Fire Blankets in Professional Environments
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Fire blankets are not only intended for domestic kitchens. They are also an important first-response fire safety tool in many professional environments, including healthcare facilities, schools, universities, offices, laboratories, hotels, retail stores, warehouses, workshops and public buildings.
The appropriate location, size and management of a fire blanket depend on the specific risks within each environment. This guide provides an overview for organisations, facility managers, safety professionals and procurement teams responsible for selecting and positioning fire blankets.
Where are fire blankets used in professional environments?
A fire blanket is designed to smother a small fire by restricting the oxygen reaching the flames. In professional premises, fire blankets are particularly relevant where small fires involving cooking oils, appliances, equipment or clothing can occur.
They should be positioned where they can be reached quickly and safely, without requiring a person to move towards or through a fire.
Fire blankets in healthcare and care facilities
Fire blankets in hospitals, healthcare facilities, care homes and assisted-living facilities require careful positioning because occupants may have limited mobility and staff may need to respond quickly to an incident.
Typical locations include staff kitchens, food-preparation areas, communal kitchens and other areas where a small fire could potentially be contained safely. Accessibility, clear identification and regular inspection are especially important in environments with vulnerable occupants.
Fire blankets in schools and universities
Fire blankets for schools, universities and educational facilities may be appropriate in teaching kitchens, laboratories, workshops, staff kitchens and other supervised areas where identifiable fire risks exist.
Placement should form part of the organisation's wider fire-safety assessment. Staff who may be expected to use a fire blanket should understand its location, limitations and safe method of use.
Fire blankets in offices and commercial buildings
In offices and other commercial buildings, fire blankets are commonly associated with staff kitchens and break rooms. However, larger premises may contain several areas with different risks.
For fire blankets in offices and commercial buildings, visibility and accessibility are important. A blanket hidden inside a cupboard or positioned directly above a potential fire source may be difficult or unsafe to reach during an emergency.
Fire blankets in laboratories
Fire blankets in laboratories require particular consideration because laboratory environments can contain heat sources, electrical equipment, flammable materials and specialist processes.
The suitability of a fire blanket therefore depends on the specific hazard. It should never be treated as a universal solution for every laboratory fire. Laboratory fire-safety procedures and risk assessments should determine the appropriate extinguishing equipment for the hazards present.
Fire blankets for hotels and hospitality operations
Hotels and other guest accommodation can contain professional kitchens, breakfast areas, staff kitchens and smaller food-preparation facilities. Fire blankets for hotels and hospitality operations should therefore be positioned according to the risks in each area rather than simply according to the size of the building.
In guest accommodation and other public-facing environments, fire-safety equipment should also be clearly identifiable and incorporated into routine inspection procedures.
Fire blankets for retail stores and shopping centres
Retail premises may include staff kitchens, cafés, food concessions, maintenance areas and other locations where small fires could occur. Fire blankets for retail stores and shopping centres should be selected and positioned according to these specific risks.
For larger sites, responsibility for inspection and replacement should be clearly assigned to facilities or safety personnel.
Fire blankets for warehouses and logistics areas
A warehouse is not automatically a suitable environment for using a fire blanket on every type of fire. Nevertheless, fire blankets for warehouses and logistics areas can be useful in staff kitchens, maintenance areas and other locations where a small fire can be fully covered.
They should complement — not replace — the fire extinguishers, alarms, evacuation procedures and other measures required by the site's fire-risk assessment.
Fire blankets for workshops and small industry
Fire blankets for workshops and small industrial environments may provide useful first-response protection where small, localised fires can occur.
Because workshops can contain fuels, chemicals, electrical installations or machinery, the type of potential fire must always be considered. A fire blanket should only be used when the fire is small enough to cover completely and it is safe to approach.
Fire blankets in public buildings
Public buildings can include municipal facilities, community centres, libraries, sports facilities and many other types of premises. The need for fire blankets in public buildings depends on the activities and risks present within the building.
Where fire blankets are provided, they should be visible, accessible and included in the organisation's regular inspection programme.
Building maintenance teams and security staff
Building maintenance personnel, facility managers, security teams and night staff are often among the people most familiar with a building outside normal operating hours.
For that reason, fire blanket procedures for building maintenance teams and security staff should include knowing where blankets are located, what types of small fires they may be suitable for and when evacuation and professional firefighting assistance are required instead.
Choosing the right fire blanket for a professional environment
Professional buyers should look beyond price alone. Important considerations include the intended application, blanket size, construction, instructions, traceability and documented evidence of conformity with the relevant standard.
For the European market, EN 1869:2019 is the relevant product standard for fire blankets. DVM also provides technical reference information to help professional buyers compare specifications and supporting documentation.
View the DVM Fire Blanket Reference Specification →
Independent TÜV SÜD fire testing and the test documentation for the DVM 1 × 1 m Fire Blanket Series are available separately.
View TÜV SÜD Test Report & Videos →
Inspection and maintenance in professional premises
Fire blankets in workplaces and public environments should form part of a documented inspection programme. Checks should include visibility, accessibility, mounting, packaging, pull tabs, instructions and signs of damage, contamination or moisture.
DVM recommends a documented visual inspection at least annually. A fire blanket that has been used on an actual fire should be replaced.
View Fire Blanket Inspection Guidelines →
A fire blanket is part of a wider fire-safety strategy
Whether fire blankets are installed in a hospital, school, hotel, office, laboratory, warehouse or workshop, they should never be considered a replacement for an appropriate fire-safety plan.
The objective is to have the right fire blanket in the right location, supported by clear instructions, appropriate training and regular inspection. For professional buyers managing multiple locations, a consistent specification and inspection policy can also make procurement and ongoing fire-safety management considerably easier.