Fire Blanket Installation Height Guide Australia (2026 Safety Guide)

A fire blanket should be installed where it can be reached quickly and safely during an emergency without requiring someone to move dangerously close to the fire source. In Australia, fire blankets are commonly mounted on walls near kitchens, workshops, caravans, BBQ areas, and commercial cooking spaces at a visible and accessible height—typically around 1.5 metres from the floor to the pull tabs or handle area, depending on the environment and accessibility requirements.

Correct fire blanket installation is important because even the best fire safety equipment may be difficult to use if it is poorly positioned or obstructed during an emergency. Whether you are installing a fire blanket in a home kitchen, caravan, food truck, garage, or commercial premises, proper placement helps improve accessibility, visibility, and response time.

We explains the recommended fire blanket installation height, where fire blankets should be mounted, and how to position them safely for effective fire protection.

Fire Blanket Installation Height Guide

Location	Recommended Placement
Home kitchen	Near exit path, away from stovetop
Caravan or RV	Accessible near cooking area
Garage or workshop	Visible wall near entry or work area
Commercial kitchen	Mounted near cooking equipment but not directly above it
BBQ area	Nearby wall or sheltered outdoor location

Recommended Mounting Height

Fire blankets are commonly installed so the pull tabs or handles are easily reachable for most adults. In many situations, the bottom pull tabs are positioned around 1.5 metres above floor level, depending on wall height, accessibility, and surrounding fire risks.

The blanket should always remain:

• clearly visible

• easy to access

• unobstructed

• readable during an emergency

What Is the Correct Fire Blanket Installation Height?

The correct fire blanket installation height allows fast and safe access during an emergency.

A fire blanket should:

• be reachable without stretching excessively

• remain visible at all times

• avoid obstruction by appliances or furniture

• allow quick removal from the container

For most homes and workplaces, mounting the blanket approximately 1.5 metres from floor level to the handle area provides practical accessibility for adults while keeping it safely away from small children or accidental damage.

However, installation height may vary slightly depending on:

• wall layout

• kitchen design

• workplace requirements

• accessibility considerations

• caravan or RV dimensions

Where Should a Fire Blanket Be Installed?

Fire blankets should be positioned close enough to fire risks for quick access, but not so close that the user must move through flames to reach them.

Best locations include:

• kitchens

• garages

• caravans

• BBQ areas

• food trucks

• workshops

• commercial kitchens

• office lunchrooms

The goal is to provide safe emergency access while maintaining visibility.

Should a Fire Blanket Be Installed Above a Stove?

No.

A fire blanket should generally not be installed directly above a stove, cooktop, fryer, or BBQ.

If a fire starts on the cooking surface, reaching directly above the flames may become dangerous.

Instead, install the fire blanket:

• beside the cooking area

• near an exit path

• within easy reach

• away from direct heat exposure

This placement improves safety during emergency response.

Fire Blanket Installation in Home Kitchens

The kitchen is one of the most common locations for fire blankets because cooking fires are a leading cause of household fire emergencies.

Recommended kitchen placement:

• wall near the kitchen exit

• side wall near the cooking area

• visible location free from clutter

• away from direct stovetop heat

Many Australian households pair a:

• fire blanket kit

• 2kg ABE fire extinguisher

…for broader kitchen fire protection.

Fire Blanket Installation for Caravans and RVs

Caravans, camper trailers, and RVs have compact cooking spaces where quick access to fire safety equipment is especially important.

A caravan fire blanket should be:

• mounted near the cooking area

• visible immediately upon entry

• easy to access in confined spaces

• securely fixed to prevent movement during travel

Compact fire blanket kits are popular for:

• caravans

• motorhomes

• camper trailers

• boats

Fire Blanket Installation for Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens present higher fire risks due to:

• cooking oils

• open flames

• hot equipment

• continuous food preparation

In commercial environments, fire blankets should be:

• clearly visible

• unobstructed

• accessible to staff

• mounted near exits or preparation areas

• positioned away from direct cooking flames

Commercial kitchens may also require:

• wet chemical extinguishers

• fire extinguishers for electrical risks

• compliance with workplace fire safety requirements

Fire Blanket Placement for Workshops and Garages

Garages and workshops often contain:

• electrical tools

• fuel containers

• batteries

• chargers

• flammable materials

Installing a fire blanket near exits or workstations helps improve emergency accessibility.

Many workshop setups combine:

• fire blanket kits

• 4.5kg ABE extinguishers

• CO2 extinguishers for electrical equipment

How to Install a Fire Blanket

Step 1: Choose an Accessible Location

Select a visible area near likely fire risks without placing the blanket directly above them.

Step 2: Ensure Safe Access

Make sure the blanket can be reached without moving through the fire source.

Step 3: Securely Mount the Blanket

Use the supplied wall-mounting hardware and ensure the unit is firmly fixed.

Step 4: Keep Pull Tabs Visible

The pull handles should remain clearly visible and unobstructed.

Step 5: Check Instructions Are Readable

Users should be able to read the operating instructions quickly during an emergency.

Step 6: Inspect Regularly

Check the fire blanket periodically for:

• damage

• moisture exposure

• worn packaging

• missing mounting hardware

Do Fire Blankets Expire?

Fire blankets can deteriorate over time due to:

• moisture exposure

• grease contamination

• physical damage

• ageing materials

If the blanket packaging becomes damaged or the blanket has been deployed, replacement is recommended.

Regular inspection helps ensure the blanket remains ready for emergency use.

Australian Fire Blanket Standards and Safety Guidance

Australian fire safety equipment is commonly installed according to workplace safety practices and relevant Australian Standards, including guidance associated with:

• kitchen fire safety

• emergency accessibility

• fire equipment visibility

• workplace risk management

Proper installation helps ensure faster emergency response and safer operation.

Best Fire Blanket Setups for Homes and Businesses

Homes

Recommended setup:

• kitchen fire blanket

• 2kg ABE extinguisher

Caravans and RVs

Recommended setup:

• compact fire blanket kit

• 1kg ABE extinguisher

Workshops and Commercial Areas

Recommended setup:

• commercial fire blanket

• 4.5kg ABE extinguisher

• CO2 extinguisher for electrical risks

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct fire blanket installation height?

Fire blankets are commonly mounted so the pull tabs or handles are accessible at around 1.5 metres above floor level, depending on the location and accessibility needs.

Where should a fire blanket be installed?

Fire blankets should be installed near kitchens, workshops, caravans, BBQ areas, and cooking spaces where they remain visible and easy to access.

Should a fire blanket be installed above a stove?

No. Fire blankets should generally be installed beside the cooking area rather than directly above the stove to ensure safer access during a fire.

Can you install a fire blanket in a caravan?

Yes. Fire blankets are commonly installed in caravans, RVs, and camper trailers near compact cooking areas.

Do fire blankets expire?

Yes. Fire blankets can deteriorate over time and should be replaced if damaged, contaminated, or previously used.

What fire extinguisher should be paired with a fire blanket?

Many homes use a 2kg ABE fire extinguisher alongside a fire blanket for broader household fire protection.

Conclusion

Correct fire blanket installation is about more than convenience—it is about ensuring fast, safe access during an emergency. Proper placement, accessible mounting height, and regular inspection all help improve fire safety outcomes in homes, caravans, workshops, garages, and commercial kitchens.

A fire blanket should always remain visible, easy to reach, and positioned away from direct fire hazards so it can be used safely if an emergency occurs. Whether you are installing a fire blanket in a household kitchen or a commercial workplace, choosing the right location and mounting height can make a significant difference during the critical first moments of a fire.

Combining a properly installed fire blanket with suitable fire extinguishers provides broader protection and helps create a more complete fire safety setup for Australian homes and businesses.

This article is intended to provide general information and is not customised for any individual's specific circumstances.