Fire Blanket Inspection & Maintenance

Fire blankets are safety products intended for emergency use. To help ensure reliable performance, EN 1869:2019 recommends periodic inspection and proper maintenance throughout the product’s service life.

A fire blanket should always remain clean, accessible, clearly identifiable and ready for immediate deployment. Regular inspection helps identify visible damage, contamination or deterioration that may affect safe operation during an emergency.

Why annual inspection matters

Fire blankets are often mounted in kitchens, workshops, industrial areas, offices and public buildings where they may remain unused for many years. During that time, environmental conditions and daily activity can gradually affect the condition of the blanket or its container.

Annual inspection helps verify that:

the fire blanket remains clearly accessible and visible
the bag or box is undamaged and securely mounted
the pull tabs are intact and easy to use
instructions and safety markings remain readable
the blanket has not been contaminated by oil, moisture or chemicals
there are no visible signs of heat damage or fiberglass deterioration

A damaged, contaminated or improperly stored fire blanket may not provide the intended level of protection during an emergency.

What should be inspected?

A visual inspection should include both the container and the blanket itself, where accessible without compromising safe storage.

Condition of the bag or rigid box
Mounting stability and visibility
Accessibility near the identified fire risk area
Condition of pull tabs or release straps
Legibility of instructions and safety information
Signs of contamination, moisture or corrosion
Visible fabric damage or excessive wear
Correct product size for the intended application

Inspection should be recorded according to the organisation’s internal safety procedures where applicable.

When should a fire blanket be replaced?

A fire blanket should be replaced immediately if:

it has been used during a fire incident
the blanket shows visible damage or contamination
the fiberglass fabric has deteriorated
the pull tabs are damaged or missing
instructions or identification markings are no longer readable
the product has been exposed to excessive heat, chemicals or moisture

Many fire blankets also include a recommended replacement period of 10 years under normal storage conditions. This practical lifecycle recommendation helps ensure long-term reliability and compliance with modern safety expectations.

Inspection records & documentation

To support periodic inspection and maintenance procedures, DVM International provides downloadable inspection documentation for both private and professional use.