When To Use A Fire Blanket Instead Of A Fire Extinguisher In The Lab

Laboratory environments require precise safety measures. Fires can arise quickly, and knowing the right tools to address them can make all the difference.

While fire extinguishers are a familiar option, fire blankets offer different protection. Recognizing when to use a fire blanket equips labs to handle fires safely and efficiently.

When to Use a Fire Blanket in Labs: An Important Safety Element

Fire blankets are made for specific scenarios that differ from fire extinguishers. Unlike extinguishers, which require training and leave residue, fire blankets provide a simple and clean method to address certain types of fires. If you’re smothering a grease fire, containing flames on clothing, or acting as a protective barrier, a fire blanket delivers advantages in a lab environment.

Open flames, chemicals, and electrical equipment create fire risks in laboratories. Fire blankets excel in controlling small fires at their source by cutting off the oxygen supply. They are particularly valuable when a fire extinguisher’s residue might compromise sensitive equipment or ongoing experiments.

Advantages of Fire Blanket Use in Labs

Fire blankets bring safety and practicality into a single solution. When a fire starts, immediate response is necessary. Fire blankets are made from flame-resistant materials like fiberglass, allowing users to act swiftly.

In situations involving personnel, fire blankets become indispensable. Examples include when clothing or hair catches fire. They can wrap the individual securely. Blankets can stop flames without the risk of spraying chemicals near someone’s face. While effective, fire extinguishers can cause respiratory irritation in close-contact situations. A fire blanket provides a safer and more controlled option.

Similarly, small grease or chemical fires benefit from the blanket’s simplicity. For instance, a contained spill on a workbench can be smothered effectively without the mess or equipment downtime.

Training for Proper Fire Blanket Use in Labs

Deploying a fire blanket correctly requires preparation. Fire blankets should be stored in accessible locations, such as near workstations or cooking areas. Every lab should integrate fire blanket training into their broader safety protocols. This training includes knowing how to approach the fire safely, draping the blanket without fanning flames, and leaving it in place until the fire is fully extinguished.

Although fire blankets are relatively straightforward, familiarizing staff with their application reduces panic and maximizes effectiveness during emergencies.

Complementing Fire Extinguishers

Fire blankets and fire extinguishers are complementary. Each has distinct strengths that contribute to a safer lab environment. Fire extinguishers offer range and the ability to tackle larger or spreading fires. However, their chemical discharge can create clean-up challenges and may not suit all situations.

On the other hand, fire blankets shine in areas where precision and minimal disruption are key. For instance, extinguishers might compromise delicate instruments, while fire blankets resolve the fire without damaging equipment.

LOC Scientific presents various solutions for lab safety. Our fire blankets meet the rigorous demands of laboratory environments for reliable performance when it matters most.

We also offer safety flammable storage cabinets to safeguard your workspace further. Contact us today to enhance your lab’s fire safety plan and learn more about how we can support your fire safety needs.