What Is A Fire Blanket
Generally, fire blankets are woven from glass fibers and covered with fire retardant film. There is a piece of equipment known as a fire blanket that is designed to extinguish fires by cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply. By doing this, the fire loses one of its essential ingredients for survival, and it eventually dies. You can use extinguishers to extinguish small fires discovered at a particular spot or to smother someone whose clothes are on fire. Fire-resistant materials are the key to all of our fire safety tips!
Although fire blankets cannot extinguish fires that are already burning and have turned into a serious emergency, they are an invaluable tool in making businesses safer. The traditional fire blankets are made of woven pieces of fire-resisting material stored in a container mounted on the wall.
Fire blankets can extinguish both liquids and solids, and can also be used to extinguish clothing that has caught fire. As long as the victims are placed on the ground and covered with the blanket, the flames will be reduced. As a result of the victim’s horizontal position, the flames do not reach the face or hair of the victim. These situations often require the use of an extinguisher, which is often less effective and safer.
Fire Blanket Use vs Fire Extinguisher Use
Fire blankets are considerably different from fire extinguishers and fire extinguisher covers in terms of their definitions and uses. It’s something that many people have trouble understanding. Regardless of what equipment you choose, Singer Safety is a reliable company for all your fire safety needs!
Following, we will discuss the differences between the two and why they are important to understand. You should consider the following points before you use either a fire blanket or an extinguisher:
Fire Blankets
Adding sheets to a fire in order to smother flames, starve them of oxygen, and stop them from spreading is the best method. The use of these appliances is not limited to kitchens – they are also common in schools, residences, and industrial settings.
By pulling on the handle of the blanket, the operator can easily remove it from the wall container, preventing hand burns. It is safe to deploy these containers in an emergency without any training, but potential users should familiarize themselves with the instructions on the containers before they start using them.
Fire Extinguishers
An extinguisher is a fire-fighting device used to extinguish or control small fires in the event of an emergency. A controlled fire should not reach the ceiling, should not be out of control, and should not need equipment, personnel, or resources of a fire department. A fire extinguisher contains either a cylindrical pressure vessel or a cartridge that, when actuated, releases an extinguishing agent.
Can You Replace A Fire Extinguisher With A Fire Blanket?
Nope. Extinguishers are still recommended and required. The use of fire blankets can effectively contain small fires, however, they cannot prevent larger or other types of fires. Even in these situations, it is still recommended that you use a fire extinguisher of the correct class.
How To Use A Fire Blanket
There are different types of processes and techniques to use based on the nature of the fire.
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Turn off the heat source in an emergency
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By pulling the tapes, you will be able to release the fire blanket from its box
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To protect yourself, hold the blanket in a shield position and wrap it around your hands, if possible
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Fire blankets can be used to smother flames
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Use the blanket to extinguish the fire completely and allow it to cool completely to prevent it from re-igniting
Flames larger than the blanket should not be extinguished. Take cover in a safe area.
Fire Safety Tips
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Protect the building from fire
When a fire breaks out, smoke alarms provide the best early warning system. In addition to the basement, your home should have smoke alarms outside every sleeping area. It is a good idea to install one in your sleeping area as well if you shut the door while sleeping.
Every month, test alarms and replace batteries, or every time an alarm “chirps” to indicate that the battery is low. Keeping smoke alarm batteries ‘borrowed’ for other uses is not advised – a malfunctioning alarm isn’t going to protect you. A new alarm should be installed if yours is older than ten years. You will have complete protection if you install a sprinkler system.
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Escape plans for fires
As soon as you see a fire, you should leave your house immediately. Work together with your family to come up with an escape plan. From each room, make sure everyone knows two unobstructed exits including windows. Choose an outdoor meeting spot. Everyone in the household should practice their escape plan at least once a year.
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Observe smokers
Fire deaths in North America are primarily the result of careless smoking. While sleeping or drowsy, it can be extremely dangerous to smoke. You should make sure smokers have large, deep ashtrays that don’t tip, and you should soak butts in water before dumping them. If you notice a smoldering cigarette under cushions or around upholstered furniture after someone has smoked, check it before going to sleep or leaving the house.
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Adults should only use matches and lighters.
Make sure matches and lighters are stored up high, preferably in a locked cabinet, so children cannot see them. Matches and lighters are tools that should only be used by adults. When children find matches or lighters, they should inform an adult right away; older children should take matches and lighters to an adult immediately after finding them.
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Keeping Kitchens Safe
It is always advisable to watch the cooking closely while it is happening. You should wear tight-fitting or short-sleeved clothing when you are cooking. You should turn pot handles inward so that they cannot be bumped and children can’t grab them while cooking. You can keep young children away from your stove by enforcing a 3-foot (1-meter) radius around it. In the event of grease catching fire in a pan, a lid will put out the flames. When catching fire in a pan, it is also important to turn off the heat. Before removing the lid, let the pan cool completely.
