets are suitable for Class A and Class B fires. Class A fires involve common combustible materials like wood, paper, and fabric, while Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, or grease. Fire blankets are not suitable for Class C fires (involving energized electrical equipment) or fires caused by chemicals.
3. Fire Location: Fire blankets are particularly useful in areas where traditional fire extinguishers may not be readily accessible or effective. For example, they can be used in kitchens, where stove-top fires fueled by cooking oils or fats can be quickly smothered by a fire blanket.
Ideal Scenarios for Using Fire Blankets
1. Stovetop Fires: Kitchen fires caused by cooking oils or fats can be quickly controlled by placing a fire blanket over the burning pan or pot. It is important to turn off the heat source and carefully cover the flames with the blanket, allowing it to cool and smother the fire.
2. Clothing Fires: If someone's clothing catches fire, a fire blanket can be used to wrap around the person, covering them completely and helping to extinguish the flames. The individual should stop, drop to the ground, and roll to further aid in fire suppression.
3. Small Household Fires: Fire blankets can be effective in smothering small fires that occur in homes, such as fires on curtains, bedding, or small appliances. It is important to remember that fire blankets are not a substitute for a well-maintained and easily accessible fire extinguisher, which should be available in every household.
Australian Standard for Fire Blanket A 2444-2001
The AS 2444-2001 Portable Fire Extinguisher and Fire Blanket Standard covers portable fire extinguisher and fire blanket products in the form of cylinders, cartridges and rods, as well as their storage and use. This Standard is intended for use by manufacturers of portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets in Australia, New Zealand and other countries that adopt it. It is also intended for use by designers, developers, users, purchasers and installers of such equipment.
Section 6 - Selection and Location of Fire Blankets
Fire Blankets generally cover small fires in Class A and B, plus fires involving cooking oils and fats. Also used to smother a person with clothing that is on fire or otherwise known as a human torch. These blankets are naturally of a larger area. Another use for fire blankets can be as a thermal barrier against radiant heat, in a fire situation. Location must be in an easily accessible place near the fire risk. Free from obstruction when removing the fire blanket from its protective cover. Normally placed on an exit pathway to ensure that the trained user has the option to fight or flight the fire. A location sign must be used in commercial applications to help identify the fire blanket location quickly. 6.4.3 Requires the mounting height at 2.0m above the floor area and visually acuity when approaching the fire blanket.
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