Fire Blankets

Fire blankets are usually made from glas fibre and are non-flammable. Better fire blankets have a non-absorbent layer to stop oil or fat being absorbed in the farbric. Fire blankets are used to contain fires mainly in the kitchen, although larger blankets are also used to wrap around a person on fire. The main targets are self-ignited deep fat fryers caused by overheated fat or oil. Fire blankets stop the air supply to the fire and starve the fire of oxygen. Fire blankets should have some applicators (pockets for your hands or loops) to protect your hands from the heat of the fire when you are placing the fire blanket over the fire. After the fire is extinguished you MUST UNDER ALL CIRCUMSTANCES leave the fire blanket over the deep fat fryer, as hot oil will re-ignite, as soon as the oxygen supply is re-established. Leave the blanket on the pan or fryer until it is cool to the touch.

 

The fire blanket should be located near the cooker and ideally wall-mounted in a hard container which can be wiped down easily. Make sure the fire blanket is kitemarked.