Safety equipment that’s specifically designed for welders is a must-have for any welding project. Whether it’s a welding blanket or a fire blanket, these pieces of equipment will go a long way in making sure that welders don’t get splatters of molten metal everywhere in a welding process. But what is the difference between a welding blanket and a fire blanket and what are each used for?
What’s the difference between a Welding Blanket and a Fire Blanket?
Welding Blanket
A welding blanket protects the welder and the surrounding areas during the welding process. It consists of a layer containing expanded vermiculite, a flexible protective material, and inorganic heat-resistant fibrous material. These layers maintain the structural integrity of the blanket. However, there are different classes of welding blankets because welding techniques are different.
Welding blankets can be made with various materials such as silicate, aluminum paper, polyurethane, graphite, clay, and other coverings that are preferred depending on technical features. Some welding blankets can be used for horizontal or vertical applications, or one-sided or both, to give protection for high or low-intensity welding jobs or for cutting techniques. Some blankets can also have a higher capacity such as a thermal or electric insulator.
Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is a safety device that is used to extinguish starting (incipient) fires. It is made of a sheet of fire retardant material that is placed over a fire to smother it. Most fire blankets in the kitchens and in the home are made of glass fiber and kevlar. These are folded into a quick-release contraption for easy storage. These nonflammable blankets can put a stop to fires up to 900 degrees. Fire blankets are great for emergency situations. This is because they’re designed with quick-release capabilities.
For welding jobs, fire blankets are usually made from high-temperature fiberglass woven fabric. The fabric can be uncoated or coated. They provide protection from slag generated by welding or metal-cutting applications. Standard sizes include 1m x 2m or 2m x 2m.
Welding Thermal Blankets vs Welding Fire Blankets
A welding thermal blanket is used by placing it in direct contact with welded material to decrease the temperature of the welded object gradually. This is done to achieve optimal welding quality. A special kind of mineral, like vermiculite, finishes the job with a higher thermal isolator degree.
A welding fire blanket, on the other hand, is used to repel sparks, slags, and melted metal from welding points. They also serve as a thermal barrier against hot fragments. They could be used vertically or horizontally depending on welding contexts.
Both welding blankets and fire blankets are designed to protect welders not only from splashes and sparks but also against fire and heat. Aside from that, equipment like this offers high security and protection because they meet regulations ISO 9185 for splashes from big chunks of melted metal and EN ISO 11611 for welding and other related techniques
