Fire Blanket Installation, Inspection & Replacement Guide

A fire blanket is a simple safety device, but its effectiveness depends on more than the blanket itself. It must be installed in the right location, remain immediately accessible and be kept in a condition that allows it to be deployed quickly in an emergency.

Unlike a fire extinguisher, a conventional fire blanket does not normally require technical servicing or maintenance. It should, however, be regularly inspected and replaced when necessary.

This guide explains how to install a fire blanket, what to check during an inspection and when a fire blanket should be replaced.

Where should a fire blanket be installed?

A fire blanket should be positioned where it can be reached quickly and safely. The ideal location depends on the risks present, but the basic principle is always the same: the user should be able to reach the blanket without having to move towards or through a fire.

In a kitchen, for example, the fire blanket should be mounted close enough to the cooking area for rapid access, but not directly above or immediately beside the cooker or hob where flames could prevent someone from reaching it.

Suitable locations can include:

• domestic and shared kitchens;
• restaurants and commercial kitchens;
• offices and workplaces;
• workshops and laboratories;
• schools and public buildings;
• hotels and accommodation facilities;
• boats, caravans and other locations where an appropriate fire risk exists.

How should a fire blanket be installed?

The fire blanket container should normally be mounted vertically in a clearly visible and easily accessible position.

When installing a fire blanket:

• follow the manufacturer's installation instructions;
• mount the bag or box securely;
• keep the operating instructions visible;
• make sure the pull tabs hang freely and can be reached immediately;
• do not place furniture, equipment or stored goods in front of it;
• avoid locations where heat, moisture, grease or dirt could damage or contaminate the product;
• make sure users do not need to approach the likely source of fire to reach the blanket.

A fire blanket hidden inside a cupboard or behind equipment may technically be present, but it can be difficult to locate and deploy quickly during an emergency.

How high should a fire blanket be mounted?

There is no single installation height that is appropriate for every building and every user. The important requirement is that the pull tabs can be reached and operated easily by the intended users.

The mounting position should therefore take account of the environment and the people expected to use the fire blanket.

For professional premises, fire-safety requirements, risk assessments or local regulations may also specify where safety equipment should be positioned.

How often should a fire blanket be inspected?

A fire blanket should be checked regularly to make sure it remains present, accessible and ready for use.

For professional environments, DVM recommends a documented inspection at least once a year. More frequent visual checks may be appropriate in locations with intensive use, higher contamination risks or frequent changes to the surrounding workplace.

In homes, a simple periodic visual check is sensible, particularly after moving or reorganising the kitchen or other area where the blanket is installed.

What should be checked during a fire blanket inspection?

A visual fire blanket inspection does not require the blanket to be deployed unnecessarily. The objective is to confirm that the complete product remains ready for emergency use.

Check that:

• the fire blanket is still in its designated location;
• the bag or box is securely mounted;
• access to the blanket is unobstructed;
• the pull tabs are present, visible and accessible;
• the container shows no significant damage;
• there are no signs of contamination, moisture or deterioration;
• the operating instructions remain present and legible;
• product identification remains readable;
• there is no indication that the blanket has previously been deployed or used.

If there is any doubt about the condition or integrity of the blanket, replacement is the safer option.

Do fire blankets require maintenance?

The terms fire blanket inspection and fire blanket maintenance are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not quite the same thing.

Unlike equipment such as a fire extinguisher, a conventional fire blanket does not normally contain components that require periodic refilling, pressure testing or technical servicing.

For this reason, it is more accurate to speak about inspection and replacement rather than routine technical maintenance.

The essential task is to confirm periodically that the fire blanket is accessible, undamaged and ready for immediate use.

When should a fire blanket be replaced?

A fire blanket should be replaced whenever its ability to perform safely can no longer be assured.

Replacement is appropriate when:

• the fire blanket has been used;
• the blanket, bag, box or pull tabs are damaged;
• the product has been contaminated by grease, chemicals or other substances;
• moisture or environmental conditions may have affected its condition;
• essential operating instructions or identification are no longer readable;
• the manufacturer's specified service life has expired;
• an inspection identifies any uncertainty about its condition.

Can a fire blanket be reused after a fire?

No. A conventional fire blanket should be treated as a single-use safety product.

After exposure to fire or significant heat, damage to the fabric may not always be obvious. Folding the blanket and placing it back into its container therefore does not guarantee that it will perform correctly during another emergency.

A fire blanket that has been deployed on a fire should be removed from service and replaced.

How long does a fire blanket last?

The lifespan of a fire blanket depends on the manufacturer's specification and the conditions in which the product is stored.

A blanket that remains clean, dry, undamaged and correctly installed can remain available for many years, but buyers should always follow the manufacturer's stated replacement policy.

DVM conventional fire blankets are supplied with a 10-year warranty, subject to the applicable product and warranty conditions.

A long service life does not eliminate the need for inspection. A blanket should still be replaced earlier if its condition becomes uncertain.

Should a fire blanket be removed from its bag during inspection?

Normally, unnecessary deployment should be avoided. Removing and unfolding a fire blanket simply for routine inspection can introduce dirt, damage or incorrect repacking.

Routine inspection should therefore concentrate on the condition and accessibility of the complete packaged product unless the manufacturer's instructions or a specific inspection procedure require otherwise.

Fire blanket inspection in professional environments

For businesses and organisations, inspection should ideally form part of the site's documented fire-safety procedures.

This is particularly relevant where multiple fire blankets are installed across offices, workshops, hotels, schools, warehouses, residential facilities or other professional environments.

A simple inspection record can identify the location of each fire blanket, the inspection date, its condition and any corrective action or replacement required.

This also helps purchasing and facility-management teams maintain consistent fire-safety equipment across multiple locations.

Installation, inspection and replacement form one process

A quality fire blanket can only provide effective emergency protection when it is available and ready to use.

Correct installation makes the blanket accessible. Regular inspection confirms that it remains ready for use. Timely replacement ensures that damaged, contaminated or previously used equipment is not relied upon during a future emergency.

These three steps – installation, inspection and replacement – should therefore be considered part of the same fire-safety process.

For more information about selecting the appropriate fire blanket, see our Fire Blanket Buying Guide .

For information about standards, testing and technical documentation, see Fire Blanket Standards, Compliance & Certification .