Appendix 1 – Fire Test Procedures for the Ignitability by Smokers' Materials of Upholstered Composites for Seating

Warning – Health and Safety of Operators

General

There is a considerable risk with these tests and precautions must be taken.

Enclosure

For safety, the tests shall be conducted in a suitable fume cupboard. If such a cupboard is not available, an enclosure shall be constructed so that the tester is not exposed to the fumes (see paragraph 7.1.1).

Extinguishers

Accessible means of extinguishing the samples shall be provided, for example a bucket of water, a fire blanket, or fire extinguisher.

1 Scope

This test procedure prescribes methods for assessing the ignitability of material combinations, e.g., covers and filling used in upholstered seating when subjected to either a smouldering cigarette or a lighted match as might be applied accidentally in the use of upholstered seats. It does not cover ignition caused by deliberate acts of vandalism.

2 Definition

For the purposes of this test procedure, the following definition applies.

Progressive smouldering means an exothermic oxidation not accompanied by flaming which is self-propagating, i.e. independent of the ignition source. It may or may not be accompanied by incandescence.

Note: In practice it has been found that there is usually a clear distinction between materials which may char under the influence of the ignition source but which do not propagate further (non-progressive) and those where smouldering develops in extent and spreads (progressive).

3 Principle

The principle is to subject an assembly of upholstery materials arranged to represent, in stylized form, the joint between the seat and back (or seat and arm) surfaces of a chair to two sources of ignition, one being a smouldering cigarette, and the other a flaming source approximating to the calorific output of a burning match.

4 Apparatus

4.1 Test rig

4.1.1 A suitable test rig is illustrated in figures 1 and 2. It shall consist of two rectangular frames hinged together and capable of being locked at right angles to each other.

The frames shall be made from nominal 25 mm x 3 mm steel flat bar and shall securely hold expanded steel platforms set 6 ± 1 mm below the top edge of the frames.

Note: The size of the mesh of the expanded steel is not critical, but a mesh size across the diagonals of approximately 28 mm x 6 mm has been found to be suitable.

4.1.2 The internal width and height of the back frame shall be 450 ± 2 mm x 300 ± 2 mm and the width and depth of the base frame 450 ± 2 mm x 150 ± 2 mm. A standard edging section may be used around the expanded steel to give protection and greater rigidity.

4.1.3 The sides of the frame shall extend beyond the back of each frame to provide for the hinge holes and to form the back legs. The hinge rod shall be of nominal 10 mm diameter steel, continuous across the back of the rig, and its axis 22.5 ± 0.5 mm beyond the back member of each frame.

4.1.4 The frames shall be lockable at right angles by a bolt or pin through each of the pairs of members forming the back legs. The front legs may be welded across the front corners of the base frame. The height of the legs shall be such as to leave a gap not less than 50 mm high between the base frame and the supporting surface.

4.1.5 For the tests, the rig shall be sited within the enclosure (see paragraph 7.1.1) and the testing shall be performed in a substantially draught-free environment permitting an adequate supply of air.

4.2 Smouldering cigarette source

4.2.1 An untipped cigarette, complying with the following requirements, is needed:

length	70 ± 4 mm
diameter	8 ± 0.5 mm
mass	0.95 ± 0.15 g
smouldering rate	11 ± 4.0 min/50 mm

4.2.2 The smouldering rate shall be verified, as follows, on one sample from each batch of 10 cigarettes used. Mark the cigarette, conditioned as described in paragraph 5.1, at 5 mm and 55 mm from the end to be lit. Light it as described in paragraph 7.2.1 and impale it horizontally in draught-free air on a horizontal wire spike inserted not more than 13 mm into the unlit end. Record the time taken to smoulder from the 5 mm mark to the 55 mm mark.

4.3 Propane flame ignition source

Note: This source has been designed to give a calorific output approximating to that of a burning match.

The burner is a tube of stainless steel with internal diameter 6.5 ± 0.1 mm, outside diameter 8 ± 0.1 mm and length 200 ± 5 mm. The fuel shall be propane gas of 95% purity. Fuel supply rate: 6.38 ± 0.25 g/hour at 20°C.

5 Atmosphere for Conditioning and Testing

5.1 Conditioning

The materials to be tested and the cigarettes shall be conditioned immediately before the test for 72 h in indoor ambient conditions and then for at least 16 h in an atmosphere having a temperature of 23 ± 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 ± 5%.

5.2 Testing

For testing, a substantially draught-free environment, having a temperature of 20 ± 5°C and a relative humidity of 20% to 70%, shall be used

6 Test Pieces

6.1 General

The test piece materials shall be representative of the cover, filling and any other components to be used in the final assembly.

6.2 Cover material and fabric interliner

6.2.1 The cover size needed for each test is 800 ± 10 mm x 650 ± 10 mm. The long dimension shall be cut parallel to the selvage. The cover may be constructed from smaller pieces of material provided that the resulting seams are not located within 100 mm of the area likely to be affected by the test.

6.2.2 The cover shall have triangular cut-outs, so that the peaks of the triangle are placed 325 mm from one end on both sides. The cut-outs shall be so positioned that when assembled on the test rig the lie of any pile is down the back assembly and from the hinge to the front of the base frame. The size of these cut-outs shall be approximately 50 mm base and 110 mm high.

6.2.3 Where a fabric interliner is used, it shall be cut to the same dimensions and in the same orientation as the cover for fitting to the test rig under the cover.

6.3 Upholstery filling

6.3.1 Two pieces, one 450 ± 5 mm x 300 ± 5 mm x 75 ± 2 mm thick, and the other 450 ± 5 mm x 150 ± 5 mm x 75 ± 2 mm thick are required for each test.

6.3.2 Some cushioning assemblies may consist of several layers that may be typically felt, wadding or different foams. In these cases the test pieces shall reproduce the upper 75 mm of the cushioning assembly.

6.3.3 Where the filling is less than 75 mm thick, the test piece shall be built up to the required thickness by adding to the underside a further layer of the bottom material.

7 Test Procedure

7.1 Preparation

7.1.1 All tests shall be carried out in a suitably-constructed fume enclosure, and ensure that the means of extinguishment are close at hand (see Warning section).

7.1.2 Open out the test rig and thread the covering fabric and, if any, the fabric interliner behind the hinge bar.

7.1.3 Place the filling pieces under the covering fabric and, if any, the fabric interliner locating the filling pieces in the frame recesses, and allowing approximately 20 mm of fabric to wrap round the inside of the frames.

7.1.4 Lock the frames at right angles using the bolts or pins ensuring that the filling components are not displaced.

7.1.5 Fasten the fabric over the top, bottom and sides of the frame using clips and ensure that the fabric or fabrics are secured and under even tension.

7.2 Smouldering cigarette test

7.2.1 Light a cigarette (see paragraph 4.2) and draw air through it until the tip glows brightly. Not more than 8 mm of the cigarette shall be consumed in this operation.

7.2.2 Place the smouldering cigarette in position along the junction between the vertical and horizontal test pieces, allowing at least 50 mm from the nearest side edge, or from any marks left by any previous test to the cigarette, and simultaneously start the clock.

7.2.3 Observe the progress of combustion, and record any evidence of progressive smouldering (see paragraph 2) or flaming in the interior and/or cover.

Note: The detection of smouldering may be difficult and is made easier if a watch is kept for smoke emerging at points at a distance from the cigarette. Smoke is most easily viewed by looking down a rising column by means of a mirror.

7.2.4 If progressive smouldering or flaming of the upholstery components is observed at any time within 1 h of the placement of the cigarette, extinguish the test piece and record a fail result for the smouldering cigarette test.

7.2.5 If progressive smouldering or flaming is not observed within the one-hour period, or if the cigarette fails to smoulder its complete length, repeat the test with a new cigarette placed in a fresh position not less than 50 mm from any previous test damage. If progressive smouldering or flaming is not observed in this retest, or if the cigarette fails to smoulder its complete length, record a pass result for the smouldering cigarette test unless the test piece fails the final examination specified in paragraph 7.4. Otherwise, extinguish the test piece and record a fail result.

Note: This repeat test may run concurrently with the first test.

7.3 Propane flame test

7.3.1 Light the propane emerging from the burner tube, adjust the gas flow to the appropriate rate (see paragraph 4.3) and allow the flame to stabilize for at least 2 min.

7.3.2 Position the burner tube axially along the junction between the seat and back so that the flame is not less than 50 mm from the nearest side edge, or from any marks left by any previous test, and simultaneously start the clock.

7.3.3 Allow the gas to burn for a period of 20 ± 1 s, and then terminate by carefully removing the burner tube from the test pieces.

7.3.4 Observe for flaming or progressive smouldering (see paragraph 2) in the interior and/or cover. Disregard flames, afterglow, smoking or smouldering that cease within 120 s of the removal of the burner tube.

7.3.5 If flaming or progressive smouldering of the upholstery components is observed, extinguish the test piece. Record a fail result for the propane flame ignition source test.

7.3.6 If flaming or progressive smouldering is not observed, repeat the test at a fresh position, as described in paragraph 7.3.2. If flaming or progressive smouldering is not observed in this retest, record a pass result for the propane flame ignition source test unless the test piece fails the final examination specified in paragraph 7.4. Otherwise extinguish the test piece and record a fail result.

7.4 Final examination

Cases of progressive smouldering undetected from the outside have been reported. Immediately after completion of the test programme on the assembly, dismantle and examine it internally for progressive smouldering. If this is present, extinguish the test piece and record a fail result for the relevant test source. For safety reasons, ensure that all smouldering has ceased before the rig is left unattended.

8 Test Report

The test report shall include the following information as a minimum. A clear distinction shall be made between the data provided by the sponsor and data determined by the test:

.1 reference that the test was carried out in accordance with part 8 of the 2010 FTP Code (see also subparagraph .2);
.2 any deviations from the test method;
.3 name and address of the testing laboratory;
.4 date and identification number of the report;
.5 name and address of the sponsor;
.6 name and address of the manufacturer/supplier, if known;
.7 type of the furniture, e.g., seat, sofa, office chair, etc;
.8 name and/or identification of the product tested;
.9 description of the sampling procedure, where relevant;
.10 description of the product tested including, as applicable:
- .1 fabric
  - .1 material: materials such as wool, nylon, polyester, etc., and its composite ratio;
  - .2 composition of weave: such as plain, weave, twilled;
  - .3 density (number/inch): the number of threads per inch in both warp and weft;
  - .4 yarn number count;
  - .5 thickness of the fabric in mm;
  - .6 mass: weigh per unit area (g/mm²);
  - .7 colour and tone: if the product has a pattern, the representative colour shall be described; and
  - .8 fire retardant treatment;
- .2 fillings:
  - .1 material (name of the manufacturer, type designation);
  - .2 density: weight per unit volume (kg/m³) and for products where thickness is difficult to measure exactly square density (g/m²); and
  - .3 fire retardant treatment, if any;
.11 description of the specimen including dimensions and mass of the fabric and the fillings, colour, orientation of the fabric;
.12 date of sample arrival;
.13 details of specimen conditioning including type of cleaning and weathering procedures used and information of the detergent used, if applicable;
.14 date of test;
.15 test results including
- .1 dimensions and mass of cigarette used;
- .2 smouldering rate of the cigarette used;
- .3 extent of damage (burning and/or char) of specimen measured from the ignition source; and
- .4 occurrence of progressive smouldering;
.16 observations made during the test;
.17 determination whether the tested material meets the performance criteria in paragraph 3 of this part; and
.18 the statement:
"The test results relate to the behaviour of the test specimens of a product under the particular conditions of the test; they are not intended to be the sole criterion for assessing the potential fire hazard of the product in use."