Run a restaurant, fish and chip shop, or any other commercial kitchen that uses hot cooking oil? A fire blanket is a must-have for emergencies.
Manufactured from durable woven fibreglass, fire blankets effectively smother Class F fires by cutting off oxygen, protecting building tenants and preventing property damage. Annual fire blanket testing is essential to ensure your safety equipment performs at its best.
At Jim’s Test & Tag, we provide commercial and domestic fire protection services across New Zealand. Learn more about fire blanket testing and maintenance in this article.
How Often Do Fire Blankets Need to be Inspected?
According to NZS 4503:2005—Hand-Operated Fire-Fighting Equipment (HOFFE), fire blanket inspection is mandatory on an annual basis. However, testing requirements can depend on site conditions, so contact us if you’re unsure when your next inspection is due.
Fire blanket testing should be carried out by a “competent person” or someone with the proper training and experience in fire blanket maintenance.
Many businesses conduct monthly fire blanket checks in-house for obvious damage, while leaving the in-depth, annual inspection for a professional technician. This helps catch problems early on, ensuring fire safety in commercial environments.
What Happens in a Professional Fire Blanket Inspection?
Fire blanket inspection requirements can depend on a building’s environment and purpose. The process usually involves:
- Assessing the blanket for any signs of damage that could risk its ability to extinguish flames.
- Inspecting the fire blanket container to ensure it’s securely mounted at the correct height on the wall and that it’s easily accessible.
- Examining the pull tabs to confirm the fire blanket can be deployed rapidly in an emergency.
- Checking that any labelling on the blanket itself is legible and includes relevant safety information.
- Completing a detailed report on the blanket’s condition.
At Jim’s Test & Tag, we securely store all fire blanket test records in our online data management system. Reports are available anytime, and we’ll notify you when your building’s safety equipment is due for its next test.
Fire Blanket Inspection Checklist
While it’s best to leave annual fire blanket testing to the experts, your team can perform monthly checks to ensure your equipment will work in a fire emergency. Your employees can:
- Check that the fire blanket case hasn’t become loose, damaged, or dislodged from its wall mounting.
- Confirm there are no obstructions, equipment, or storage items blocking access to the fire blanket.
- Review the inspection tag to check that the next service isn’t overdue.
Ensure Fire Safety with Jim’s Test & Tag
Fire blankets are often the first line of defence when dealing with cooking oil fires, so regular inspection and maintenance are essential.
Jim’s Test & Tag can help ensure your fire blankets perform well in a fire emergency with our comprehensive testing and maintenance services. With dozens of mobile technicians across New Zealand, we offer fire blanket, fire hose reel, and fire extinguisher testing nationwide.
Ensure fire safety and compliance with NZ legislation. Get in touch with our team for a free quote today.
