Fire Blankets – Supply, Installation & Inspection
Fire blankets provide simple first-aid firefighting protection for small fires and are particularly suited to kitchens, catering areas and other locations where small cooking-related fires may occur.
Kings Fire supplies and installs commercial fire blankets manufactured to BS EN 1869 and can inspect existing fire blankets as part of your routine fire safety servicing.
Correct selection, positioning and accessibility are important. A fire blanket must be suitable for the potential fire risk and positioned where it can be reached quickly without requiring somebody to move towards or through the fire.
Fire Blankets for Commercial Premises
Fire blankets are commonly provided in commercial and workplace environments where a suitable small-fire risk exists.
Typical locations include schools and colleges, commercial kitchens, staff kitchens and tea points, restaurants and cafés, care homes, healthcare premises, offices, community buildings and other workplaces.
The appropriate provision should always reflect the particular fire risks within the premises rather than simply installing a fire blanket because there is a kitchen.
Fire Blankets to BS EN 1869
Fire blankets intended for normal workplace and kitchen applications should conform to BS EN 1869.
They are designed to smother appropriate small fires by restricting the supply of oxygen to the burning material.
Fire blankets are available in different sizes and the size selected should be appropriate for the foreseeable fire risk. A blanket which is too small may not safely cover the burning material.
Kings Fire can advise on suitable fire blanket provision as part of an overall assessment of your portable firefighting equipment.
Where Should a Fire Blanket Be Installed?
A fire blanket should be readily visible and easily accessible in the area where it is likely to be required.
It should be positioned so that somebody can reach it safely without having to approach or pass through a developing fire.
Fire blankets should not normally be hidden inside cupboards or drawers, positioned behind furniture or equipment, or mounted directly above a cooking appliance where a fire could prevent safe access.
Appropriate fire blanket identification signage can also be provided where required.
Fire Blanket Inspection & Replacement
Fire blankets should remain clean, accessible, correctly mounted and ready for immediate use.
During an inspection, consideration should be given to the condition of the container, pull tapes or handholds, mounting arrangement, identification signage and any indication that the blanket has been deployed or damaged.
A fire blanket that has been used on a fire should be replaced rather than returned to service.
Replacement should also follow the manufacturer's instructions and any applicable guidance concerning the condition and service life of the particular blanket.
Kings Fire can inspect fire blankets alongside your fire extinguisher servicing programme and replace equipment where necessary.
Professional Fire Blanket Supply & Installation
Kings Fire provides professional fire blanket supply, installation and inspection across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and the wider Home Counties.
We can assess the location and fire risk, select an appropriate fire blanket, install it in a suitable accessible position and provide the necessary identification signage.
Where wider portable firefighting provision is required, Kings Fire can also assess, supply and install suitable fire extinguishers as part of the same visit.
Fire Blanket FAQs
Answers to common questions about selecting, positioning, inspecting and replacing fire blankets in commercial premises.
What standard should a fire blanket comply with?
Fire blankets intended for normal workplace and kitchen applications should conform to BS EN 1869. The correct size and type should be selected according to the foreseeable fire risk.
Where should a fire blanket be positioned?
A fire blanket should be clearly visible and readily accessible in the area where it may be required. It should not be positioned where a fire could prevent safe access, or hidden inside cupboards, drawers or behind equipment.
Are fire blankets only for kitchens?
Kitchens and catering areas are among the most common locations, but fire blankets may also be appropriate in other areas where suitable small-fire risks are present. Provision should be based on the actual fire risks within the premises.
Does a fire blanket need to be inspected?
Yes. Fire blankets should remain accessible, correctly mounted, clean and undamaged. The container, pull tapes or handholds, signage and any indication that the blanket has been deployed should be checked during routine inspection.
Can a fire blanket be reused after it has been used?
A fire blanket that has been deployed on a fire should be replaced. Its condition and performance can no longer be relied upon after use.
Can Kings Fire supply and inspect fire blankets?
Yes. Kings Fire can assess the requirement, supply and install suitable BS EN 1869 fire blankets and inspect existing blankets alongside your ongoing fire extinguisher servicing programme.
Need Fire Blankets for Your Premises?
Whether you need new fire blankets, replacements for ageing or damaged equipment, or advice on the correct positioning and provision, Kings Fire can help.
We can assess your requirements, supply and install suitable BS EN 1869 fire blankets and incorporate their inspection into your ongoing fire safety servicing.
Call 01462 337037 or contact Kings Fire to discuss your requirements.