What is Fire Blanket? Types Of Fire Blankets
What is Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets are safety devices designed to extinguish incipient (starting) fires by smothering them. They are made of fire retardant materials such as glass fiber and kevlar, and come in a variety of sizes for different applications.
Fire blankets can be used to put out grease and electrical fires, which cannot be extinguished with water.
When using a fire blanket, the first step is to call 911. Then, the user should throw the blanket over the flames in order to cut off the oxygen supply and smother the fire.
It is important to note that fire blankets should never be used to extinguish an oil/fat fire. Fire blankets can be purchased from places such as Amazon, Home Depot, Grainger Industrial Supply, and Walmart
What Are The 6 Steps In Using A Fire Blanket?
The six steps for using a fire blanket are:
1) Release the blanket by pulling quickly on the two tabs;
2) Turn off the heat source
3) Protect yourself – move slowly, keeping your weight on your back foot;
4) Put on gloves;
5) Remove the blanket from its sleeve; and
6) Carefully place the blanket over the flames.
When using a fire blanket, it is important to evaluate your safety first and turn off any electricity before proceeding. Fire blankets should be used on fires involving combustible cooking media or in instances where a person’s clothing has caught fire.
When wrapping a person in fire-retardant material, it is important to remain calm and instruct them to STOP, DROP, & ROLL. After putting a fire blanket over a fire, it must be left for a long time before being removed.
It is also important to follow the instructions of the specific fire blanket in your jurisdiction as different types may have different rules for use. Fire blankets should not be used on Class A fires such as wood or paper fires as they will not be effective in extinguishing them.
What Is The Most Important Thing To Do When Using A Fire Blanket?
The most important thing to do when using a fire blanket is to turn off the heat source if possible, then stretch the blanket out so that it is large enough to cover the whole flame.
It is important to position yourself so that your clothes don’t catch fire. The fire blanket must be laid gently, encircling the flames completely in order for it to work effectively.
Fire blankets are designed to protect by blanketing and smothering small fires, and should not be used on larger fires as they will not be able to smother the flames.
What Are The Two Types Of Fire Blankets?
There are two main types of fire blankets: wool and fiberglass. Wool blankets are thicker and denser, making them suitable for protecting the head and torso when escaping a building that is on fire. Fiberglass blankets are more heat-resistant, withstanding temperatures up to 1300°C.
Fire blankets can be used to extinguish Class B (flammable liquid), Class F (cooking fats and oils), and Class A (carbonaceous) fires. They should not be used on fires involving electrical equipment or flammable gases.
Why Is A Blanket Used To Cover Fire?
A fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish incipient (starting) fires. It consists of a sheet of fire retardant material that is placed over a fire in order to smother it.
Fire blankets are useful for tackling small contained fires, such as those found in kitchens, and can be used to smother flames by cutting off the oxygen supply.
Fire blankets can also be used with people whose clothing has ignited, by placing them on the ground and wrapping them in the blanket to exclude oxygen and diminish the flames.
How Many Times Can A Fire Blanket Be Used?
Fire blankets should only be used once and then replaced. Fire blankets are designed for one-time use only and are not reusable.
After a fire blanket is used, it may not be as effective against the heat or be able to stop oxygen from getting to the fire, so it should always be properly disposed of after use and immediately replaced. Fire blankets should not be reused under any circumstances.
