7 Reasons Every Commercial Building Should Have a Fire Blanket

Fire safety is a top priority for commercial buildings, where protecting lives and assets is paramount. Each year, fires inflict substantial damage on businesses, resulting in expensive repairs and lost revenue. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports over 200 workplace fires daily and more than 5,000 injuries from such fires annually. This underscores the necessity of implementing effective fire safety measures to protect everyone involved.

While most building owners are familiar with fire extinguishers and alarms, fewer recognize the crucial role a simple yet effective tool, like a fire blanket, can play. Therefore, in this post, we’re exploring why every commercial building, from office spaces to restaurants, should have fire blankets as part of their safety equipment.

What is a Fire Blanket?

Before we get into the reasons why your commercial building should have a fire blanket, let’s first understand what a fire blanket is…

A fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish small fires by smothering them. It works by smothering the flames, cutting off the oxygen supply, and preventing the fire from spreading. Typically made from fire-retardant materials like fiberglass or wool, these blankets are effective in dealing with fires that involve oil, grease, or electricity—areas where traditional fire extinguishers might not be suitable.

Reasons Every Commercial Building Should Have a Fire Blanket

1. Quick and Effective in Small Fires

One of the major reasons a fire blanket is a critical addition to any commercial building is its speed and efficiency in tackling small fires. Unlike fire extinguishers, which require some understanding of the operation, fire blankets can be quickly draped over a fire to suffocate it. This speed is crucial in containing a fire at its inception before it escalates into a larger threat that could jeopardize the safety of the entire building.

Many fires start small, and having the means to deal with them quickly can prevent extensive damage. A fire blanket works particularly well in commercial kitchens, offering a quick response to stove-top fires in restaurants or employee break rooms. By having them readily accessible, you ensure a prompt reaction to fires, thus reducing the risk of escalation and extensive property damage.

2. Safe to Use by Anyone

Fire blankets are incredibly user-friendly, requiring no specialized training to deploy effectively. This ease of use is essential in emergencies where panic can impede one’s ability to think clearly. Unlike fire extinguishers that require the user to remember specific operational steps, fire blankets are intuitive—simply pull out of their container and cover the flames.

This simplicity makes fire blankets ideal for environments where employees might not have regular fire safety training. In office buildings and retail establishments, where a diverse range of individuals may be present, it’s reassuring to know that anyone can use a fire blanket without prior preparation. This universal usability contributes to a safer work environment, empowering anyone to act swiftly when the need arises.

3. Minimal Maintenance Required

Unlike some other fire safety tools, fire blankets require minimal upkeep. Fire extinguishers need regular checks and maintenance to ensure they work properly when needed. In contrast, fire blankets are low maintenance—they simply need to be easily accessible and checked periodically for any signs of wear or damage.

This low-maintenance requirement makes fire blankets an attractive option for facility maintenance managers who are tasked with overseeing the safety of large commercial properties. With limited resources and time, knowing that fire blankets don’t require constant attention is a significant relief. This benefit makes it easier to integrate fire blankets into an existing fire safety plan in commercial settings, enhancing overall preparedness.

4. Versatile in Use

A key advantage of fire blankets is their versatility. They aren’t limited to one type of fire or environment. Whether in commercial kitchens, offices, or industrial settings, fire blankets can be applied to a variety of fire-related scenarios. Their ability to tackle oil and grease fires makes them indispensable in restaurant kitchens, while their safe-to-use nature makes them suitable for office environments.

Beyond extinguishing fires, fire blankets can also provide protective clothing against flames, offering an extra layer of safety for individuals trapped in a fire. This multipurpose functionality elevates fire blankets from a mere accessory to a fundamental component of workplace safety.

5. Complement to Other Fire Safety Measures

While fire blankets are effective on their own, they work best when combined with other fire safety measures. In a comprehensive fire safety plan, fire blankets complement extinguishers, smoke alarms, and sprinklers. They provide a first line of defense, particularly in situations where using a fire extinguisher might be challenging or inappropriate.

Incorporating fire blankets into your fire safety strategy ensures a multi-layered approach to fire prevention and control. This redundancy in fire safety measures is crucial in minimizing risks and ensuring the safety of everyone in the building.

6. Compliance with Fire Safety Regulations

In many places, having a fire blanket available in certain commercial settings is not just a recommendation; it’s a requirement. Fire safety regulations often stipulate the presence of various safety equipment, including fire blankets, to ensure comprehensive protection against fire hazards.

Adhering to these regulations isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about creating a safe environment for employees, customers, and tenants. By including fire blankets as part of your fire safety plan, you demonstrate a commitment to meeting and exceeding safety standards, ultimately protecting both lives and investments.

7. Cost-Effective Investment in Safety

For commercial building owners and safety managers, budget considerations are always at the top of their minds. Fortunately, fire blankets offer an affordable option for enhancing fire safety. Compared to the costs associated with fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems, fire blankets are relatively inexpensive.

Their affordability, combined with their effectiveness, makes fire blankets a smart investment. They offer peace of mind without breaking the bank, allowing businesses to allocate resources efficiently while still prioritizing safety.

Using Your Fire Blanket

To use a fire blanket effectively, follow these steps to ensure safety and the complete extinguishment of small fires, particularly in a commercial kitchen setting.

• First, remove the fire blanket from its container, ensuring you have a firm grip on its corners.
• Approach the flame carefully, keeping the blanket between you and the heat source to protect yourself from any potential harm.
• Once close enough, swiftly but safely drape the blanket over the fire, ensuring it completely covers the flame and cuts off the oxygen supply.

The above method is particularly suitable for stove-top fires, as it smothers the fire quickly. Whether dealing with a kitchen mishap or a similar scenario, using a fire blanket can prevent escalation and maintain safety.

Maintaining Your Fire Blankets

Proper maintenance of fire blankets is essential to ensure they function effectively when needed. Be sure to regularly inspect fire blankets for any signs of wear and tear, such as holes, fraying, or burns, which could compromise their ability to smother flames. Store them in an accessible location, preferably near areas with higher fire risks, like kitchens or machinery rooms, to enable quick and easy access during emergencies.

Additionally, ensure that all personnel are trained on their correct use and regularly review this training to maintain readiness. If you find any damaged or defective blankets, replace them immediately to maintain the integrity of your fire safety plan.

By conducting these routine checks and ensuring proper storage and availability, you uphold the reliability and effectiveness of your fire safety measures.

While fire blankets require minimal maintenance, regular checks are essential to ensure their readiness. Inspect them periodically for signs of wear and tear, replacing any that show damage.

Choosing the Right Fire Blanket for Your Building

When choosing the right fire blanket for your workplace, it’s crucial to consider the specific risks and environments your business may encounter. Start by identifying the primary fire hazards present—are your operations concentrated in a kitchen, technical workshop, or an industrial setting? Each environment might demand different sizes or materials of fire blankets.

Additionally, look for blankets that are made with non-flammable materials, such as woven fiberglass, which ensure durability and efficiency in extinguishing fires.

Another essential factor is the ease of access and deployment. Choose fire blankets that come in convenient packaging and can be quickly released from their housing for immediate use. Also, consider the size of the blanket required, depending on potential fire scales in your setting.

Mart Cobra –  Your Partner in Fire Safety

At Mart Cobra, we understand the importance of fire safety in commercial settings and offer a range of high-quality fire blankets that meet all necessary safety standards and regulations. Our blankets are made from non-flammable materials and come with convenient packaging for easy access and deployment. With our reliable products, you can rest assured that your workplace is well-equipped to handle any potential fire hazards.

Moreover, our commitment to affordability without compromising on quality makes our fire blankets a cost-effective addition to your safety protocol, providing peace of mind in protecting both lives and assets.

Bringing It All Together

In conclusion, fire blankets are a vital component of any commercial building’s fire safety plan. Their quick response capabilities, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness make them an indispensable tool for protecting lives and property.

Whether you’re managing a bustling restaurant, overseeing an office complex, or running an industrial facility, investing in fire blankets is a proactive step toward enhanced workplace safety.  So why wait? Get your fire blankets today and ensure that you are well-prepared to handle any fire emergency with confidence. Your employees, customers, and tenants will thank you for it.