A fire blanket is a safety device which is used to extinguish small fires which are in their starting stage.

It is highly flame-resistant that so that it can be positioned over a fire to stifle it. Fire blankets are ideally used to put out small household fires.

They are generally used in kitchens where a fire mishap can happen very easily.

As fire thrives on three things namely; heat, oxygen and fuel. If one of these is removed, the fire dies.

Fire blankets are made of different types of materials depending on its manufacturer. Usually, fire blankets which are used for household purposes are made up of fibreglass since it is a lightweight substance.

How does a Fire Blanket Work?

A fire blanket is made of two layers of woven fibreglass fabric and an inner layer of fire retardant film.

Their basic principle is to cut off oxygen supply; which is one of the three elements on which a fire thrives, therefore extinguishing the fire.

In order to stifle a fire one has to place the fire blanket over its top correctly. When the blanket is placed completely over the fire it cuts off the airflow from the fire thus extinguishing it.

But they can only be used to put off small fires from spreading. In case of large fire; do not attempt to put it out, instead, call the fire department for help.

Fire blankets can also be wrapped around your body while exiting a building which is on fire; it provides you protection against the flames from touching your body.

Fire blankets consist of two pull-down tails. You can release the blanket by holding the tails, using the blanket as a shield and cover the burning area.

Benefits of Fire Blankets

Apart from the obvious reasons; that is, putting off fires, fire blankets have many other uses as well.

There can be many situations in your life where these may turn out to be lifesavers. Below are listed some of the reasons why you should invest in them:

• Fire blankets are very easy to use as it requires no former training for use and can be used by anyone, be it an adult or a child.
• They can be used to put off fires on people which is not possible through fire extinguishers.
• One of its greatest advantages is that it lets you to escape fires by wrapping it around your body.
• They can be used to put off small household fires quickly and prevent it from spreading in its initial stage only.
• They are always ready to use and a sure shot option as compared to fire extinguishers which may or may not work.
• A person can easily use it on themselves to put off a fire.
• They are very affordable, inexpensive and easy to store.
• Fire blankets can be cleaned or washed and reused.
• Their availability is not an issue; you can easily purchase a high quality fire blanket from MS Fire Systems.

Where to use them?

Fire blankets are a must for every house; one should have at least one kept in their house.

They can be stored in the kitchen where the chances for a fire breaking out are more.

Or you may place them near exit areas so that they can be used to escape major fires without harming yourself. Make sure that they are easily accessible and not stowed away in cupboards or drawers, making them completely useless when you actually need one immediately.

Also, make sure that each and every member of your house knows where it is kept so that in case of emergencies they can be used efficiently.

Contact MSFire Systems today to order your fire blanket!.

Along with fire extinguishers hose reels are used as a “first attack” appliance used during the early stages of a fire and can be used by building owners, occupiers, tenants and the fire brigade. All staff and personnel should be trained in the safe and effective use of fire hose reels. Fire hose reels are located at strategic places in buildings to provide easy access and a controlled supply of fire retardant (such as water or foam) to extinguish a fire.

MS Firesystems can install, inspect and maintain you hose reels to ensure they are in proper working order. We also inspect the area on an annual basis to confirm there have been no new hazards or factors which may pose additional risk to your staff or property.

General Safe Use of Fire Hose Reel

1.Alert others
2. DO NOT use on electrical fires!
3. Ensure the fire hose reel, is turned on before heading to the fire.
4. Check the water is available at the nozzle. Ensure the nozzle or jet is in the closed position.
5. Pull on the hose, the reel should unwind as it feeds out the hose
6. Turn the nozzle on aim the water at the base of the fire.

If you require or if you are unsure of your obligations regarding First Response Fire Safety Training, please get in touch with one of our fire services specialists.

Server rooms are integral to the upkeep of business functions, including running hundreds of computers, telecommunications operations and irreplaceable data storage. With all that electrical equipment, it’s no wonder that they are a prime spot for ignition. A server room fire can be one of the worst disasters that can befall a business, so here’s how to protect against them and prevent one ever happening to you.

Common causes of a server room fire

Electrical failure of equipment
Overloading plug sockets is a common problem that is overlooked. So too is short circuiting of electrical components such as switched or power inverters.

Overheating electronics
Cooling systems can fail or the room is not specified with enough ventilation which then cause components to overheat to the point that ignition is inevitable.

Subfloor wiring problems
Subfloor wiring can become damaged when subfloors are not strong enough, which will cause any number of problems, including overheating or sparks.

Fires that ignite nearby
Because server room walls often have many holes and conduits for cables to pass into adjoining rooms and offices, they are more vulnerable to fires that ignite nearby. When the fire reaches the server room it quickly engulfs it and it then becomes a dangerous source of deadly noxious gases.

Carry out a risk assessment

A professional fire risk assessments is the first step in preventing a server room fire. A fire prevention specialist will be able to identify risks in an objective manner using guidance that is approved by multiple professional bodies.

You will come away from the risk assessment with a list of recommendations and the help of the officer involved in understanding why your server room presents and risk and how to mitigate these factors.

When designing a brand new server room, having a risk assessment as part of the design process will help make sure the server room is compliant with legislation from day one. You’ll then simply have to update the risk assessment when your server room changes in any way.

Install a fire suppression system

Clean agent or non-volatile fire suppression systems are becoming more easily accessible and affordable. The investment is also a no-brainer for businesses whose server rooms are their lifeblood.

The problem with traditional sprinkler systems is that water can cause just as much damage to electrics as a fire can. Water can also cause short circuits which are yet another cause of fire in server rooms.

Ensure the room is well ventilated

Cooling the room sufficiently is half the battle. If the room isn’t reaching high temperatures then the chances of overheating are minimised and you are therefore preventing one of the causes of server room fires.

At MS Fire Systems, we proudly provide a range of fire safety services for businesses in Zambia. Whether you’d like a new fire suppression system installed, or you’d like your appliances to undergo PAT testing, our expert team can provide exactly what you need, whenever you need it. We even offer in-house fire safety training and risk assessments. If you’d like to know more about our comprehensive fire safety services, please get in touch with us today and we will be more than happy to help.

According to CSO GDP records on National Accounts for 2016, the wholesale and retail trade sector had been the biggest driver of growth in the economy averaging 19% between 2010 and 2014, before slowing down in 2015 and 2016, and subsequently being overtaken by other sectors, including construction, transportation and storage, financial and insurance services.

However, inspection of designated trading places both at construction and operating stages for safety compliancehas not matched the growth of the industry. The result has been increased risk of fire outbreaks and other rescue challenges, in addition to the declining preparedness and capacity to contain any such occurrence.

Good risk management frameworks and protection of property are critical requirements and elements of an enabling business environment. Therefore, provision of efficient and effective fire and rescue services is a key consideration in investment decision making and is critical to the nation’s economic and social wellbeing.

MS Fire Systems is more than capable of providing fire fighting training, equipment supply and maintenance to enforce business fire protection.

Built in 1916, Cocoanut Grove was one of Boston’s hottest nightclubs, but the owners completely ignored fire safety standards inspired by the Triangle Shirtwaist Fire. Instead of providing safe exits and clear, unobstructed paths, they filled the space with false walls, locked doors, and narrow hallways before letting in more than 400 extra people.

Though 600 was the limit for Cocoanut Grove, more than 1000 people were there when a lit match came in contact with a piece of décor. Though the fire raged for only 12 minutes inside the nightclub, it killed 492 people and injured another 200 people, largely because of the lack of accessible exit doors. The main exit – a revolving door at the entrance – jammed almost immediately, causing up to 200 of the deaths that night.

Fortunately, other establishments paid attention to the tragedy at Cocoanut Grove. Businesses began to follow the national Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s codes and improving their exits and exit paths. Three years after the disaster, the NFPA introduced changes to the Code that affected lighting, signs, loose chairs, stairway enclosures, and even the types of interior finishes that could be used in similar settings.

It shouldn’t take a catastrophe to take fire codes seriously. Now that we know what happens when exits aren’t abundant and easily accessible – or when flammable trash or construction materials are exposed to open flames – we must all work together to prevent similar disasters in the future.

MS Fire Systems manufactures high standard & quality Dry Chemical Fire Extinguishers, Class K Kitchen Fire Extinguishers, and Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers for your business and office needs. We also produce an unbeatable quality of Fire Extinguisher Cabinets and other Fire Extinguisher Accessories. Be sure to contact us to find a dealer near you today.