Buying a fire blanket for the office: what to look out for

A pan catches fire in the office kitchen, a cigarette smoulders in the wastepaper basket, an appliance starts burning. For small fires like these, a fire blanket is ideal: it is quickly to hand and leaves no extinguishing powder mess. Here you can read what to look for when you buy a fire blanket for the office.

What is a fire blanket?

A fire blanket is a cloth made of fireproof fabric, usually glass fibre. It sits in a red pouch with two pull tabs. Placed over a small fire, it deprives the fire of oxygen and smothers it.

Does an office need a fire blanket?

In offices it is usually not mandatory; in Germany, fire extinguishers are required under ASR A2.2. A fire blanket does not replace a fire extinguisher, but it is a useful addition, especially in the staff kitchen:

• It is ready for use immediately and easy to operate.
• It causes no consequential damage from extinguishing powder.
• Many people are more willing to use a blanket than a fire extinguisher.
• It is ideal for a small fat fire in a pan, where water must never be used.

What to look for when buying

• Standard: the fire blanket should be tested according to EN 1869.
• Size: 100 x 100 cm is common for office kitchens. For large pans or fryers, choose 120 x 180 cm.
• Pouch: with an eyelet for hanging and easy-to-grip pull tabs.
• Instructions: they should be clearly visible on the pouch.

Our fire blanket 100 x 100 cm is MPA-tested according to EN 1869. You will find more models under Fire blankets.

Where is the best place to hang the fire blanket?

• In the staff kitchen, clearly visible and quick to reach.
• Not directly above the cooker: in a fire, you must be able to reach it without reaching into the flames.
• At a height of about 1.5 m, so everyone can grip the tabs easily.

How to use the fire blanket

1. Pull firmly on both tabs. The blanket drops out of the pouch.
2. Fold the edges over your hands to protect them.
3. Lay the blanket over the fire from the front; do not throw it.
4. Switch off the cooker or appliance.
5. Leave the blanket in place until everything has cooled down.

Detailed instructions can be found in the article Using a fire blanket. If the fire is larger, leave the room, close the door and call the fire brigade (112 in Europe).

Fire protection in the office kitchen

The fire blanket is one element. Others include a marked fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and fireproof mats under coffee machines and kettles. Read more in Fire protection in the kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

Can a fire blanket be reused?

After a fire, you should replace the blanket, as the fabric may be damaged or soiled.

Is a fire blanket suitable for battery fires?

Only to a limited extent. Burning lithium batteries can continue to heat up under the blanket. Keep your distance and call the fire brigade.

Conclusion

A fire blanket costs little and helps immediately with small fires. In the office, it complements the mandatory fire extinguisher. Make sure it is tested to EN 1869 and hang it within easy reach in the staff kitchen.