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Fire blanket
Fire blanket
Fire blanket
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Fire blanket being used to smother flames
Extinguishing of a fire with a fire blanket
Fire blanket cabinet

A fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish incipient (starting) fires. It consists of a sheet of a fire retardant material that is placed over a fire in order to smother it.

Small fire blankets, such as for use in kitchens and around the home are usually made of glass fiber and sometimes kevlar, and are folded into a quick-release contraption for ease of storage. Larger fire blankets, for use in laboratory and industrial situations, are often made of wool – sometimes treated with a flame retardant chemical such as hexafluorozirconate and zirconium acetate.[1] These blankets are usually mounted in vertical quick-release containers so that they can be easily pulled out and wrapped round a person whose clothes are on fire.

Fire blankets, along with fire extinguishers, are fire safety items that can be useful in case of a fire. These nonflammable materials are stable in temperatures up to 1300 °C for Nextel ceramic fibres,[2] 1200 °C for glass fibers,[3] 480 °C for Kevlar,[4] and 570 °C for wool.[5] These are useful in smothering fires by reducing the amount of oxygen available to the fire. Due to its simplicity, a fire blanket may be more helpful for someone who is inexperienced with fire extinguishers.

Dangers

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Asbestos in old blankets

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Some older fire blankets were made of woven asbestos fibres and are not NFPA rated. This can pose a hazard during the decommissioning of old equipment.[6][7]

Extinguishing oil/fat fires

[edit]

After initial investigation in 2013, and later in 2014, the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority issued a statement that fire blankets should never be used to extinguish an oil/fat fire such as a chip pan fire, even if the icons or text on the blanket indicates the blanket may be used in such a case.[8][9][10] This includes fire blankets which have been tested according to BS EN 1869.[11] In the investigation out of the 22 tested fire blankets, 16 of the fire blankets themselves caught fire. In the other 6 the fire reignited when the blanket was removed after 17 minutes. The Dutch Fire Burn foundation reported[12] several accidents involving the use of fire blankets when extinguishing oil/fat fires. Consumers may send in their existing fire blankets, which will then receive a sticker stating 'niet geschikt voor olie- en vetbranden' ("not suitable for oil and grease fires"). New products will have this text printed, rather than stickered.[13]

Operation

[edit]

For a fire to burn, all three elements of the fire triangle must be present: heat, fuel and oxygen. The fire blanket is used to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, thereby putting it out. The fire blanket must be sealed closely to a solid surface around the fire. Fire blankets usually have two pull down tails visible from outside the packaging. The user should place one hand on each tag and pull down simultaneously removing the blanket from the bag. The tails are located near the top of the fire blanket which allows the top lip of the fire blanket to fold back over the users' hands, protecting them from heat and direct contact burns. Cover the fire with the fire blanket, and it will help cut the oxygen supply and extinguish the fire. You can also use this method when a part of the body catches fire. The fire blanket must be sealed closely to a solid surface around the fire.[citation needed]

Electric vehicles fires

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EV fires can be extremely difficult to extinguish as lithium batteries can self-reignite. "Up to 150 000 liters of water needed to put out a fire in an electric car ...Teslas may take up to 30,000-40,000 gallons of water, maybe even more, to extinguish the battery pack once it starts burning..."[14] However, a typical larger fire truck carries only a few thousand liters of water.

A fire blanket is so large that a burning vehicle can be completely covered with it (typical size is e.g. 6 m x 9 m to cover large SUVs) - and are extremely heat-resistant (1000 to 1600+ degrees). Also one has to consider the difference between allowed short-term peak temperature and long-term temperature.[15]

By putting on a fire blanket, the flames are supposed to be smothered. In a fire test with the fire brigade conducted by the General German Automobile Club, were able to see how the fire blanket actually significantly delays the development of the fire and thus increases the fire brigade's scope for action.

The use of the fire blanket can prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent vehicles or surrounding objects. In addition, the removal of an electric vehicle that has been involved in an accident or has been extinguished can be secured with a fire blanket. Another field of application of the blanket is the quarantine of crashed electric cars at an accident site of towing companies or workshops.

Maintenance

[edit]

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) publish a "Code of Practice for the Commissioning and Maintenance of Fire Blankets Manufactured to BS EN 1869".[16] The FIA's code of practice recommends that the responsible person ensures that such fire blankets are subject to annual maintenance by a competent service provider. It also recommends that consideration should be given to the replacement of fire blankets after seven years from the date of commissioning (or as otherwise specified by the fire blanket's manufacturer).

See also

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References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Fire blanket

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A fire blanket is a flexible, portable device composed of a sheet made from fire-resistant materials, such as woven or , designed to extinguish small, incipient-stage fires by smothering the flames and depriving them of oxygen. These blankets typically measure around 1 meter by 1 meter for household use and are stored in a quick-release pouch or bag for easy deployment. Fire blankets originated in the early 20th century, with one of the first patents filed in 1911 by Ephriam Bishop of Kingston, New York, for a heavy, flexible fire-resistant sheet. Modern versions, made from fiberglass cloth, were introduced in the 1960s, with the first residential fire blanket developed in 1963 by what became Firechief. Fire blankets are primarily employed in residential kitchens, laboratories, and light industrial settings to combat Class B (flammable liquids like cooking oils) and Class K (kitchen oils and fats) fires, as well as small Class A (ordinary combustibles) or Class C (electrical) fires when the power source is disconnected. Unlike fire extinguishers, fire blankets produce no residue or mess, making them ideal for contained spaces and small fires. While not a substitute for comprehensive fire suppression systems, fire blankets serve as an essential, low-maintenance tool in layered fire safety protocols.

Introduction

Definition and Purpose

A fire blanket is a flexible sheet of fire-retardant designed to extinguish small, incipient s by smothering them and cutting off the oxygen supply. Its primary purpose is to contain and extinguish Class B fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease or solvents, and Class K fires involving cooking oils and fats, making it suitable for use in domestic kitchens, commercial cooking areas, or settings. By acting as a barrier, it also prevents spread and can protect nearby individuals from flames or heat exposure, particularly in clothing scenarios. Fire blankets operate on the principle of the , which requires fuel, heat, and oxygen for ; by enveloping the , the blanket disrupts the oxygen component without introducing water or chemical agents that could exacerbate certain fire types. Typical sizes for home use measure around 1 m × 1 m, while larger variants up to 1.8 m × 1.2 m are available for industrial or commercial applications, often stored in wall-mountable containers for quick access and portability.

History

The principle of using heavy materials to smother fires dates back to ancient times, when early civilizations employed blankets or hides to deprive flames of oxygen and contain small outbreaks. In the early , informal methods persisted, such as throwing coats or rugs over fires, but formal innovations began to emerge alongside advancements in fire suppression. The first known for a dedicated fire blanket was filed in by Ephraim M. of , describing a flexible, fireproof sheet mounted on a for quick deployment in emergencies. During the mid-20th century, particularly from to the , asbestos-based blankets gained prominence in industrial settings due to the material's exceptional resistance and durability, often woven into cloths for , laboratories, and factories. These were valued for their ability to withstand high temperatures without igniting, but concerns over asbestos's health risks, including respiratory diseases, led to their gradual phase-out starting in the 1970s following regulatory scrutiny and bans. The modern residential fire blanket was pioneered in 1968 by the British firm Thomas Glover & Company, which introduced a compact, wall-mounted version in a quick-release container made from non-asbestos materials, marking a shift toward accessible home safety devices. Following the widespread asbestos prohibitions in the 1970s and 1980s, manufacturers transitioned to safer alternatives like fiberglass, which provided comparable fire resistance without the toxic hazards, enabling lighter and more user-friendly designs compliant with emerging standards such as BS EN 1869. This evolution continued into the 2010s and 2020s, driven by the rise of electric vehicles and lithium-ion battery risks, prompting the development of specialized, larger-scale blankets engineered to contain thermal runaway fires in EVs through enhanced oxygen deprivation and heat containment, with new standards like DIN SPEC 91489 (as of 2023) for EV fire blankets.

Design and Materials

Construction and Components

A fire blanket is constructed as a flat, rectangular sheet designed to be folded compactly and stored within a protective for immediate access during emergencies. The basic structure allows the sheet to cover and smother small fires effectively upon deployment, with standard dimensions including 1.0 m × 1.0 m, 1.2 m × 1.2 m, and 1.2 m × 1.8 m to suit various applications. Key components include hand hold devices, such as woven pull-tabs or strings, which are securely attached to the sheet to enable quick unfolding without tangling. These devices are positioned for easy grasping, often with reinforced attachments to maintain integrity during rapid pulls. The edges of the sheet are typically strengthened to resist tearing under tension, ensuring the blanket remains intact when spread over a source. Optional features may include suspension rings for wall hanging, though these are not universal across all designs. Folding mechanisms are engineered for rapid deployment, commonly using layered or pleated configurations that allow the sheet to expand fully when the pull-tabs are activated downward. This size-specific folding prevents knots or delays, with instructions provided by manufacturers for precise reassembly during . The blanket is then encased in a quick-release , such as a wall-mountable pouch, molded case, or metal cabinet, positioned at approximately 1.5 m for accessibility. These enclosures feature secure closures and mounting hardware to facilitate installation in kitchens or high-risk areas. The manufacturing process begins with the assembly of the sheet through layering or integration of components, followed by application of protective treatments and careful folding into the designated pattern. The completed assembly is then sealed within the container under controlled conditions to comply with standards like BS EN 1869:2019, ensuring reliability and ease of storage. This process emphasizes precision in component attachment and enclosure sealing to support effective emergency response.

Materials Used

Fire blankets primarily utilize woven as a core due to its high stability, remaining intact up to approximately 550°C, which makes it suitable for common household applications where small grease or electrical s occur. Another traditional option is treated with fire retardants, which can withstand temperatures up to 570°C and has been favored in settings for its natural insulating properties and ability to smother flames effectively. For more demanding environments, advanced synthetic fibers like or other aramid-based materials are employed, offering heat resistance up to 480°C along with exceptional tensile strength and durability to prevent tearing during deployment. In high-heat industrial scenarios, such as or applications, ceramic fibers provide superior performance, enduring temperatures exceeding 1300°C while maintaining structural integrity. To further enhance fire resistance, many blankets incorporate coatings like or Teflon (PTFE)-based films on the inner surface, which improve non-flammability by creating a barrier that repels heat and prevents ignition. Double-layer constructions, often combining a base fabric with an additional insulating layer, boost overall thermal protection by minimizing to underlying surfaces. Historically, was used in early fire blankets for its exceptional heat resistance, but it was phased out and banned in many products by the late 1970s and 1980s due to its proven carcinogenicity and health risks upon inhalation. This shift led to the adoption of safer synthetic alternatives, with modern designs increasingly incorporating eco-friendly materials like non-toxic that avoid chemical residues and environmental during use. Key performance metrics for these materials include standardized heat resistance ratings, such as those verified under NFPA 701, ensuring reliability in extinguishing fires by depriving them of oxygen through smothering. Industrial-grade blankets often feature tensile strengths exceeding 1000 N to withstand mechanical stress, while their oxygen deprivation efficiency is demonstrated by rapid flame suppression in controlled tests without residue or re-ignition.

Types and Applications

Standard Fire Blankets

Standard fire blankets are general-purpose fire suppression devices designed for small-scale emergencies, typically measuring between 1 m × 1 m and 1.8 m × 1.8 m to provide sufficient coverage for incipient fires. These blankets are rated for Class A fires involving ordinary combustibles like wood or paper, Class B fires with flammable liquids such as oils, and Class K fires from cooking fats and greases, making them versatile for common household hazards without the need for chemical agents. In design, standard fire blankets prioritize portability and quick deployment, weighing under 1 kg to ensure they can be handled by most users, often featuring a lightweight or similar woven material encased in a resealable pouch for storage. They are commonly wall-mounted in accessible locations, such as near kitchens or exits, and comply with standards like ASTM F1989 for performance in suppressing cooking-related fires. This construction allows for easy pulling via tabs to release the blanket without tools. Common applications include kitchens to contain grease fires on stovetops, homes for extinguishing clothing or upholstery blazes, and small offices or workshops for minor spills of flammable materials. Their effectiveness is established for incipient fires covering less than 1 m², such as smothering a stovetop grease fire to cut off oxygen supply without producing residue or mess, thereby preventing escalation. Since their widespread adoption in the , standard fire blankets have become a staple in residential and light commercial settings, with home models typically costing $20 to $50 and available through major retailers. While effective for everyday risks, they differ from specialized variants designed for high-heat scenarios like fires.

Specialized Variants

fire blankets are typically constructed from or wool blends treated with flame-retardant chemicals to provide resistance, making them suitable for smothering small fires from Bunsen burners or containing chemical spills in educational and research settings. These variants often measure around 1.2 m × 1.2 m to fit compact lab spaces, allowing quick deployment over workstations without obstructing access. The material inherently resists ignition and can withstand brief exposure to corrosive substances, enhancing during experiments involving flammable solvents or acids. Heavy-duty industrial fire blankets feature larger dimensions, such as 2 m × 2 m or greater, and incorporate ceramic fiber reinforced with coatings to endure extreme heat and sparks in environments. Designed for and cutting operations, these blankets protect equipment and personnel from molten metal splatter and radiant heat up to 1260°C continuously, with resistance to melting beyond 1650°C. The reinforcement ensures durability against mechanical abrasion in high-hazard industrial settings like fabrication shops. Electric vehicle fire blankets address the unique challenges of lithium-ion battery fires, featuring oversized designs like 6 m × 9 m to cover entire vehicles and suppress propagation. These blankets are engineered to withstand temperatures up to 1600°C short-term, containing intense heat and toxic gases while allowing firefighters to monitor and cool the fire safely. Development accelerated after the surge in EV adoption, with specialized models emerging to mitigate risks from failures in crashes or charging incidents. For personal protection, smaller fire cloaks measuring approximately 1.5 m × 2 m offer portable shielding against clothing ignition or flash fires, enabling safe escape in emergencies. Made from lightweight, hooded coated with , these cloaks provide full-body coverage and resist heat up to 1100°C, allowing individuals to self-extinguish flames without specialized training. Their compact, rollable design facilitates storage in vehicles, homes, or workplaces for rapid access during personal fire exposures. In the , innovations in fire blankets include self-extinguishing integrated into fabrics for enhanced flame retardancy without traditional chemicals, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-temperature stability. Additionally, drone-deployable variants are being developed for wildland fires, where multi-unmanned aerial vehicle systems autonomously position lightweight blankets to isolate hotspots and prevent spread in remote areas. These advancements prioritize adaptive deployment and sustainability in response to increasing fire complexities.

Operation

Mechanism of Action

A fire blanket primarily suppresses flames by smothering the , depriving it of oxygen through the creation of an airtight barrier that isolates the combustion zone from the surrounding atmosphere. This mechanism directly targets the fire tetrahedron model, which expands on the traditional by including fuel, heat, oxygen, and the sustaining chemical as interdependent elements necessary for sustained burning. By enveloping the , the blanket removes the oxygen component, halting the oxidation process that fuels the flames, as described in fire suppression principles where oxygen concentration below 16% typically extinguishes most ordinary combustibles. In addition to oxygen deprivation, the blanket's materials contribute to heat dissipation and insulation, absorbing thermal energy and preventing its transfer to adjacent areas, which reduces the risk of re-ignition once the fire is smothered. For instance, fiberglass-based blankets, commonly used due to their high melting point exceeding 1,000°C, exhibit low thermal conductivity that insulates against conductive heat while helping block radiant heat, effectively blocking airflow and containing the fire's thermal output within the covered area. The deployment physics of a fire blanket enhances its effectiveness by allowing the flexible material to conform to irregular surfaces, such as pans or , forming a tight seal that minimizes oxygen leakage around the edges. Pull-tabs integrated into the design facilitate rapid, even unfolding without requiring direct hand contact with the flames, ensuring comprehensive coverage that exploits the blanket's pliability to adapt to the fire's and maintain the oxygen barrier. Conceptually, this aligns with the fire as an isolator of the oxygen vertex, visualized as a tetrahedral where the blanket disrupts the oxygen- interaction at the base, collapsing the structure without addressing or removal directly. Theoretically, fire blankets are limited to oxygen-dependent fires, such as those in class A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), or (cooking oils), where external air supply sustains ; they prove ineffective against deep-seated fires or self-sustaining reactions, like those in metal combustibles or embedded embers, as the barrier cannot penetrate to exclude oxygen from internal zones or interrupt non-oxidative chains.

Usage Instructions

Before deploying a blanket, assess whether the is small and contained, such as a pan or waste bin blaze, as it is suitable only for incipient-stage incidents that can be fully covered by the blanket. If safe to do so without entering the area, turn off the heat source to prevent re-ignition; alert others in the vicinity and evacuate the area if the cannot be immediately controlled. To deploy the fire blanket on an object fire, follow these sequential steps:
  1. Remove the blanket from its container or mounting by firmly pulling the release tabs or tapes, allowing it to unfold.
  2. Hold the corners of the blanket with your hands protected (e.g., by wrapping the edges around your wrists), and approach the fire from the upwind side to avoid smoke inhalation.
  3. Position yourself at a safe distance and place the blanket over the fire starting from the far edge, gently pulling it across to fully cover the flames, thereby smothering the fire by depriving it of oxygen as detailed in the Mechanism of Action section.
  4. Leave the blanket in place for at least 20-30 minutes to ensure the materials beneath have cooled sufficiently and prevent re-ignition.
  5. Once cooled, carefully dispose of the used blanket in a secure manner, as it cannot be reused.
For fires involving a or their , prioritize the victim's safety by instructing them to stop, drop to the ground, and roll if possible; then wrap the fire blanket loosely around their body from a safe distance, ensuring full coverage without tightening around the neck to maintain airway access. After any use, immediately call emergency services for professional assessment and assistance, even if the fire appears extinguished, and never attempt to reuse or repack the blanket. To ensure effective deployment, individuals should participate in hands-on drills to familiarize themselves with the process, as common errors such as removing the blanket prematurely can lead to re-ignition of the .

Safety and Limitations

Potential Dangers

While modern fire blankets are designed with safer materials, legacy models produced before the often incorporated fibers for their heat resistance, posing significant health risks through of airborne particles during handling, use, or disposal. Exposure to these fibers has been linked to serious conditions such as , , and , particularly among workers who frequently managed such blankets in industrial or settings. Identifying these older blankets can be challenging without professional testing, as they may lack labels; however, they are typically heavier and stiffer than contemporary or variants, and any unlabeled blanket from that era warrants caution. For disposal, they must be treated as asbestos-containing materials, sealed in leak-proof containers, and handled according to EPA guidelines to prevent fiber release. After deployment, fire blankets can retain substantial heat, with surface temperatures potentially exceeding 300°C within the first minute of use and reaching up to 400°C after three minutes, increasing the risk of thermal burns during removal or handling. To mitigate this, users are advised to wear protective gloves or use tools like to avoid direct contact until the blanket has cooled sufficiently. During deployment, improper application—such as failing to fully cover the —can allow oxygen access, potentially causing to spread or the edges to ignite if exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, fiberglass-based blankets, the most common type, may release microscopic shards upon unfolding or post-use, leading to skin rashes, itching, and eye ; prolonged contact can exacerbate these effects, and of fibers may cause respiratory discomfort. Improper storage poses physical hazards, as wall-mounted blankets secured inadequately can dislodge and fall, causing from impact or entanglement. Over time, materials degrade due to exposure to , UV , or physical , with recommended replacement every 5-10 years with proper storage, beyond which efficacy diminishes and failure risk increases.

Ineffectiveness in Certain Scenarios

Fire blankets are particularly ineffective for Class K fires involving cooking oils or fats, where the high temperatures and self-sustaining nature of the blaze can cause the blanket to ignite or fail to fully smother the flames. A study by the Dutch Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) tested 12 commercially available fire blankets on simulated pan fires with hot oil; 4 of them caught fire upon deployment, while others failed to extinguish the blaze completely, leading to re-ignition risks due to incomplete oxygen exclusion and residual heat in the oil. Follow-up assessments in 2014 confirmed that standard fire blankets are generally unsuitable for deep-fry or fat fires, as they cannot adequately cool or contain the intense, bubbling reactions. For large or spreading fires, fire blankets are limited to the incipient stage and become ineffective once the fire exceeds approximately 1 square meter, as the blanket's size (typically 1-2 meters squared) cannot fully seal around the flames, allowing oxygen infiltration and potential flashover. This limitation arises because blankets rely on complete coverage to deprive the fire of oxygen, but in expanding blazes, partial application may trap heat and accelerate fire growth rather than suppress it. In electrical fires (Class C), fire blankets should not be used on live equipment or exposed wires without first disconnecting the power source, as handling the blanket near energized components can increase the risk of electrical shock, even though the materials are non-conductive; post-cutoff application is possible but requires caution. Similarly, they fail against Class D fires involving combustible metals, where the intense heat and reactive nature demand specialized dry powder agents to interrupt the chemical reaction, rather than simple oxygen exclusion. Fire blankets should not be used on fires involving battery damage, as they can trap flammable gases like beneath the blanket, posing risks (NFPA, IAFF, and USFA advisories, June 2025). Standards such as NFPA guidelines and BS EN 1869 emphasize that fire blankets are not suitable for confined, deep-seated, or overflowing fires, where incomplete smothering can lead to sustained beneath the surface; in such scenarios, evacuation and professional intervention take priority over attempted suppression.

Maintenance and Standards

Care and Inspection

Fire blankets require regular visual inspections to ensure they remain effective for emergency use. The responsible person should conduct monthly visual checks, examining the container for damage, verifying that operating instructions are clean and legible, and confirming the blanket's location is unobstructed and visible. Annually, a more thorough by a qualified service provider is recommended, including partial unfolding of the blanket to assess for tears, discoloration, or seal damage without fully deploying it, followed by reassembly to maintain integrity. Proper storage is essential to prevent degradation of the fire-retardant materials. Fire blankets should be mounted in accessible, dry locations at a height of approximately 1.5 meters, away from direct sources and , which can compromise the fabric over time; they should also be positioned within 10 meters of potential fire hazards for quick access. Avoid exposure to moisture or corrosive environments, as these can damage the protective coatings. The typical lifespan of a fire blanket is 7 years from the date of commissioning or purchase, after which it should be replaced even if unused, unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise; date stamps on the container help track this timeline. Replacement is required sooner if inspections reveal any damage, such as fraying, holes, or illegible labels, to ensure reliability. Cleaning should be limited to light dusting with a soft or to remove surface , ensuring the remains dust-free without compromising its retardant properties; it must never be washed or exposed to , as can degrade the s. blankets are designed for single-use and must be replaced immediately after deployment in a , as the may be contaminated or structurally compromised. Used or expired units should be marked as "condemned" with the reason noted and disposed of professionally, especially if contaminated, in accordance with local regulations; alignment with standards like BS EN 1869 supports these practices for ongoing safety.

Regulations and Certifications

Fire blankets are subject to various international standards that ensure their construction, performance, and safety for use in extinguishing small s. In , the primary standard is BS EN 1869:2019, which superseded the 1997 version and specifies requirements for non-reusable fire blankets intended for single-person use, including tests for flame resistance, ease of deployment, and ability to extinguish class F () and other small fires. This standard mandates construction from materials like woven or that can withstand ignition and maintain integrity during use, with performance trials simulating real-world scenarios. In the United States, fire blankets lack a dedicated national standard but are often certified to NFPA 701 for flame propagation performance of textiles and plastics, ensuring limited flame spread and no after-flame or glowing. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification, such as under UL 214 for vertical flame tests on sewn fabrics, is often required for commercial listing, focusing on ignition resistance and char length limitation. For kitchen applications, while no direct FDA oversight applies, compliance with general consumer product safety under the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) ensures non-toxicity and suitability for food environments. Internationally, variations exist to address local needs; for instance, Australia's AS/NZS 3504:2006 governs fire blankets for general use, requiring minimum sizes (e.g., 1m x 1m) and testing for fire extinguishment efficacy in domestic settings. For specialized applications, while no dedicated ISO standard exists for fire blankets, related ISO 14184 series on emissions ensures low toxicity in materials. The process involves third-party testing by accredited bodies like BSI or UL, evaluating heat endurance (e.g., exposure to 500-1000°C for short durations in standard tests), oxygen exclusion to smother flames, and minimal toxic fume emission under . Successful requires mandatory labeling with size, fire class ratings (e.g., for class B or F fires), manufacturer details, and recommended replacement or intervals, often every 5-10 years based on degradation. Recent updates reflect evolving risks; post-2010 developments include specialized standards for (EV) compatibility, such as Germany's DIN SPEC 91489:2024-11, which tests blankets for prolonged high-heat exposure (up to 1000°C) on fires. However, as of 2025, major organizations including the NFPA, IAFF, and USFA advise against using fire blankets for suppressing EV battery fires due to potential hazards from trapped heat and gases. In the , emphasis on has integrated requirements under the REACH regulation, mandating use of recyclable, non-hazardous materials like without restricted substances such as certain flame retardants. These standards align with maintenance protocols, such as annual inspections outlined in related sections on care.

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  53. https://braytonlaw.com/blog/what-is-an-asbestos-fire-blanket-and-how-can-it-be-dangerous/
  54. https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/learn-about-asbestos
  55. https://www.mdpi.com/2571-6255/8/5/191
  56. https://preparedhero.com/blogs/articles/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-a-fire-blanket
  57. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/fiberglass-in-skin
  58. https://parcilsafety.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-shelf-life-of-a-fire-blanket
  59. https://preparedhero.com/blogs/articles/do-fire-blankets-expire
  60. https://radar.avrotros.nl/artikel/nvwa-blusdekens-niet-altijd-veilig-12999
  61. https://veiligeproducten.nl/2014/10/03/archief-nieuws-over-blusdekens/
  62. https://www.jiayifire.com/When-Should-You-Not-Use-A-Fire-Blanket-id48783926.html
  63. https://www.nfpa.org/about-nfpa/press-room/news-releases/2025/notice-highlights-potential-risk-with-electric-vehicle-firefighting-tactic-involving-fire-blankets
  64. https://www.firechiefglobal.com/the-rules-for-fire-blankets-according-to-bs-en-1869/
  65. https://www.iaff.org/advisories-reports/
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