If you have a kitchen in your workplace, you need to make sure your employees know how to use a fire blanket. For a start, check that you have a fire blanket in your kitchen. You need a blanket to put out any class F fire. That means any fire that is fuelled by oils or fats.
In May, a kitchen fire started in a New Plymoth Turkish restaurant.
Fires like this are unfortunately a common occurrence across New Zealand. So, it has never been more important to make sure you invest in fire blanket testing and staff fire blanket training.
Fire at Café Istanbul earlier this year.
When a fire starts in your kitchen, the first thing you need to do is assess the risk. If the flame looks like it might get out of control, do not hesitate to call for emergency services on 111.
If you think the flame is manageable, you can approach it with fire protection equipment.
How to Use a Fire Blanket
- If it is safe to do so, turn off the heat.
- Pull the tabs on the bottom of the fire blanket packaging simultaneously. A sharp pull will remove the blanket from the sleeve.
- Fold the blanket over your hands to make sure they are protected.
- Carefully place the fire blanket on top of the flames. Don’t throw it – this can feed more oxygen to the flame.
- When you’re putting the blanket down, cover the fire with the closet edge of the blanket to stop the fire travelling up the material and burning your hands.
- Now that you’ve covered the flame you can turn off the heat (if you haven’t done so already).
- Leave the blanket on the fire for at least 30 minutes to make sure it has been suffocated.
- Leave the room and call your local fire department. Have a professional assess the fire site to eliminate the chance of reignition.
Again, we must stress that you should only approach a flame if it is safe to do so. If you’re unsure whether the fire is too large, remove yourself from the area and call for emergency services. You can’t be too careful when it comes to fire safety.
How to Use a Fire Blanket on a Person
- Pull the tabs to release the fire blanket.
- Fold the edge of the blanket over your hands and wrap it around the person.
- Keep rolling the blanket around the person until the fire is completely covered.
- Instruct the person to STOP, Drop, & ROLL.
- Call for emergency services and seek necessary medical attention.
Fire Blanket Maintenance
When a fire starts on your property, you need to make sure your staff have access to functional fire protection equipment. You can maintain the equipment in your business by working with Jim’s Test & Tag. Ask one of our capable team members to service your property today.
When we check your blanket, we will cover the fire blanket inspection checklist as dictated by the NZS 4503:2005 standard for hand operated fire-fighting equipment. We’ll check for any damage and make sure your blanket is in an appropriately accessible place. After we’ve completed our assessment, we’ll place your blanket back in the sleeve so it is ready to use.
Let us inspect the rest of your fire safety gear while we’re on site. We can perform tests on your extinguishers and hose reels as well as perform an electrical risk assessment for your business. Secure your entire workplace with the help of our friendly team.
After every test is finished, you’ll receive a detailed report of each test. Every appliance will receive a pass or fail and assigned a re-test date. We have a free reminder service to help clients keep track of testing requirements. Let us remind you when your next test is due so that you never miss a compliance appointment.
For all your fire blanket inspection requirements, come to Jim’s Test & Tag. We can help you make sure your workplace is compliant with the current national safety standards and safe for all of your employees and guests.
Now that you know how to use a fire blanket, get in touch with us to request a free quote. Call us on 0800 454 654 or fill in the online form now.
