Regarding fire safety, you may wonder which device is better: a fire blanket vs fire extinguisher. Both are designed to put out small fires but have different advantages and disadvantages.
This article will compare these two devices and help you choose the best one for your needs. We will explain fire blankets and extinguishers, how they work, and what types of fires they can extinguish.
We will also discuss the pros and cons of each device, the scenarios where they are most effective, and the tips on using them safely. We will give you some factors to consider when choosing the right size and type of fire blanket or fire extinguisher for your situation.
By the end of this article, you will better understand fire safety and be prepared to face any fire emergency.
Fire Blanket vs Fire Extinguisher
Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is a fire safety device that consists of a large piece of fabric made of fiberglass or wool that can extinguish small fires by covering them and cutting off the oxygen supply. By wrapping them around their bodies, fire blankets protect people from flames or hot objects.
Pros
1. Simple usage
Fire blankets are simple and easy to use. They do not require training or maintenance and can be operated by anyone, even children or the elderly.
2. Effectiveness
Fire blankets can put out small fires quickly and effectively. They can smother the fire quickly and prevent it from spreading or reigniting.
3. Prevent injuries
They can be used to wrap around a person whose clothing is on fire and reduce the risk of burns and inhalation injuries. They shield a person from heat and help them escape fire.
4. Do not cause any mess or damage
Unlike fire extinguishers that spray water, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide, blankets do not leave any residue or harm the surrounding area. They are also reusable and environmentally friendly and can be washed and stored for future use.
Cons
1. Limited applications.
They are only suitable for small fires like cooking oil, grease, or electrical fires. They are ineffective against larger or spreading fires involving flammable liquids, gases, or metals.
2. Can be hazardous if not used properly.
They can cause more harm if thrown on fire or removed too soon, causing the fire to spread. They can also burn, releasing toxic fumes if exposed to high temperatures.
3. Hard to access and deploy in an emergency.
They can be stored in hard-to-reach places and forgotten by the user. They can also be difficult to handle when large or heavy.
Also read this article: Best Fire Blankets for home safety in 2023 [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
Fire extinguisher
A fire extinguisher is a portable device that can put out small fires by spraying a substance that can extinguish the fire. Fire extinguishers have different types and uses, depending on the class of fire they are designed to combat.
Here are some of the pros and cons of fire extinguishers:
Pros:
1. Effective
Fire extinguishers are very effective at extinguishing small or large fires, depending on the size and type of the extinguisher. They can prevent the fire from spreading and causing more damage and injury.
2. Can tackle a variety of fire classes
Fire extinguishers can tackle a variety of fire classes, such as A (ordinary combustibles), B (flammable liquids), C (electrical equipment), D (flammable metals), and K (cooking oils and fats). They can be selected and used according to the type of fuel involved in the fire.
3. Reduce the damage
Fire extinguishers can reduce the damage and spread of fire by cooling and displacing the oxygen. They can also create a barrier between the fire and the surrounding area, reducing the risk of ignition or re-ignition.
4. Provide control over
They can provide some degree of control over the fire until the firefighters arrive, help to contain the fire and make it easier for the professionals to extinguish it.
Cons:
1. Require regular inspection
They require regular inspection and maintenance to ensure they are in working order and have not expired. They must be checked for damage, leakage, corrosion, or pressure loss and replaced or refilled if necessary.
2. Difficult to use
Fire extinguishers can be difficult to use if the user is unfamiliar with the instructions or the fire class. Following the PASS method, they must be used correctly: Pull the pin, Aim the nozzle, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep from side to side.
3. Create a mess
Fire extinguishers can create a mess or damage the surrounding area, depending on the extinguishing agent used, such as water, foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide. They can leave behind residues, stains, or odors or cause electrical short circuits, corrosion, or freezing.
4. Can pose health risks
Fire extinguishers can pose health or environmental risks, such as releasing toxic or corrosive substances or depleting the oxygen level in the room. They can cause irritation, burns, suffocation, or harm the wildlife or vegetation. They need to be disposed of properly and by the local regulations.
Also read this article: How Much is a Fire Extinguisher? [Buyer’s Guide]
Fire Blankets or Fire Extinguishers: Effectiveness
Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are more effective than fire extinguishers in the following situations:
- A small fire on a stovetop, oven, or microwave caused by cooking oil, grease, or food. A fire blanket can cover the fire and prevent it from spreading, while a fire extinguisher may cause the oil or grease to splash and spread the fire.
- A small fire in a trash can, wastebasket, or paper bin caused by cigarettes, matches, or candles. A fire blanket prevents it from igniting other combustible materials, while a fire extinguisher may not reach the source of the fire or may damage the container.
- A small fire on an electrical appliance caused by a short circuit or overheating. A fire blanket isolates the fire and cuts off the electricity, while a fire extinguisher may cause an electric shock or damage the appliance.
- A person whose clothing is on fire. A fire blanket can wrap around the person and protect them from the fire, while a fire extinguisher may injure the person or make the fire worse.
Our Top Picks:
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are more effective than fire blankets in the following situations:
- A large or spreading fire in a room. A fire extinguisher can spray a large amount of extinguishing agent and reduce the temperature and oxygen level of the fire, while a fire blanket may not be able to cover the entire fire or may catch fire itself.
- A fire involving flammable liquids, gases, or metals. A fire extinguisher uses a specific type of extinguishing agent that can react with or displace the fuel, while a fire blanket may react with the fuel and cause an explosion.
- A fire in a vehicle caused by a collision, engine malfunction, or fuel leak. A fire extinguisher reaches the fire and prevents it from spreading to other parts of the vehicle, while a fire blanket may burn due to the high temperature.
- A fire in a public, such as a restaurant, office, or warehouse, where there are multiple fire hazards and occupants. A fire extinguisher can control the fire and allow the occupants to evacuate safely; the fire blanket may not be enough to extinguish the fire.
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Fire Blanket vs Fire Extinguisher: Tips on Usage
How to use Fire Blankets
Fire blankets are simple, effective devices that can smother small fires and protect people from flames or heat. To use a fire blanket safely and correctly, follow these steps:
- Before using a fire blanket, ensure the fire is small enough to be covered by the blanket, and there is no risk of explosion or shock. If the fire is too large or involves flammable liquids, gases, or metals, use a fire extinguisher instead.
- Turn off the heat source to prevent the fire from spreading.
- Pull the handles to release the fire blanket from its container, and hold it by the corners, keeping your hands behind the blanket. Do not touch the fire or the blanket with your bare hands.
- Place the fire blanket gently over the fire, covering it completely and sealing the edges to prevent any air from entering. Do not throw the blanket on the fire, which may cause the fire to flare up or spread.
- Leave the fire blanket in place until the fire is completely out, and do not touch or move it, as it may be hot or cause the fire to flare up. Wait for at least 15 minutes before removing the blanket, and check for any signs of smoke or flames.
- If the fire is on a person, wrap the blanket around them, covering their head and body, and roll them on the ground to smother the flames. Do not remove the blanket until the fire is out; seek medical attention.
- Call the emergency services and report the fire and any injuries. Dispose of the fire blanket properly.
Also read this article: Step-by-Step Guide: How To Use a Fire Blanket for Quick Fire Suppression
How to use a Fire Extinguisher
Fire extinguishers are powerful and versatile devices that can spray a substance that can extinguish different types of fires.
To use a fire extinguisher safely and correctly, follow these steps:
- Before using a fire extinguisher, ensure you know the fire class and the type of extinguisher. If the fire is too large or involves electrical equipment, evacuate the area and call the emergency services instead.
- Check the pressure gauge to ensure the pin or seal is intact, and the nozzle is clear. If the pressure is too low or the pin is broken, do not use the extinguisher, as it may not work properly.
- Stand safely from the fire, and aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, not the flames. The distance may vary depending on the type and size of the extinguisher, but it is usually between 2 and 6 meters.
- Squeeze the lever, sweep the nozzle from side to side, and cover the fire with the extinguishing agent. Do not spray the agent in short bursts, as this may reduce the effectiveness and increase the risk of re-ignition.
- Release the trigger when the fire is out, and back away from the area, watch for any signs of re-ignition. If the fire re-ignites, repeat the process until the fire is completely out
- Call the emergency services and report the fire and any injuries.
Fire Blanket vs Fire Extinguisher: How to Store and Maintain
Fire Blankets
- Store the fire blanket in a visible and accessible location near the kitchen, fireplace, or workshop, and mark it with a label.
- Keep the fire blanket away from heat, moisture, dust, or chemicals, and do not fold as this may damage the material.
- Check the fire blanket regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as holes, tears, or stains, and replace it if necessary.
- Clean the fire blanket only if it is dirty, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on washing and drying it.
- Do not reuse the fire blanket if used on fire unless it is certified as reusable by the manufacturer.
Fire Extinguishers
- Store the fire extinguisher in a visible and accessible location near the exit, and mark it with a sign.
- Keep the fire extinguisher away from heat, moisture, dust, or chemicals.
- Do not expose it to direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, or vibrations, which may affect its performance or safety.
- Check the fire extinguisher monthly for any signs of damage and replace it if necessary.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to test and recharge the fire extinguisher, and keep a record of the date and results of each inspection.
Also Read:
- Portable Fire Extinguishers: Your 2024 Ultimate Guide
- Tonyko Fire Blanket: Unlocking Its Powerful Uses and Benefits
- Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers: Fire Safety 101 [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
- The Power of a Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
- Why Every Home Needs a Prepared Hero Fire Blanket: All You Need To Know [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
- Best Fire Extinguishers for Kitchen Safety [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
Conclusion
Both fire blankets and fire extinguishers are useful fire safety tools to help prevent or stop small fires. However, they have different pros and cons and are suitable for different scenarios.
Fire blankets are ideal for smothering fires in closed containers, such as pots, pans, or trash cans. They are also effective for wrapping around a person whose clothes are on fire. Fire extinguishers are better for open fires larger than a blanket can cover, such as furniture, curtains, or electrical equipment.
They can also be used from a safe distance. Therefore, it is advisable to have fire blankets and extinguishers in your home or workplace and know how and when to use them properly.