Fire Blankets in Laboratories: Use, Risks and Safety Considerations
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Why Fire Risk in Laboratories Is Different
Laboratory fires differ from domestic or office fires because they often involve:
- flammable liquids and solvents
- open flames or hot plates
- reactive chemicals
- specialised electrical equipment
- protective clothing that can ignite
Most laboratory incidents start small but escalate quickly if the wrong response is used.
Typical Laboratory Fire Scenarios Suitable for Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are intended for early-stage, localised incidents, such as:
- small solvent fires on benches
- clothing or lab coats catching fire
- minor equipment fires after power isolation
- small container or surface fires
In these situations, a fire blanket can suppress flames without dispersing chemicals or spreading burning liquids.
👉 How Fire Blankets Work and When to Use Them Safely
If you’re evaluating fire blanket use in laboratories and technical environments, start our workplace fire blanket choosing guide for clear recommendations based on your setup.
When Fire Blankets Should NOT Be Used in Laboratories
Fire blankets are not suitable when:
- the fire involves reactive or explosive chemicals
- flames are spreading across multiple surfaces
- pressurised gas cylinders are involved
- toxic smoke prevents safe access
- the fire cannot be fully covered
In these cases, evacuation and emergency response procedures must take priority.
Fire Classes Relevant to Laboratory Environments
Laboratory fires commonly involve:
- Class A – textiles, paper, lab coats
- Class B – flammable liquids and solvents
- Class E – electrical equipment (after isolation)
Fire blankets are appropriate only for small, contained fires within these classes.
👉 Fire Blankets and Fire Classes Explained
Placement of Fire Blankets in Laboratories
Correct placement is critical for safe use.
Recommended locations include:
- near laboratory exits
- close to areas with open flames or hot plates
- clearly visible and unobstructed
- accessible without crossing the fire risk area
Fire blankets should never be placed directly above burners or chemical storage.
Fire Blankets for Personal Safety in Laboratories
One of the most important laboratory applications is clothing fires.
Fire blankets allow rapid suppression of flames on a person without causing further injury or chemical spread.
👉 Fire Blankets for Clothing Fires: Personal Safety and Emergency Response
For this application, size matters:
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a 1.2 × 1.8 metre fire blanket is strongly recommended
Material Quality and Performance Requirements
Laboratory environments demand high material reliability.
Key requirements include:
- fiberglass fabric with sufficient GSM
- resistance to short-term high heat
- stable weave and reinforced edges
- predictable performance under stress
👉 Fiberglass Fire Blankets Explained: Materials, GSM and Performance
Bag or Box? Choosing the Right Configuration for Laboratories
Both packaging options are relevant, depending on location:
Hard box – recommended for:
- permanent wall mounting
- shared laboratory spaces
- clear visibility during emergencies
- environments with frequent cleaning
Bag – suitable for:
- mobile lab units
- emergency kits
- secondary locations
- environments where flexibility is needed
The key requirement is fast, unobstructed access.
Training and Safety Protocol Integration
Fire blankets should be integrated into laboratory safety protocols:
- staff should know when to use them
- clear instructions should be displayed
- use must align with evacuation procedures
Fire blankets support safety — they do not replace professional emergency response.
Summary: Controlled First Response in High-Risk Environments
Laboratories combine complex risks with limited reaction time. When used correctly, fire blankets provide a controlled, non-disruptive first response for specific laboratory fire scenarios.
For European laboratories, fire blankets remain an essential component of a layered fire-safety strategy.