Choosing the Right Welding Blanket for Safety in Chemical Environments: What Do You Recommend?

Dear Safety Seniors,

Please suggest which welding blanket to use for welding and cutting operations as a precautionary measure in a chemical company where flammable solvents are used.

1. Ceramic Vermiculite coated with SS Wire welding blanket
2. KARBOSIL (Lightweight carbon fiber fire) - 100% itch-free welding blanket
3. Graphite-coated fiberglass welding blanket
4. Fiberglass welding blanket
5. Silicon-coated fiberglass welding blanket

Regards,
Abhay

Dear Abhay, you have asked a very technical question. There are many types of fire blankets in the market. In your case, what you require is:

1. One that will not absorb solvent and become a fire hazard in itself. It means the blanket must be solvent-resistant.
2. A blanket that will not emit toxic gases when exposed to intense heat or flame.
3. A blanket that will not emit airborne fibers.
4. A blanket that will meet industry standards for the purpose.

Fiberglass fabrics resist most acids, alkalis, and solvents except hydrofluoric acid. However, I strongly recommend using a Silicone Coated Fire Blanket only for your use in a solvent atmosphere. You can also use a Ceramic Vermiculite coated with SS Wire welding blanket or even a graphite-coated fiberglass fire blanket, which stands next only to the silicon-coated one.

Regards,
Kesava Pillai

Dear Sir, Thank you for your valuable answer. I hope this will be the perfect answer to Abhay's query.

Dear Abhay, As I do not have exposure to the chemical field, I did not reply to your query, even though I had seen it.

TJ, Let's be positive. Let us put our efforts together to make this forum a self-assured one for getting solutions. Nowadays, the participation from senior members in the field of safety is increasing. Hence, I do not feel that it is the wrong place.

I request everyone to spread the availability of such a great platform to all your known Safety Professionals. Let's make it a self-assured place to get solutions.

Thanks once again.

Dear Kesava Sir and Abhay, I knew about fire blankets, but learning about their types and specific uses was new to me. I have gained new knowledge. Thank you very much.

Regards,
Hansa