European Fire Blanket Reference Specification (EFRS-1:2025)

European Fire Blanket Reference Specification

This hub document defines the core framework of EFRS-1:2025. The supporting annexes provide operational tools derived from this framework.

EFRS-1:2025 is a DVM-developed European Fire Blanket Reference Specification, informed by the requirements and principles of EN 1869:2019. It provides a structured framework for product evaluation, procurement, documentation and compliance comparison.

EFRS-1:2025 — informed by EN 1869:2019
Document type: DVM technical reference framework for professional evaluation and procurement

1. Purpose and Scope

This document defines a procurement-grade reference framework for fire blankets placed on the European market and evaluated against EN 1869:2019. It translates relevant technical, documentary and user-information requirements into an objective and auditable structure to support:

• buyer evaluation and tender documentation
• product conformity and documentation verification
• consistent user information and safer deployment
• fair comparison of products claiming conformity with EN 1869:2019

This framework is intended for household, hospitality, facility and light-commercial environments where fire blankets are used for incipient-stage fire suppression and, where the dimensions are suitable, clothing-fire intervention.

The framework should be used together with the applicable EN 1869:2019 requirements, the manufacturer’s instructions, the supporting test documentation and any applicable national or local requirements.

Practical next step: Use the Compliance Matrix to compare each requirement with the available evidence, and the Procurement Audit Checklist to apply the framework during purchasing and supplier evaluation.

2. Definitions (Operational)

• Fire blanket: a flexible fire-suppressing textile intended to smother flames by restricting the oxygen supply.
• Incipient-stage fire: an early-stage fire that remains small enough to be approached and completely covered safely with a portable first-response device.
• Class F suitability: suitability for cooking-oil and fat fire scenarios, supported by successful performance under the applicable EN 1869:2019 test requirements.

3. Intended Use Scenarios

3.1 Primary applications
A fire blanket evaluated as conforming to EN 1869:2019 is intended for:

1. Smothering incipient fires involving cooking oils and fats, small solid combustibles and similar limited fuel loads.
2. Covering and smothering burning items where complete coverage is feasible and safe access can be maintained.
3. Clothing-fire intervention only where the blanket dimensions and instructions support this application.

3.2 Non-intended use
Fire blankets are not intended for:

• fully developed room or compartment fires
• metal fires or reactive chemical fires
• ongoing use as a permanent heat shield
• large fires that cannot be completely covered
• situations where safe access cannot be maintained
• situations in which evacuation is the correct risk-control measure

4. Dimensional Requirements

For products evaluated within this EFRS framework, fire blankets are expected to be rectangular or square. No side should be:

• smaller than 1.0 m, or
• larger than 1.8 m.

Clothing-fire suitability within the EFRS framework is limited to blankets with minimum dimensions of:

• 1.2 × 1.8 m.
  Blankets smaller than 1.2 × 1.8 m shall not be represented within the EFRS framework as suitable for clothing-fire intervention.

For claim wording and evidence requirements on product pages, consult the Normative Annex (Product Pages) .

5. Construction and Material Integrity

5.1 Edge integrity
Edges should resist fraying and tearing during normal storage, removal, handling and deployment.

5.2 Flexibility and deformation resistance
The blanket should be capable of being fully rolled around a rod of 50 ± 2 mm diameter along each axis parallel to the outer edges without permanent deformation or damage.

6. Deployment Performance (Packaging: Bag or Box)

To support real-world usability, the packaging and pull-out performance are evaluated against the following limits:

These requirements are safety-relevant because excessive pull-out force or delayed extraction may increase hesitation and deployment errors during an incident.

Evidence mapping for these requirements is provided in the Compliance Matrix.

7. Electrical Safety Requirement

The electrical resistance of the blanket should not be less than 1 MΩ at any measured point on the blanket.

This requirement supports safer handling near small electrical appliances. The electrical or heat supply should still be switched off whenever this can be done safely.

A fire blanket should not be treated as electrically insulating personal protective equipment and should not be used to touch exposed live components.

8. Mandatory Marking and Identification (Bag or Box)

Each fire blanket packaging unit should carry durable and clearly readable marking including:

• supplier or responsible economic operator name and address
• standard reference: EN 1869:2019
• model and type identification
• blanket dimensions in metres
• batch number or equivalent traceability information

8.1 Print format

• Required marking should be presented as white text on a red background.

8.2 Product-name prominence
The wording “FIRE BLANKET”, or its national-language equivalent, should:

• appear in capital letters, and
• have a minimum character height of 20 mm.

8.3 Language requirement
Mandatory user-facing text should be provided in an official national language of the country in which the product is marketed.

9. Mandatory Pictograms and User Instructions

Packaging should include clear pictograms and instructions covering at least:

9.1 Extraction

• how to remove the blanket from the bag or box

9.2 Critical action statements in the applicable language

• “Switch off heat”
• “Cover burning material completely”
• “Leave covered until cool”

9.3 Clothing-fire instruction for 1.2 × 1.8 m blankets

• “Cover the person with the blanket and smother the fire,” or equivalent clear national-language wording.

9.4 Disposal

• “DISCARD AFTER USE,” or equivalent wording in the applicable language.

9.5 Periodic inspection
Instructions should prescribe periodic checking. DVM recommends a documented visual inspection at least once every year.

Failure to provide essential user instructions in the relevant language may increase foreseeable misuse and should be identified during product and procurement evaluation.

10. Performance Verification

Statements of conformity with EN 1869:2019 should be supported by applicable test and product documentation, including evidence relating to:

• dimensions and construction
• deployment and pull-out performance
• electrical resistance
• fire-performance testing
• marking and instructions
• product and batch traceability

Integrity of claims:
Products positioned for kitchen and cooking-oil fire use should not claim complete EN 1869:2019 conformity unless the relevant fire-performance and documentary requirements are supported by appropriate evidence.

11. Use Limits

A fire blanket should be treated as a single-use safety device after deployment on an actual fire.

• It should be discarded and replaced after use.

It should not be used where:

• the fire has developed beyond its incipient stage
• safe access cannot be maintained
• the blanket cannot fully cover the burning object or area
• flames or smoke threaten the user’s escape route
• evacuation is the correct risk-control measure

12. Inspection Criteria (Operational)

Recommended periodic inspection: DVM recommends a documented visual inspection at least once every year.

• check packaging integrity and the opening mechanism
• verify that the blanket remains visible and accessible
• confirm that pull tabs are intact and unobstructed
• confirm that instructions and markings remain legible
• check accessible areas for visible damage or contamination
• check for moisture exposure or adverse storage conditions

Routine inspection should normally be performed without fully unfolding the blanket.

Reject or replace the product if any of the following are observed:

• frayed or torn accessible fabric or edges
• oil, chemical, dirt or moisture contamination
• damaged packaging or compromised pull-out function
• missing or illegible mandatory markings
• damaged or missing pull tabs
• unknown product history or loss of traceability

13. Replacement Criteria

Replacement is required:

1. after deployment on an actual fire
2. after mechanical damage or contamination
3. if essential markings or instructions are missing or illegible
4. if product or batch traceability cannot be verified
5. if storage conditions are unknown or clearly unsuitable
6. if the packaging can no longer store or release the blanket correctly

14. Procurement Audit Summary

A professional buyer should request objective confirmation of:

• identification of EN 1869:2019
• verified product dimensions
• appropriate size for the stated application
• 1.2 × 1.8 m minimum within EFRS for clothing-fire positioning
• pull-out performance of no more than 80 N and four seconds
• electrical resistance of at least 1 MΩ
• clear local-language instructions and required pictograms
• supplier, product and batch traceability
• applicable independent test or technical documentation
• documented fire performance relevant to the intended application

For the buyer-ready step-by-step version, open the Procurement Audit Checklist .

Annex A – Normative Annex for Product Pages (EFRS-1:2025)
Standardised wording rules for product pages, including permitted claims, prohibited statements and required evidence structure within the EFRS framework.
Open Normative Annex for Product Pages →

Downloads

Download the EFRS-1:2025 Reference Specification in your preferred language.