Process of Commissioning & Servicing for Fire Blankets

Process of Commissioning & Servicing for Fire Blankets

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

Small fire blankets, for use in kitchens and around the home, are usually made of either fibreglass or woven-nylon coated with silicone-based flame retardant and folded in to a quick-release container for ease of storage.

Visual Inspection by the Responsible Person

1. The responsible person should carry out visual inspections of all fire blankets regularly. These visual inspections should be carried out at least monthly. When circumstances require, inspections should be carried out more frequently.
2. When carrying out these visual inspections, it should be ensured that:
3. each fire blanket is correctly located in the designated place;
4. each fire blanket is unobstructed and visible
5. the operating instructions of each fire blanket are clean and legible and face outwards;
6. each fire blanket container is not obviously damaged and that the hand hold devices are visible and undamaged
7. the tamper indicators of each fire blanket, where fitted, are not broken or missing.
8. The responsible person should record the results of these visual inspections and arrange for corrective action, where necessary, by a service provider. In the event of doubt the responsible person should arrange for a service provider to examine the fire blanket.

Mounting

Fire Blankets should be mounted so as to position the hand hold devices approximately 1.5 m from the floor.

The positioning of kitchen furniture and/or equipment should not preclude access to the blanket.

Process of Commissioning

The commissioning of a fire blanket should be carried out by a Person with the training and experience, with access to the relevant tools, equipment and information, manuals and knowledge of any special procedures recommended by the manufacturer of the fire blanket, to carry out the relevant maintenance procedures. Upon removal from its packaging and transit protection, and immediately prior to placing in its designated place, the fire blanket should undergo this sequence of commissioning service actions:

1	External examination of container	Examine the container for serious damage that could impair the safe operation of the fire blanket or the life of the blanket held inside.
2	Operating instructions	Check the operating instructions for correctness and legibility, ensuring that the text is in English.
3	Wall-mounting	1. Wall mount the fire blanket securely, ensuring that the hand hold devices are readily accessible, as designed.
		2. Most blankets require to be wall-mounted in the container to allow the blanket to be easily deployed when required.
4	Deployment	Check that the blanket is able to be easily released from the container as the manufacturer intended, by following the operating instructions.
5	Visual inspection	Check that the fire blanket has not been used; is not obviously damaged or has any hand hold devices missing or unsatisfactorily affixed to the blanket. Check the manufacturers label
6	Reassembly	Reassemble the fire blanket in accordance with the folding instructions of the blanket manufacturer. Replace with new any safety element designed to show whether the blanket has been deployed. Ensure the blanket is clean and dust free
7	Affix maintenance label	Affix the maintenance label to the blanket in an appropriate position on the container, and complete the details on the maintenance label.

Basic servicing

A)    The responsible person should ensure that basic service be carried out at 12 monthly intervals. The maintenance intervals given for basic service have for practical purposes a tolerance of ±1 month. Intervals should be taken from the date of installation or the last basic service. Intervals may be shortened, on the recommendation of the service provider where inspection reveals environmental and/or special hazards, or at the request of the responsible person.

B)    The basic service of a fire blanket should be carried out by a service provider. The fire blanket should undergo this sequence of commissioning service actions:

1	External examination of container	Examine the container for serious damage that could impair the safe operation of the fire blanket or the life of the blanket held inside.
2	Operating instructions	Check the operating instructions for correctness and legibility, ensuring that the text is in English.
3	Wall-mounting	1. Wall mount the fire blanket securely, ensuring that the hand hold devices are readily accessible, as designed.
		2. Most blankets require to be wall-mounted in the container to allow the blanket to be easily deployed when required.
4	Age	Check the age of the fire blanket.
5	Deployment	Check that the blanket is able to be easily released from the container as the manufacturer intended, by following the operating instructions.
6	Visual inspection	Check that the fire blanket has not been used; is not obviously damaged or has any hand hold devices missing or unsatisfactorily affixed to the blanket. Check the blanket is manufactured to BS EN 1869.
7	Reassembly	Reassemble the fire blanket in accordance with the folding instructions of the blanket manufacturer. Replace with new any safety element designed to show whether the blanket has been deployed.
8	Maintenance label	Complete the details on the maintenance label
9	Report	Write an inspection report advising the responsible person of the state of maintenance of the fire blanket

Labelling

General

Any labelling that is applied to the fire blanket container should not obscure any marking required by BS EN 1869.

Maintenance label

1. The maintenance record should be indelibly marked on a durable label that is fixed firmly to the fire blanket container without obscuring any of the manufacturer’s markings and instructions. Where there is no more space on the maintenance label and a new label is fixed, the date of commissioning should be marked on the new label.
2. The following information should be given on the maintenance label:
1. type of action (commissioning or basic service)
2. name and postal address of the maintenance supplier;
3. a mark clearly identifying the service provider;
4. the date (year and month) of the action in a) above;
5. the date (year and month) of commissioning

This information should be readable without any special equipment.

Any additional information for the benefit of service providers may be shown in a more compact form, such as bar codes.

Evaluation of fitness - Blankets which are to be condemned

Any fire blanket with a major defect or defects which make it unsafe for use should be immediately removed from its designated place, and marked “CONDEMNED” together with the reason for this assessment. The responsible person should be advised in the written report (Service Report) that a permanent replacement is needed as soon as possible. Evaluation of whether the damage or wear to a fire blanket make it unsafe for use depends on the judgement of the service provider.

Conditions indicating that a fire blanket is unsafe for use

Potentially the most serious hazard presented by a defective fire blanket is it’s inability to either (a) be deployed or (b) starve a fire of oxygen, allowing the fire to burn uncontrollably after deployment. These could be caused by any of the following conditions:

1. wear, contamination or damage to the fire blanket material.
2. wear or damage to the fire blanket hand hold devices;
3. serious damage to the container;
4. fire damage to the container or fire blanket;
5. age. Follow manufacturer’s instructions or if there are none then if more than 7 years from date of commissioning consider replacing the blanket.

Provision of a written report

The service provider should advise the responsible person in a written report or service report:

1. of any fire blankets that have been condemned or are missing;

2. of any permanent replacement fire blankets required to replace those reported in a);

3. of any additional fire blankets required to ensure that the level of cover at the premises is appropriate for the risks present;

4. that any replacement or additional fire blankets reported in b) or c) should be provided as soon as possible; and

5. of the responsible person’s obligation under fire legislation to provide an appropriate level of fire-fighting equipment at all times.

Permanent replacement of a Fire Blanket.

It is the duty of the responsible person to arrange for permanent replacement fire blankets to be put into place as soon as possible after inspection has shown that some fire blankets should be replaced. The service provider is responsible for bringing this duty to the responsible person’s attention in the written report.

Which is better, a conventional or addressable fire alarm system?

Conventional or Addressable Fire Alarm System?

Choosing a fire alarm system isn’t just about adhering to legal requirements; it’s also about saving time, money and effort. Both conventional and addressable fire alarm systems can meet NFPA 72 that governs fire alarm installation, testing, and maintenance across the country. NFPA 72 does not mandate one system type over the other. It requires that whichever system you install meets the performance and safety standards for your building's occupancy type and use.

What this means in practice is that the choice between addressable and conventional comes down to your building's specific needs — not a code requirement to pick one over the other. However, local Albuquerque codes and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) may have specific requirements for certain building types or occupancies. Wired designs all systems to NFPA 72 and local Albuquerque code from the start, and handles all permit and AHJ acceptance testing as part of the installation process.

What Exactly Is a Conventional Fire Alarm System?

A conventional fire alarm system divides a building into multiple zones, with each zone connected to a central control panel via dedicated wiring. When a detector in a particular zone is triggered — whether by smoke, heat, or manual call points — the control panel lights up that zone, alerting responders to the general area of the emergency.

Unlike newer technologies, a conventional fire detection system doesn’t pinpoint the exact device that triggered the alarm. Instead, it narrows the response to a predefined zone — which works perfectly well in smaller or less complex properties.

These systems are the backbone of fire protection in thousands of buildings across India and the world, and for good reason: they are reliable, cost-effective, and straightforward to install and maintain.

How does a conventional fire detection system work? ​

The building is divided into zones, each connected to the fire alarm control panel (FACP) via separate radial wiring circuits. These circuits can accommodate multiple devices, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors and manual call points. Sounders or alarms are also wired to the panel via separate sounder circuits. When a device in a zone is triggered, the FACP identifies which zone the alarm came from, but not the specific device.  

When would you choose a conventional fire alarm system?

Conventional fire systems are an ideal affordable option for smaller buildings where precise location tracking is not critical and budget constraints are a concern. Typical sites include: 

Retail shops: Conventional systems can be appropriate for compact shops with clear visibility and access.

Small offices: The system’s lower up front cost can make it a budget-friendly option for start-ups or small businesses where fire detection needs are limited to a few rooms.

Workshops and small warehouses: Open layouts make it easier to locate the source of an alarm and tend to require minimal zoning.   

 

How Many Zones Do You Actually Need?

Zone planning is at the heart of designing a conventional fire detection system. A well-planned zone layout ensures that:

·        Evacuation routes are clearly informed by the alarm

·        Emergency responders know exactly which section of the building to prioritize

·        False alarms in one zone don’t disrupt the entire facility

As a general rule, each floor of a building can be treated as one or two zones depending on size. Corridors, staircases, and high-risk areas like kitchens and server rooms should be individually zoned for faster response. 

The Buildings That Benefit Most From a Conventional Fire Alarm System

Not every building needs a sophisticated addressable fire detection system. Here’s where a conventional fire alarm system truly shines:

·        Small to Mid-Sized Commercial Buildings

Offices, retail shops, and small warehouses with clearly defined zones are ideal candidates. When the building layout is simple and space divisions are logical, conventional zoning matches perfectly with the physical structure.

·        Educational Institutions

Like coaching centres, and small school / colleges often have clearly separated wings or floors that map neatly onto conventional zones. The simplicity also makes it easier for non-technical staff to understand the alarm panel.

·        Residential Apartments and Housing Societies

Small-rise residential buildings (G+1 / G+2) benefit greatly from conventional systems. Each floor or block can be assigned a zone, giving residents and security personnel clear, actionable information during an emergency — without the complexity or cost of addressable systems.

·        Healthcare Clinics and Small Hospitals

Smaller healthcare facilities with well-defined departments (OPD, wards, reception) can be zoned effectively. A conventional fire alarm system here ensures rapid evacuation zone-by-zone when every second counts.

·        Industrial Units and Manufacturing Plants

Small-to-medium factories with defined sections — production floor, storage, offices — benefit from the robustness and simplicity of conventional systems. These environments can be harsh, and conventional systems are built to withstand it.

·        Hospitality — Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

Properties with limited floors (G+1/G+2) and simple layouts don’t need the complexity (or the price tag) of an addressable system. A well-designed conventional fire alarm system covers all the bases effectively.

 

Benefits and limitations of conventional systems

Benefits	Limitations
Cost-effective: Conventional panels tend to be cheaper than addressable panels and can be a more affordable option for small installations.	Limited information: Only shows the zone, not the exact device, making it harder to pinpoint the location of a fire or fault.
Simple: The simplicity of these types of system makes installation and maintenance straightforward in basic layouts.	More wiring: Each zone requires separate cabling, which can become complex and increase installation cost.
Reliable: Can be a good solution for straightforward fire detection needs.	Harder troubleshooting: Identifying faults requires manual inspection of the whole zone to locate the faulty device, making maintenance time consuming and costly.

What is an addressable fire alarm system?

An addressable fire alarm system is a more advanced and intelligent type of fire detection system. Unlike conventional systems, it can pinpoint the exact location of a triggered device, thanks to each component having a unique digital address. 

 

How does an addressable fire detection system work?

All devices (detectors, call points, sounders etc.) are connected to an addressable fire alarm control panel (FACP) on a loop, or series of loops. Each device is allocated a unique identifier (or address), which is programmed into the panel. In the event of a fire or system fault, the FACP identifies exactly which device triggered the alarm and where it is located. The control panel continuously communicates with each device, checking for faults, maintenance needs, and alarms.

 

Benefits and limitations of addressable systems

Benefits	Limitations
Pinpoint accuracy: Identifies the exact device and location of the alarm, allowing for faster response in an emergency.	Higher up-front cost: The cost of equipment tends to be more expensive and commissioning the system takes longer, requiring a bigger initial investment.
Efficient maintenance: Users are quickly alerted of faults as well as their exact location, minimising both system downtime and maintenance costs.	May be overkill: Small, simple buildings do not always require the additional features and functionality offered by addressable systems.
Scalable and flexible: Addressable systems are easier to expand and reconfigure, allowing them to adapt to changing building needs.
Reduced wiring: Loop configuration simplifies installation in large buildings, minimising costly wiring.
Advanced features: Modern panels offer a range of additional features, such as integration with other building systems, programming capabilities and event logging.

 

When would you choose an addressable fire alarm system?

Addressable systems are the best choice for environments where precision, scalability and advanced monitoring are essential. Examples of sites that benefit from the enhanced protection afforded by an addressable fire system include: 

Office buildings: Addressable fire panels can monitor hundreds of devices across multiple floors, while system expansion is straightforward when tenants or layouts change.  

Hotels: Quick and accurate alarm identification enables a fast and efficient emergency response and enhances guest safety. 

Hospitals: The ability to pinpoint the exact location of an incident can help avoid unnecessary evacuation and minimise patient disruption. Large sites with multiple buildings also benefit from the ability to monitor the system from a central location.  

Apartment buildings: In an apartment complex, an addressable system can support individual unit monitoring, reduce nuisance alarms and is easier to maintain and upgrade over time. 

Heritage sites: An addressable FACP supports integration with systems such as gas extinguishing. This type of fire suppression is often essential for buildings such as museums, where water could cause irreparable damage to sensitive and historic artifacts.   

Key differences between addressable and conventional systems

Choosing between a conventional and an addressable fire alarm system isn’t just about budget, it’s about finding the right fit for your building’s size, complexity, and safety needs. This section breaks down the core differences between the two systems across critical factors like detection accuracy, wiring, cost and maintenance. 

 

How do addressable and conventional alarms differ

Conventional: With a conventional system, there is no way of pinpointing the exact location of the fire. However, by wiring your building into different zones, you can get a general idea of where the fire is. For instance, if you have two floors, you could wire the first as ‘zone 1’ and the second as zone 2. So if a fire occurs in zone 1, you know that the fire is somewhere on the first floor. 

Addressable: Every device connected to the addressable system has its own unique address. When a fire is detected, the device’s address shows up on the main control panel, telling you exactly which device has been activated. This will enable you to find the exact location of a fire and extinguish them quickly.

 

Location Accuracy

Conventional: Zone-level information only. Like: Zone 2, so you need to check entire Zone 2 area.

Addressable: Pinpoint exact device. Exact location name indicate at fire panel display.

 

Detection

Conventional: Identifies alarms by zone. When a detector is triggered the fire alarm control panel will show the affected zone, but cannot identify the specific device. 

Addressable: Identifies alarms by individual device. The panel displays the exact device and location. 

 

False Alarm Control

Conventional: Such type control not possible.

Addressable: Yes control through sensitivity changing. Programmable sensitivity per device.

 

Device monitoring

Conventional: Can not possible to monitor each detector / MCP status. It monitors only entire Zone status.

Addressable:  Each individual detector / devices are monitor by FACP. each device reports status.

 

Installation

Conventional: Requires separate wiring for each zone, which can make cabling costs expensive as the number of zones increases. 

Addressable: Devices are connected on loops and require less wiring overall, especially in large or complex buildings. Commissioning the system can take longer due to the need to program the FACP. 

 

Wiring differences

Conventional: With a conventional alarm, each device will be connected to the control panel via its own wire, rather than a shared one. One end of the wire will be touching the device, and another touching the control panel (called Class B Circuits). EOL resistance is mandatory to fix. A single conventional zone cannot cover more than 2,000 square metres of floor space. If a building's total floor area is less than 300 square metres, the entire property can be configured as a single zone.

Addressable: Addressable alarm systems connect devices using a loop (called Class A Circuits). This is where one wire connects all devices to the control panel. Both ends of the wire loop connect to the control panel.

 

Integration

Conventional: in this system you can integrate with 2-3 utility service, it varies panel to panel, some panel has extra relay circuit which can integrate 5-6nos devices. Can not get any status from Flow Switch/ Pressure Switch etc. Modbus / BACnet communication not possible.

Addressable: In this system you can integrate maximum utility services. Like: Access Control, PA System, Fire Damper, Smoke Damper, Lift, AHU, Electrical Panel, emergency lighting etc, you can get status flow switch etc. Modbus / BACnet communication possible, BMS system can get entire FACP data/points.

 

Cost

Conventional: Often has a lower upfront cost for equipment and installation, however can be more expensive to maintain and reconfigure.  

Addressable: Higher initial investment due to advanced technology and programming but offers long-term savings through better diagnostics and reduced maintenance costs.

 

Reliability

The addressable alarm panel is also the more reliable of the two. This is because the wire connects to the control panel at both ends (see the diagram above). If one end of the loop becomes severed, signals can still be sent to the control panel via the other end of the loop. Loop isolation modules are also used to separate devices on the loop. This means that if one device becomes disconnected, it won’t disable the circuit. With a conventional system, if a wire has become severed, the device will become disconnected. 

 

Maintenance

Conventional: Requires manual testing to identify faults, which can be time-consuming.  

Addressable: Self-diagnostic capabilities allow the FACP to report faults and maintenance issues, allowing for faster and more efficient maintenance.

 

Scalability

Conventional: Adding new zones or devices often requires significant rewiring. 

Addressable: Easy to add or reprogram devices without major changes to infrastructure, allowing the system to adapt to evolving building needs.   

Can You Upgrade from Conventional to Addressable?

Yes — and it is more common than most building owners expect. Many older commercial buildings in New Mexico were originally equipped with conventional systems that made sense at the time. As those buildings expand, change occupancy, or need to integrate with modern security systems, upgrading to addressable becomes the right move.

A retrofit from conventional to addressable does not always require completely new wiring. In many cases, existing low-voltage infrastructure can be reused or extended. Wired assesses your current system and gives you a clear picture of what an upgrade involves before any work begins.

One important consideration: if your conventional system is aging, the cost of continuing to maintain it often approaches the cost of upgrading. Old conventional panels are harder to get parts for, and troubleshooting zone-based systems without device-level diagnostics takes more labor time. An addressable upgrade often pays for itself through reduced maintenance costs over a few years. 

Overall 

Functionally, the addressable fire alarm unit is superior, which can help prevent costly activities and save time when detecting a fire. It’s also cheaper and easier to install. But in terms of buying price, a conventional system is cheaper, and will meet the functional needs of small premises where a sophisticated system is not necessary.

NFPA 72 going to adds new requirements for advanced features including cybersecurity protection and sophisticated sensing capabilities. These requirements are much easier to meet with addressable systems, which is one more reason larger or more complex facilities are moving toward addressable as the standard.

The right fire alarm system depends on your building's size, layout, occupancy type, integration needs, and budget. There is no one-size-fits-all answer — but there is a right answer for your specific facility, and getting it right the first time saves money and headaches down the road.

Wired makes it simple. Contact us (ssaintegrate@gmail.com) today for a free fire alarm consultation. We'll walk through your building, review your current system if you have one, and give you a clear recommendation — conventional, addressable, or a hybrid approach — based on exactly what your facility needs to meet code and keep people safe.