Did you know that a fire blanket can save lives and property? Made of non-flammable materials, it is invaluable in emergencies such as grease or electrical fires. In this article, you'll learn how to use it properly, what it's used for, and where to buy it. Get ready to discover how a seemingly ordinary blanket can become indispensable in the home or workplace. So let's start the safety adventure with the basics!
What is a fire blanket and what is it made of?
An extinguishing blanket is one of the most practical things for fighting small fires, especially where water cannot be used. It is a rectangular piece of material designed to extinguish a fire by depriving it of oxygen. An extinguishing blanket is an essential piece of equipment in any kitchen, workshop or even car.
Usually made of fiberglass (which shows resistance up to 450 degrees Celsius), the fire blanket is safe and easy to use. Modern versions of blankets can also be coated with special substances that increase their resistance to fire and temperature, providing even more effective protection against the spread of flames.
What is a fire blanket used for? Application
The fire blanket is versatile and is used primarily in fire emergencies. Its main purpose is to extinguish initial small fires, such as those caused by burning grease in the kitchen or sparking electrical appliances. With it, you can respond quickly and effectively before the fire spreads to a larger scale.
In addition, an extinguishing blanket is invaluable in situations where immediate assistance is needed, such as when the fire has engulfed a person's clothing. The blanket is also useful in laboratories, schools or hotels, where a quick response can prevent a larger tragedy. Importantly, proper placement and easy access to the fire blanket in areas of high fire risk is key to increased safety.
How to properly use an extinguishing blanket?
Using an extinguishing blanket requires a few simple but important steps to be effective and safe. First and foremost, if a fire breaks out, remain calm and quickly assess the situation. If the fire is small enough to be safely extinguished, grab the blanket by the corners, keeping your hands away from the flames.
Then spread out the blanket, creating a barrier between you and the fire, and gently cover the fire source with it. It is important to completely seal the blanket around the fire, which will reduce oxygen access and allow you to quickly extinguish the flames. Once the fire source is covered with the blanket, do not lift or move it until it has cooled completely, which will prevent the fire from accidentally spreading.
How to extinguish clothing burning on a person?
When clothing on a person starts to burn, you need to act quickly and decisively to prevent serious burns. The first step is to stop the person from running or panicking, which could aggravate the flames by supplying oxygen. Immediately urge the person to lie on the ground and roll on the ground.
If available, use a fire blanket, which is very effective in this situation. Quickly cover the burning clothes with the blanket to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire. It is important that the blanket is large enough to completely cover the burning area and that the injured person remains motionless until the flames are extinguished. Once the fire is extinguished, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible, even if the burns do not appear to be serious.
Where to buy a fire blanket and what to look for?
You can buy a fire extinguishing blanket in many places, including specialty health and safety stores like Gabi, home improvement stores, as well as online stores. When buying, pay attention to several key aspects to make sure the product meets all the necessary safety standards.
The first is the certificate of conformity to European standards (EN), which guarantees that the blanket has been tested and complies with current safety requirements. It is also important to check the material from which the blanket is made. The safest blankets are those made of fiberglass or special fire-resistant fabrics. The size of the blanket also matters - larger models are better for protecting larger areas or extinguishing a fire in more demanding conditions.
Does a fire blanket require regular maintenance?
An extinguishing blanket requires regular maintenance to ensure its effectiveness when needed. First of all, it is important to store it in an easily accessible and dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture that could damage the material.
It is recommended to inspect it carefully at least once a year to look for any damage like holes, abrasions or other defects that could affect its functionality. If the blanket has already been used, regardless of whether the fire has been extinguished, it should be replaced with a new one. The material, although resistant to high temperatures, may lose some of its protective properties after a single use.
It is worth getting such a fire blanket, especially in high-risk areas.
