Fire Blanket

Fire blanket is a specialized safety equipment made of non-flammable and heat-resistant material, designed to control small, initial-stage fires by cutting off their contact with oxygen. It is commonly used in homes, industrial facilities, kitchens, laboratories, vehicles, and areas containing electrical equipment. Due to its ease of use and ability to enable rapid intervention, it has become a widely adopted first-response tool.

Construction and Material Properties

The primary materials used in the manufacture of fire blankets form an effective barrier against fire due to their high heat resistance and non-combustible structure. The most commonly used material is fiberglass. Fiberglass is an insulating material that maintains its integrity at high temperatures and has a very high melting point. Its lightweight and flexible nature allows users to apply the blanket easily. Silicone-coated fiberglass fabrics are preferred when enhanced protection against both heat and chemicals is required.

In specialized fire blankets developed for electric vehicles, multi-layered composite technical fabrics are employed. These blankets are designed specifically to respond to lithium-ion battery fires. During a fire, the vehicle is fully covered by the blanket to prevent the spread of flames and restrict the release of toxic smoke. In addition to silicone-coated fiberglass layers, these blankets also include specialized inner layers that provide thermal insulation.

Applications

Fire blankets are used for various purposes in different environments:

• In homes: Particularly in kitchens, they provide an effective solution against grease fires. When using a fire extinguisher may be hazardous, a fire blanket offers a safer alternative for fires in pans or pots.
• In workplaces and industrial facilities: They are kept readily available in areas such as electrical panels, chemical storage units, or production zones containing flammable materials.
• In vehicles: Fire blankets manufactured in appropriate sizes serve as protective intervention tools in both passenger vehicles and electric vehicles.
• In personal safety: They can be placed over a person trapped in flames to prevent burns to the body.

Usage Procedure

Fire blankets are designed for practical and rapid intervention. The essential steps for use are as follows:

1. Remove the blanket carefully from its packaging.
2. Hold the ends of the blanket like gloves to protect the arms.
3. Approach the source of the fire calmly and steadily.
4. Completely cover the fire with the blanket to cut off its contact with oxygen.
5. After the fire is extinguished, leave the blanket in place for a period of time before removing it.

Post-Use and Safety

Fire blankets are generally single-use items. After use, the material may be damaged and should not be reused. An unused fire blanket should be stored in its original packaging, in a readily accessible location at eye level and near areas with a risk of fire.

During regular fire safety inspections, the condition of the blanket should be checked. If the packaging is damaged or the product has exceeded its shelf life, it must be replaced with a new one.