1. PURPOSE AND SCOPE 1.1
This method determines the burning behaviour of vertically oriented
flame-resistant textile fabrics. The specimens tested may be a single layer of
fabric, a composite or an assembly of two or more layers. 1.2
This method provides two configurations for exposing the specimen to a flame:
surface ignition (with the burner perpendicular to the surface of the specimen)
and edge ignition (with the burner inclined at 30° to the vertical towards the
lower edge of the specimen).¹ 1.3
This method provides two procedures for determining the extent of flame spread.
One procedure requires a visual observation of whether or not the flame reaches
any edge of the specimen; the other procedure uses a specified force to produce
a tear in the damaged area, the length of the tear is reported as the damaged
length. Agencies applying this method may require either or both procedures to
be reported. 1.4
The testing and evaluation of a product against this standard may require the
use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does
not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone
using this standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate
authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in
conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use. _____ ¹The edge ignition configuration is normally considered more stringent than
surface ignition.