A fire blanket is effective in first aid firefighting
Fire blankets are easy-to-use and inexpensive firefighting equipment for use in your home and leisure time. The blanket is made of a fabric reinforced with glass fibre, and it can withstand temperatures of several hundreds of degrees for a short while. It puts out the fire by smothering it. Always purchase a fire blanket that is sufficiently large. When putting out a fire, it is important that you can protect yourself and fully cover the object that is on fire. The recommended size is 120x180cm.
A fire blanket is ideal for putting out fires in electrical equipment and small grease fires, including when a deep fat frier tank catches fire. A fire blanket is also one of the best options if a person's clothes catch fire. It is a good idea to practise using a fire blanket.
Using a fire blanket correctly and effectively has helped to avoid major personal injuries and damage to property.
A fire blanket is usually intended for a single use, and you can dump it with normal mixed waste. Look up and read the manufacturer's disposal instructions.
Instructions for using a fire blanket
- Always fix the blanket onto the wall near a potential cause of fire (washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or freezer, grill).
- Use the two tapes to pull the blanket out and spread it out fully.
- Hold on to the tapes or grasp the corners and protect your hands behind the blanket
- Outdoors/in windy conditions, put one foot on the bottom of the blanket and approach the fire from downwind.
- When you get near the fire, stretch your arms straight out: the blanket will shield you from the flames and smoke.
- Get as close as you can to the burning object.
- Spread the blanket over the flames and move away, always leaving the blanket in place.
- Go to a safe place and call 112 for help.
- Continue putting out the fire with other first aid firefighting equipment and extinguishers if possible.
If a person or their clothes are on fire
- Tell the person to lie down on the ground, or try to push them down.
- Grab the blanket and approach the person from the side or from the direction of head and shoulders and place the blanket over him or her.
- Do not cover the person's head with the blanket. First protect persons airways by sealing the neck area well. Continue sealing from the upper body down and along the sides.
- Call 112, give immediate first aid.
- Use water to cool the person down if possible.
