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| Domestic UK Legislation | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Terminology |
| Textiles F.R. Limited Flame Retardancy Finishers & Consultants |
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| BS5852:Part 1:1979:Source 0 |
Fire tests for furniture. Part 1. Methods of test for the ignitability by smokers' materials of upholstered composites for seating. |
| Cigarette Test |
Introduction: BS5852:Part 1:1979 contains the test method and flammability requirements for upholstery composites exposed to ignition source 0, a smoldering cigarette. This particular 'cigarette' test procedure is that used for UK domestic upholstery fabric (see the 'Background to Cigarette & Match Testing' for more details) as prescribed in the 1988 Statutory Instrument.. |
Procedure: The test rig assembly (shown opposite) is designed to represent a small chair. If the cover material has been flame retarded, the fabric must be subjected to a 30 minute water soak (BS5651:1978:Clause 4) before testing. Prior to testing, all fabric and filling material is maintained in an air conditioned environment (in which both temperature and relative humidity are controlled) for a specified time. The tests are also conducted within specified temperature and humidity ranges. Filling material components are positioned between the test cover fabric and the rig back and seat. The cover fabric dimensions are 800mm x 650mm (length x width). The ignition sources are positioned as shown in the photograph. Each test consists of two replicate cigarettes positioned at a prescribed distance apart. The events occurring after placement of the ignition sources are observed and recorded. |
Filling material: Cigarette tests are normally conducted over standard foam, although this is not specified in the legislation. Strictly speaking, any sort of 'appropriate' filling material can be used to conduct the test (ideally, the actual filling that would be used in the finished item of furniture). In practice, industry has adopted the the test to be conducted using the 'worst case scenario' and uses foam that will burn (i.e. standard foam), the thinking being that if it will pass over this it will pass over anything. Another 'industry standard' has been to use a piece of polyester interliner between the foam filling and cover fabric, again the thinking being that polyester scrims of this type are usually included in the furniture during manufacture. |
Pass & Fail Criteria: Observations are made for evidence of progressive smouldering or flaming in the interior and/or cover. If any signs of progressive smouldering or flaming is observed at any time within one hour of placing the cigarettes then the composite is deemed to have failed the test. |
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