IS 15381:2003 specifies the requirements for fire blankets made primarily from asbestos cloth, designed for use in early-stage fire fighting to protect operators and smother fires. This standard details material specifications, manufacturing practices, dimensions, workmanship, and marking requirements, ensuring safety and quality for fire safety professionals and manufacturers.
Overview
IS 15381:2003 specifies the requirements for fire blankets made primarily from asbestos cloth, designed for use in early-stage fire fighting to protect operators and smother fires. This standard details material specifications, manufacturing practices, dimensions, workmanship, and marking requirements, ensuring safety and quality for fire safety professionals and manufacturers.
Audience
Contents
Structure
| IS No. | Title Summary |
|---|---|
| 7639 | Sampling of asbestos cement products |
| 11451 | Occupational asbestos exposure safety |
| 11767 | Cleaning plants using asbestos fibers |
| 11768 | Disposal of asbestos waste |
| 11770 (Part 3) | Control of asbestos dust emission (non-cement products) |
| 12078 | Personal protection for asbestos handlers |
| 12079 | Packaging, transport, storage of asbestos |
| 12080 | Local exhaust ventilation systems |
| 12081 (Parts 1 & 2) | Warning signs for asbestos and products |
| 13362 | Asbestos yarn textiles |
| Component | Material | Particulars |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Cloth asbestos yarn | Yarn per IS 13362, thickness 1.6 mm |
| Loops | Tape/web asbestos or cloth asbestos | Thickness 1.6 mm (Annex A) |
| Stitching | Sewing thread asbestos | As per Annex B |
graph TD
A[Fire Blanket 1.8m x 1.8m]
A --> B[Body: Cloth asbestos yarn (1.6 mm)]
A --> C[Loops: Tape/Web asbestos or Cloth asbestos (1.6 mm)]
A --> D[Stitching: Asbestos sewing thread,
Rounding Off (IS 2:1960):
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 7639 : 1975 | Methods of sampling of asbestos cement products |
| 11451 : 1986 | Safety and health requirements for occupational asbestos exposure |
| 11767 : 1986 | Cleaning premises/plants using asbestos fibres |
| 11768 : 1986 | Disposal of asbestos waste material |
| 11770 (Part 3):87 | Control of asbestos dust emission in non-cement asbestos products |
| 12078 : 1987 | Personal protection for asbestos handlers |
| 12079 : 1987 | Packaging, transport, and storage of asbestos |
| 12080 : 1987 | Local exhaust ventilation systems for asbestos product manufacturing |
| 12081 (Parts 1,2) | Pictorial warning signs for asbestos and products |
| 13362 : 1992 | Textiles - Asbestos yarn |
| Component | Material | Particulars |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Cloth asbestos | Yarn per IS 13362, 1.6 mm |
| Loops | Tape/Web asbestos | See Annex A; Cloth asbestos 1.6 mm |
| Stitching | Sewing thread asbestos | See Annex B |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Ends in full width | 15 (2 ply) |
| Picks per decimeter | 32 (2 ply) |
| Mass per meter (g) | 35 to 40 (conditioned at 65±2% RH, 27±2°C for 24 h) |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum plies | 2 |
| Length (m/kg) | 1500 to 2200 |
| Breaking strength ( |
IS 15381: Fire Blanket Materials Specifications
| Component | Material | Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Cloth asbestos | Yarn per IS 13362, 1.6 mm thickness |
| Loops | Tape/Web asbestos or Cloth asbestos | Tape: Width 25 mm, Ends 15 (2-ply), Picks 32 (2-ply), Mass 35-40 g/m at 65±2% RH & 27±2°C |
| Stitching | Sewing thread asbestos | 2 plies min, Length 1500-2200 m/kg, Breaking strength ≥ 3.0 kg, Moisture ≤ 4%, Loss on ignition ≤ 45% |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| No. of plies | ≥ 2 |
| Length (m/kg) | 1500-2200 |
| Breaking strength (kg) | ≥ 3.0 |
| Moisture content (%) | ≤ 4 |
| Loss on ignition (%) | ≤ 45 |
This ensures compliance with IS 15381 for fire blanket manufacture using asbestos textiles conforming to related IS standards.
IS 15381: Fire Blanket - Construction Key Details
| Component | Material | Particulars |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Cloth asbestos yarn | 1.6 mm diameter, IS 13362 |
| Loops | Tape/Web asbestos or Cloth asbestos | Tape details in Annex A |
| Stitching | Sewing thread asbestos | Specs in Annex B |
| Width (mm) | Ends (threads) | Picks (threads/decimeter) | Mass (g/m) at 65±2% RH & 27±2ºC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 15 (2 ply) | 32 (2 ply) | 35 to 40 |
| Min Plies | Length (m/kg) | Avg Breaking Strength (kg) | Max Moisture (%) | Max Loss on Ignition (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1500 to 2200 | 3.0 | 4 | 45 |
This ensures fire blankets meet strict material and manufacturing standards for safety and performance.
IS 15381: Dimensions and Tolerances for Fire Blankets
Standard Blanket Size:
Permissible Tolerance:
Stitching Specifications (Clause 4.3):
Materials:
| Parameter | Value | Tolerance |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 1.8 m | ± 15 mm |
| Width | 1.8 m | ± 15 mm |
| Stitch Density | 16–20 stitches/dm | N/A |
flowchart LR
A[Blanket Dimensions] --> B[Length = 1.8 m ± 15 mm]
A --> C[Width = 1.8 m ± 15 mm]
D[Stitching] --> E[16-20 stitches/dm]
D --> F[Secure, neat, even tension]
G[Materials] --> H[Cloth asbestos yarn (1.6 mm)]
G --> I[Loops: Tape/Web asbestos or cloth asbestos]
G --> J[Stitching thread: asbestos sewing thread]
This ensures compliance with IS 15381 for fire blanket manufacture and quality control.
IS 15381: Workmanship and Finish for Fire Blankets
Workmanship Quality:
Stitching (Clause 4.3):
Dimensions and Tolerances (Clause 5):
Inspection and Sampling:
Health & Safety:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Stitch Density | 16 to 20 stitches per decimetre |
| Dimension Tolerance | ±15 mm (length & width) |
| Workmanship | Free from defects, neat stitching |
| Inspection Standard | IS 7639 |
flowchart TD
A[Raw Material] --> B[Weaving & Spinning]
B --> C[Stitching (16-20 stitches/dm)]
C --> D[Inspection (IS 7639)]
D --> E[Final Fire Blanket]
E --> F[Packaging & Dispatch]
This ensures a high-quality fire blanket meeting IS 15381 standards.
IS 15381 Sampling, Inspection, and Acceptance Key Points
Sampling & Inspection: As per IS 15381, sampling and acceptance of asbestos fire blankets shall follow IS 7639:1975 (Methods of sampling asbestos cement products).
Rounding Off: Test results must be rounded according to IS 2:1960 rules, retaining the same significant figures as specified.
Material Specifications:
Sewing Thread (Annex B):
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Minimum plies | 2 |
| Length (m/kg) | 1500 to 2200 |
| Breaking strength (kg) | ≥ 3.0 |
| Max moisture content (%) | 4 |
| Max loss on ignition (%) | 45 |
| Width (mm) | Ends (threads) | Picks (per dm) | Mass (g/m) at 65±2% RH, 27±2°C |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 15 (2 ply) | 32 (2 ply) | 35 to 40 |
flowchart TD
A[Start: Production Batch] --> B[Sampling as per IS 7639]
B --> C[Test & Measure per IS 15381]
C --> D{Results within Spec Limits?}
D -- Yes --> E[Accept Batch]
D -- No --> F[Reject or Rework Batch]
E --> G[Mark with BIS Certification]
F --> G
For detailed sampling procedures, refer to IS 7639, and for rounding rules, see IS 2:1960.
IS 15381 — Marking Requirements for Fire Blankets
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Width of tape (average) | 25 mm |
| Number of threads (ends in full width) | 15 (2 ply) |
| Picks per decimeter | 32 (2 ply) |
| Mass per meter (conditioned) | 35 to 40 g |
graph TD
A[Fire Blanket] --> B[Nomenclature]
A --> C[Manufacturer's Name]
A --> D[Year of Manufacture]
A --> E[Pictorial Warning (IS 12081)]
A --> F[BIS Standard Mark (optional)]
References:
This ensures traceability, quality assurance, and user safety compliance.
IS 15381: Certification Marking Key Points
Each fire blanket shall be legibly and indelibly marked with:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Width (Average) | 25 mm |
| Ends in full width (Threads) | 15 (2 ply) |
| Picks per decimeter (Threads) | 32 (2 ply) |
| Mass per metre (conditioned) | 35 to 40 g |
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of plies | 2 |
| Length m/kg | 1500 to 2200 m/kg |
| Minimum breaking strength | 3.0 kg (average) |
| Max hygroscopic moisture content | 4% |
| Max loss on ignition | 45% |
flowchart TD
A[Manufacture Fire Blanket] --> B[Conform to IS 15381]
B --> C[Mark with Required Info]
C --> D[Apply BIS Standard Mark]
D --> E[License Compliance Checked]
E --> F[Market Product]
For detailed licensing info, contact BIS regional offices listed in the standard.
IS 15381: Tape/Web Asbestos - Key Specifications & Details
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Width (Average) | 25 mm |
| Number of Threads (Ends) | 15 (2 ply) |
| Number of Threads (Picks) | 32 (2 ply) |
| Mass per Metre (Conditioned) | 35 to 40 g |
| Property | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Number of Plies | 2 |
| Length per kg | 1500 to 2200 m |
| Breaking Strength (avg.) | 3.0 kg |
| Max Hygroscopic Moisture Content | 4% |
| Max Loss on Ignition | 45% |
| Component | Material | Specification Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Cloth asbestos (1.6 mm) | Yarn per IS 13362 |
| Loops | Tape/Web asbestos or cloth asbestos (1.6 mm) | Annex A / Clause 4.2 |
| Stitching | Sewing thread asbestos | Annex B |
flowchart TD
A[Blanket Body]
IS 15381: Particulars of Sewing Thread Asbestos (Annex B)
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| No. of Plies (Min) | 2 |
| Length (m/kg) | 1500 to 2200 |
| Minimum (Average) Breaking Strength (kg) | 3.0 |
| Hygroscopic Moisture Content (%) Max | 4 |
| Further Loss on Ignition in Muffle Furnace (%) Max | 45 |
Tape/Web Asbestos (Annex A - A-2 Construction Details):
| Width (mm) | Ends in Full Width (Threads) | Picks per Decimeter (Threads) | Mass per Meter (g) Conditioned |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 15 (2 ply) | 32 (2 ply) | 35 to 40 |
flowchart LR
A[Asbestos Yarn IS 13362]
B[Tape/Web Asbestos]
C[Sewing Thread Asbestos]
D[Fire Blanket Body]
E[Loops (Tape or Cloth)]
F[Stitching (Sewing Thread)]
A --> B
B --> E
C --> F
D -->|Made from| A
E -->|Attached to| D
F -->|Stitches Loops| D
This ensures fire blankets meet durability, fire resistance, and manufacturing quality requirements per IS 15381.
Frequently Asked
Under IS 15381, fire blankets (1.8 m × 1.8 m) are specified to be made from asbestos-based materials with the following details:
| Component | Material | Particulars |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Cloth asbestos | Yarn conforming to IS 13362, thickness 1.6 mm |
| Loops | Tape/Web asbestos or Cloth asbestos | Thickness 1.6 mm, as per Annex A |
| Stitching | Sewing thread asbestos | As per Annex B |
This ensures fire blankets are durable, heat-resistant, and safe to manufacture with controlled asbestos exposure.
As per IS 15381 (2003), the required dimensions and tolerances for fire blankets are:
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1.8 m × 1.8 m |
| Material | Cloth asbestos (IS 13362) |
| Thickness | 1.6 mm |
| Loops | Asbestos tape/web or cloth, 1.6 mm thick |
| Stitching | Asbestos sewing thread |
| Tolerances | As per good manufacturing practice (no specific numeric tolerance stated) |
For safety and quality, sampling and inspection follow IS 7639.
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This ensures the fire blanket meets functional and safety requirements as per IS 15381.
According to IS 15381, the stitching and loops on the fire blanket should be constructed as follows:
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This ensures durability and ease of handling during fire emergencies.
According to IS 15381 Clause 9.1, each compliant fire blanket must be legibly and indelibly marked with:
Additionally, per Clause 9.2, the fire blanket may also bear the BIS Certification Mark indicating conformity to the standard.
| Marking Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Nomenclature | Product name (e.g., Fire Blanket) |
| Manufacturer's Name | Name of the producing company |
| Year of Manufacture | Year when the blanket was made |
| Pictorial Warning | As per IS 12081 Parts 1 & 2 (safety symbols) |
| BIS Mark (optional) | Certification mark for standard compliance |
This ensures traceability, safety awareness, and compliance verification.
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Health and Safety Recommendations for Handling Asbestos in Manufacturing (IS 15381)
IS 15381 references several IS codes specifically addressing health and safety during asbestos handling:
Personal Protection: As per IS 12078:1987, workers must use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, gloves, and protective clothing to minimize asbestos dust exposure.
Control of Emission: IS 11770 (Part 3):1987 recommends controlling asbestos dust emissions via proper ventilation and dust suppression techniques in manufacturing premises.
Premises Cleaning: IS 11767:1986 advises regular cleaning protocols to prevent asbestos dust accumulation.
Waste Disposal: IS 11768:1986 provides guidelines for safe disposal of asbestos waste to avoid environmental contamination.
Ventilation: IS 12080:1987 specifies local exhaust ventilation systems to capture airborne asbestos fibers at the source.
Warning Signs: IS 12081 (Parts 1 & 2):1987 mandates pictorial warning signs in asbestos handling areas.
Summary Table: Key IS Codes for Asbestos Safety
| Aspect | IS Code | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Protection | IS 12078:1987 | PPE for workers |
| Dust Emission Control | IS 11770 (Part 3) | Emission control in premises |
| Cleaning | IS 11767:1986 | Cleaning of asbestos premises |
| Waste Disposal | IS 11768:1986 | Safe asbestos waste disposal |
| Ventilation | IS 12080:1987 | Local exhaust ventilation |
| Warning Signs | IS 12081 (Parts 1 & 2) | Pictorial warnings |
Best Practices:
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