If you’re responsible for fire safety in a kitchen, workplace, rental property, or holiday let, you may have seen the code BS EN 1869 printed on a fire blanket.
But what exactly does it mean—and why does it matter?
In short, BS EN 1869:2019 is the British and European Standard that sets out the safety and performance requirements for fire blankets. It’s the benchmark that manufacturers must meet to ensure their products are fit for purpose in the UK and across Europe.
Understanding BS EN 1869 helps you make sure the fire blankets you install are genuinely effective, legally compliant, and suitable for the environments in which they’re used.
Let’s break it down.
What Does BS EN 1869 Cover?
BS EN 1869 sets the minimum requirements for fire blankets intended for use in cooking oil fires (Class F fires) and clothing fires, as well as general small fires in homes, workplaces, and catering settings.
To be certified, a fire blanket must undergo rigorous testing for:
- Heat resistance and thermal protection
- Flame resistance of the fabric
- Ease of deployment and handling
- Performance on cooking oil fires (simulating a chip pan fire scenario)
- Material strength and durability when exposed to high temperatures
Only fire blankets that pass these tests can legally be marked as BS EN 1869 compliant.
Colour, Casing, and Labelling
BS EN 1869 also provides guidance on how fire blankets should be packaged, labelled, and stored to ensure they’re clearly visible and ready to use in an emergency.
Fire Blanket Colour
The outer casing of a fire blanket must be red, and it must be clearly marked with the words “FIRE BLANKET” in contrasting white text. This makes it easy to identify in a hurry—especially in high-pressure situations like a kitchen fire.
Pull-Down Tabs
A BS EN 1869-compliant blanket will come in a rigid or soft pouch with two visible pull-down tapes or handles at the base. These are used to quickly and safely remove the blanket from its container in one smooth motion.
Clear Instructions
The casing must also feature clear, simple pictogram-style instructions showing how to use the blanket. This is particularly important in communal environments or where English may not be a first language.
At ESI, we only supply and install fire blankets that meet all of these requirements, giving you peace of mind that your equipment is both safe and compliant.
Suitable Uses for BS EN 1869-Compliant Fire Blankets
Fire blankets that meet BS EN 1869 are designed for:
- Small cooking oil fires in kitchens (Class F)
- Clothing fires involving individuals
- Small container or bin fires that can be smothered entirely
They are ideal for use in:
- Homes and domestic kitchens
- Rental properties and HMOs
- Holiday lets and Airbnb-style accommodation
- Commercial kitchens, cafés, and food trucks
- Canteens, break rooms, and staff kitchens
- Workshops and garages
Regular Checks and Replacement
Even a BS EN 1869-certified fire blanket doesn’t last forever. Most manufacturers recommend replacing fire blankets every 5–7 years, even if unused.
In addition:
- Fire blankets should be included in your annual fire safety checks
- The casing should be inspected for damage or tampering
- Used blankets must be disposed of and replaced immediately
ESI includes fire blanket inspections as part of our fire equipment servicing, helping clients stay compliant without hassle.
Final Thoughts
So, what is BS EN 1869?
It’s the official safety standard for fire blankets used in domestic, commercial, and catering environments. It ensures your fire blanket will:
- Resist heat and flames
- Perform reliably in a real kitchen fire
- Be easy to find, deploy, and use correctly
- Provide safe and effective protection
Always look for the BS EN 1869 certification when choosing a fire blanket—and make sure it’s positioned, maintained, and replaced in line with your fire risk assessment.
Need help sourcing or installing BS EN 1869-compliant fire blankets?
📞 Contact ESI: Electrical Safety Inspections. We help landlords, business owners, and letting agents across Farnborough, Camberley, Reading, Guildford, and surrounding areas stay safe, legal, and protected.
