AS/NZS 3504 Explained
Last updated: October 2026
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Fire blankets
AS/NZS 3504 sets out requirements for fire blankets used for controlling small fires.
It covers aspects of their construction, performance, marking and packaging so that a fire blanket is suitable for its intended purpose.
For FireTest, AS/NZS 3504 sits alongside NZS 4503:2005, which provides the broader New Zealand framework for the selection, installation, inspection and maintenance of hand-operated fire-fighting equipment.
What Does AS/NZS 3504 Cover?
AS/NZS 3504 establishes requirements for fire blankets, including their materials, construction, performance, marking and instructions.
Fire blankets are simple pieces of fire-fighting equipment, but their ability to perform when required depends on the blanket being appropriately manufactured, stored and maintained.
What Is a Fire Blanket Used For?
A fire blanket is designed to help control a small fire by covering it and restricting the oxygen available to the fire.
They are commonly associated with kitchens and other areas where there is a risk of a small cooking-related fire.
Fire blankets may also be used in some circumstances where a person's clothing has caught fire.
Like any fire-fighting equipment, they need to be used appropriately and only where it is safe to do so.
Are All Fire Blankets the Same?
No. A fire blanket should be designed and manufactured for its intended fire-fighting purpose.
Its size, construction, materials, packaging and instructions all contribute to whether it is suitable for use.
Simply having something labelled as a “fire blanket” does not mean its condition or suitability should be taken for granted.
What Is Checked During a Fire Blanket Inspection?
A routine inspection considers whether the fire blanket remains available, accessible and apparently suitable for use.
This can include checking the condition of the container or pouch, operating tabs or straps, instructions and identification.
The location of the blanket is also important. It should be readily accessible and positioned so that someone does not have to move dangerously close to a fire to reach it.
Where appropriate, the blanket itself may also need to be examined for signs of damage, contamination or deterioration.
Does a Fire Blanket Need Regular Servicing?
Fire blankets form part of the hand-operated fire-fighting equipment covered by the wider inspection and maintenance framework of NZS 4503:2005.
Periodic inspection helps confirm that the blanket remains present, accessible, identifiable and in suitable condition.
Unlike an extinguisher, a fire blanket does not contain a pressurised extinguishing agent or mechanical operating system, but that does not mean it should simply be installed and forgotten.
→ Read our NZS 4503:2005 guide
Can a Fire Blanket Be Reused?
A fire blanket that has been used on a fire should not simply be folded back into its container and assumed to be ready for another emergency.
Exposure to heat, flames, contaminants or physical damage can affect its condition.
Where a blanket has been deployed in an actual fire, replacement is generally the appropriate course of action.
What Can Cause a Fire Blanket to Fail an Inspection?
Issues may include damage to the blanket or its container, contamination, missing or damaged deployment tabs, illegible instructions or the blanket being inaccessible.
Its location can also be a problem.
A perfectly good fire blanket mounted somewhere that cannot be safely or quickly reached may not provide effective protection when it is needed.
What About Fire Blanket Location and Signage?
Fire-fighting equipment needs to be easy to identify and access during an emergency.
The location of a fire blanket should therefore take into account the hazard it is intended to protect against and the ability of a person to reach the blanket without unnecessarily exposing themselves to the fire.
Appropriate identification and signage can also help people locate the equipment quickly.
Is AS/NZS 3504 the Servicing Standard?
Not by itself. AS/NZS 3504 primarily establishes requirements for the fire blanket itself.
For the wider selection, installation, inspection and maintenance of hand-operated fire-fighting equipment in New Zealand, NZS 4503:2005 is particularly relevant.
This is similar to the relationship between NZS 4503 and AS/NZS 1841 for portable fire extinguishers.
Where Does AS/NZS 3504 Fit With Other Fire Standards?
The main standards we're covering in the FireTest section of our library are:
NZS 4503:2005 — Hand-operated fire-fighting equipment
AS/NZS 1841 — Portable fire extinguishers
AS/NZS 3504 — Fire blankets
AS/NZS 1221 — Fire hose reels
Each addresses a different part of the overall fire-equipment framework, with NZS 4503 providing the central link for inspection and maintenance in New Zealand.
Need Help With Fire Blanket Inspections?
FireTest – Fire Equipment Testing & Compliance
FireTest provides inspection and servicing of hand-operated fire-fighting equipment as part of NZ Test Group.
Our inspections can include fire blankets alongside portable fire extinguishers and fire hose reels, helping businesses identify equipment requiring attention and maintain appropriate servicing records.
If you're unsure whether your fire blankets are correctly located or due for inspection, talk to our team.