Personal Protective Fire Blankets (PPFB)

A Personal Protective Fire Blanket (PPFB) is fundamentally different from a suppression blanket. Governed by AFAC (Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council) specifications, these are life-safety devices designed to protect a person from radiant heat and direct flame.

Technical Materials & Insulation

While a suppression blanket focuses on stopping oil, a PPFB focuses on Thermal Protective Performance (TPP).

  • Treated Wool: High-quality PPFBs are often made of 100% pure wool (typically 500–600 gsm) treated with fire-retardant chemicals. Wool is naturally fire-resistant and provides superior insulation against radiant heat.
  • Advanced Fibres: Some high-end industrial versions use Pre-oxidised Carbon Fibre (PCA) or Aramid blends.
  • Difference from Fibreglass: Standard fibreglass suppression blankets can become brittle or “crack” if folded tightly around a moving person; PPFBs remain flexible and provide a much thicker thermal barrier between the fire and the skin.

Sizing and Life Safety Application

To be compliant with AFAC specifications, a PPFB must be significantly larger than a kitchen blanket:

  • Minimum Dimensions: Usually 2.0m×1.8m or 1.8m×1.8m.
  • Application: The blanket must be large enough to protect a user in the sitting, kneeling, or prone positions. It is intended for use in “fire entrapment” scenarios, such as when a person is trapped in a vehicle or building and must shield themselves from a passing fire front or evacuate through a high-heat zone.

Comparison: Summary for Fireshift

FeatureSuppression Blanket (AS/NZS 3504)Personal Protective (PPFB)
Primary GoalExtinguish a fire (Suppression)Protect a human (Shielding)
MaterialWoven FibreglassTreated Wool / PCA / Aramid
Primary RiskCooking Oil / Small SolidsRadiant Heat / Direct Flame
Typical Size1.8m×1.2m2.0m×1.8m
ReusabilityStrictly Single-UseReusable (if inspected and undamaged)