Fire Blankets

Do fire blankets need servicing?

If your fire blankets are used in a business environment, they will need to be serviced annually. The service charge for a blanket is about half that of an extinguisher. The engineer will unpack the fire blanket, check that the blanket has no holes or worn areas and carefully place it back in its box. He/she will also mark the fire blanket box with the servicing date and his initials and state it in his certificate.

Where to install a fire blanket

A fire blanket should be installed about one or two metres away from the cooker so that you can safely reach it should a fire start on your cooker. Install the fire blanket between the cooker and the kitchen exit, never on the far side of the cooker! It is always best to fix the fire blanket to the wall. Familiarise yourself with the blanket. Remove it from the box, hold it in front of you with your hands being protected by the blanket and walk towards the cooker. Pretend that you are placing the fire blanket over the cooker. Be careful not to get oil stains on the cloth. After practice, carefully fold-up the blanket and store in its box or pouch again.

How to use a fire blanket

When tackling a fire in the kitchen, it will usually be on your cooker. Try to turn off the cooker. If fat is burning do not move the pot/pan, as the fire will spread if you drip fat. Pull out the fire blanket from its box or pouch and hold the fire blanket between you and the fire. Protect your hands in the sleeves of the fire blanket. Make sure your fingers are not exposed towards the fire. Place the fire blanket over the pot and move away. Do not lift the fire blanket until the fat is cooled down fully, as the fat might re-ignite if still hot. Throw fire blanket away after use.