Fire Blankets for Security & Night Staff Procedures
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Fire Blankets for Security & Night Staff Procedures
Why Night Staff Face Increased Fire Risk
Security personnel and night staff are often the first and only responders when an incident occurs outside normal operating hours. Reduced occupancy, limited supervision, and delayed emergency response times increase the importance of simple, reliable fire-safety tools.
Fire blankets are particularly valuable in night-time scenarios because they allow immediate action without specialised firefighting training.
Typical Fire Scenarios During Night Shifts
Common incidents faced by security and night staff include:
- small electrical fires in equipment rooms
- waste bin fires
- unattended appliances overheating
- kitchen or catering equipment left powered on
- smoking-related fires near entrances or outdoor areas
These incidents often start small and can be controlled quickly when addressed early.
π How Fire Blankets Work and When to Use Them Safely
If youβre creating procedures for security and night staff, start our workplace fire blanket choosing guide for clear recommendations based on your building and risks.
Why Fire Blankets Are Ideal for Security Staff
Fire blankets support night staff procedures because they:
- are intuitive and fast to deploy
- do not require pressure, aiming, or technical knowledge
- create minimal smoke or residue
- allow safe first response before evacuation
They complement, rather than replace, evacuation and alarm procedures.
π How to Safely Use a Fire Blanket (Step-by-Step)
Where Fire Blankets Should Be Placed for Night Operations
Effective placement is critical when staff numbers are low.
Recommended locations include:
- security desks and control rooms
- near electrical cabinets and server rooms
- close to night entrances or patrol routes
- near staff kitchens or break areas
Fire blankets must be accessible without entering a fire-affected space.
π Where Should You Keep a Fire Blanket?
Bag or Box: What Works Best for Night Staff?
Choice of packaging matters for night-time response.
Hard box is recommended for:
- fixed security desks
- control rooms
- permanent wall mounting with high visibility
Bag version is suitable for:
- mobile patrol teams
- night rounds
- emergency response kits
Both options should be clearly labelled and known to staff.
How Night Staff Should Use a Fire Blanket
Basic procedure for night staff:
- raise the alarm according to site protocol
- isolate power if safe to do so
- retrieve the fire blanket immediately
- protect hands behind folded edges
- gently place the blanket over the fire
- leave in place until fully cooled
If conditions worsen, evacuation must take priority.
When NOT to Use a Fire Blanket
Fire blankets must not be used when:
- flames are spreading rapidly
- visibility is reduced by smoke
- escape routes are threatened
- the fire involves gas cylinders or fuel storage
In these cases, staff should evacuate and await emergency services.
Fire Classes Relevant to Night Staff
Night-time incidents typically involve:
- Class A (waste, textiles, furniture)
- Class B (small quantities of flammable liquids)
- Class E (electrical equipment, after power isolation)
Fire blankets are suitable only for small, contained fires.
π What Fire Classes Can a Fire Blanket Handle?
Integrating Fire Blankets into Security Procedures
Fire blankets should be included in:
- night staff induction training
- written emergency procedures
- patrol checklists
- regular safety briefings
Simple tools are most effective when procedures are clear and rehearsed.
π Fire Blanket Standards and Safety in Europe
Summary: Supporting Safer Night Operations
For security teams and night staff, early response is critical. Fire blankets provide a calm, low-risk first response option that fits well into night-time safety procedures.
In European commercial and public buildings, they are a practical addition to layered fire-safety strategies.