If you’ve got fire safety responsibilities—whether for a small business, rental property, or commercial kitchen—you probably know that fire extinguishers need regular servicing. But what about fire blankets?

It’s a common question: Does a fire blanket need servicing?
The short answer is no, not in the same way that a fire extinguisher does—but that doesn’t mean you can ignore it entirely.

Let’s break it down.

Fire Blankets Don’t Need Technical Servicing

Unlike fire extinguishers, which contain pressurised agents and moving parts, fire blankets are passive devices made from heat-resistant fabric (usually woven glass fibre). They don’t require refilling, pressure checks, or discharge testing.

Because of this, there is no formal “servicing” required under BS EN 1869—the British Standard that covers fire blankets.

However, that doesn’t mean they can be left unchecked forever.

Fire Blankets Still Need Regular Inspection

Fire blankets should still be inspected annually as part of your overall fire safety maintenance routine. This inspection is usually carried out alongside your extinguisher service or fire risk assessment review.

During a basic check, you or your fire safety provider should:

✅ Confirm the blanket is present and correctly wall-mounted
✅ Check the outer casing for damage, cracks, or tampering
✅ Make sure the pull-down tabs are intact and clearly visible
✅ Verify that instructions are legible and facing outward
✅ Record the inspection in your fire logbook

At ESI, we include fire blanket checks in our annual fire equipment servicing for clients across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and the wider Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire areas.

When Should a Fire Blanket Be Replaced?

Most manufacturers recommend replacing fire blankets every 5 to 7 years, even if they haven’t been used. Over time, the fabric can degrade or become less effective, especially in environments with high heat, moisture, or airborne grease (like commercial kitchens).

You should also replace a fire blanket immediately if:

• It has been used, even just once
• The outer container is cracked, burnt, or damaged
• The blanket is not BS EN 1869 compliant
• It is missing from its designated location

Don’t wait for an incident to find out your fire blanket is no longer fit for purpose.

Are Fire Blankets a Legal Requirement?

In many premises—especially those with a kitchen—a fire blanket is expected as part of your fire safety provisions, based on your fire risk assessment.

This includes:

• Holiday lets and Airbnbs
• HMOs and rental properties
• Offices with kitchenettes or break rooms
• Commercial kitchens, food trucks, and cafés
• Schools, nurseries, and care homes

While the law doesn’t always name fire blankets specifically, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires the responsible person to provide “appropriate fire-fighting equipment.” In many cases, that means a blanket as well as extinguishers.

Final Thoughts

So—does a fire blanket need servicing?

🔧 No, it doesn’t need technical servicing like an extinguisher
✅ But it does need checking regularly as part of your fire safety routine
🛠️ It should be replaced every 5–7 years, or immediately after use or damage
📋 And it should be documented in your fire safety records

At ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections, we help businesses, landlords, and property managers stay safe and compliant by checking all fire equipment—not just the obvious bits. We’ll inspect your fire blankets during your annual visit and let you know when they need replacing.

Need help reviewing or replacing your fire blankets?

📞 Contact ESI today for friendly advice and support. We cover Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and across Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire.