Fire Safety Products
There is a range of fire safety products on the market that can help prevent and respond to fires. Products such as fire retardant paint can help stop a fire from either commencing or spreading. Fire blankets and fire extinguishers can be helpful in putting out a minor fire. Queensland Fire & Rescue Service recommends that you consider these products for your particular circumstance. If in doubt, consult a reputable fire protection company.
Fire Extinguishers
Dry Chemical Powder
- This type of extinguisher is suitable for most household fires.
- A one kilogram Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher will last approximately 10 to 12 seconds.
- This type of extinguisher is effective against small fires.
Maintenance Regulations
- Choose a fire extinguisher approved by Australian Standards.
- Monitor the pressure gauge to ensure correct pressure.
- Shake it occasionally to prevent the powder from settling.
- Have it serviced every six months and pressure tested every five years by a qualified person.
- Refill your extinguisher, as soon as possible, after it has been used.
Use a fire extinguisher ONLY if:
- you know that the extinguisher is suitable for use on the flammable materials involved in the fire;
- you have considered whether electricity is possibly involved and, if so, that the available extinguishing agent is non-conducting;
- you can extinguish the fire quickly;
- you are not putting your life at risk by staying in the vicinity of the fire; and
- all other persons have been evacuated from the area.
Fire Blankets
When to use a Fire Blanket
- A fire blanket is ideal for cooking fat fires and can be used to wrap around people if their clothes catch on fire.
- Place (not throw) fire blankets over cooking fat fires, keeping hands and face protected behind it.
- Turn off the heat source and leave the blanket over the burnt area for at least 15 minutes or until the heat has dissipated.
- Dial 000 to call the fire service.
Fire Blanket Regulations
- Your fire blankets should be Australian Standards approved.
- It must measure not less than 1 metre by 1 metre.
- It should be installed in or close to the kitchen.
Download the Guide to the selection and location of portable fire extinguishers and fire blankets (PDF / 781 KB) from the Tasmania Fire Service website.
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Last updated July 2009
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