ASTM F1891-99a
(Specification)Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
Standard Specification for Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
SCOPE
1.1 This specification establishes applicable test methods, minimum physical and thermal performance criteria, a suggested sizing guide, and suggested purchasing information for rainwear for use by workers who may be exposed to thermal hazards of momentary electric arcs and open flames.
1.1.1 This specification does not apply to the electrical contact hazards or electric shock hazards involved with electric arcs.
1.1.2 This specification does not apply to flash fire hazards such as industrial hydrocarbon flash fires or other petrochemical flash fire hazards. 1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe fit, function and performance criteria for rainwear that meets a minimum level of thermal and physical performance when exposed to a laboratory-simulated electric arc or flame exposure.
1.3 This specification is not intended to serve as a detailed manufacturing or purchasing specification, but can be referenced in purchase contracts to ensure that minimum performance requirements are met.
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compliance with the performance requirements of this specification shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all situations to which wearers of this protective clothing may be exposed.
1.5 The in-service care and use of this rainwear is beyond the scope of this specification.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units shown in parentheses are for information only.
1.7 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to Sections 7 and 9, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
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Designation: F 1891 – 99a
Standard Specification for
Arc and Flame Resistant Rainwear
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1891; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope D 751 Test Methods for Coated Fabrics
D 1117 Test Methods for Nonwoven Fabrics
1.1 This specification establishes applicable test methods,
D 1388 Test Method for Stiffness of Fabrics
minimum physical and thermal performance criteria, a sug-
D 3393 Specification for Coated Fabrics—Waterproofness
gested sizing guide, and suggested purchasing information for
PS 57 Provisional Test Method for Determining Ignitability
rainwear for use by workers who may be exposed to thermal
of Clothing by the Electric Arc Exposure Method Using a
hazards of momentary electric arcs and open flames.
Mannequin
1.1.1 This specification does not apply to the electrical
F 1959/F 1959M Test Method for Determining the Arc
contact hazards or electric shock hazards involved with electric
Thermal Performance Value of Materials for Clothing
arcs.
2.2 Federal Specifications:
1.2 The objective of this specification is to prescribe fit,
Federal Test Method Standard (FTMS) No. 191A Method
function and performance criteria for rainwear that meets a
5903.1
minimum level of thermal and physical performance when
Federal Test Method Standard (FTMS) No. 191A Method
exposed to a laboratory–simulated electric arc or flame expo-
sure.
Federal Test Method Standard (FTMS) No. CCC-T-191b
1.3 This specification is not intended to serve as a detailed
Method 5204
manufacturing or purchasing specification, but can be refer-
enced in purchase contracts to ensure that minimum perfor-
3. Terminology
mance requirements are met.
3.1 Definitions:
1.4 Controlled laboratory tests used to determine compli-
3.1.1 afterflame time, n—the length of time afterflame
ance with the performance requirements of this specification
continues after the ignition source has been removed.
shall not be deemed as establishing performance levels for all
3.1.1.1 Discussion—For arc testing, the time begins when
situations to which wearers of this protective clothing may be
the arc current ceases and ends when visible flame ends.
exposed.
3.1.2 arc resistant, adj—the property of a material or
1.5 The in-service care and use of this rainwear is beyond
clothing system that provides thermal protection from an arc
the scope of this specification.
exposure.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.3 arc thermal performance value (ATPV), n—in arc
as the standard. The SI units shown in parentheses are for
testing, the incident energy on a fabric or material that results
information only.
in sufficient heat transfer through the fabric or material to cause
1.7 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to
the onset of a second-degree burn based on the Stoll curve.
Sections 7 and 9, of this specification: This standard does not
3.1.4 breakopen, n—in testing thermal protective materials,
purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated
a material response evidenced by the formation of one or more
with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard
holes in the material which may allow flame to pass through
to establish appropriate safety and health practices and
the material.
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to
3.1.4.1 Discussion—In electric arc testing, the specimen
use.
shall be considered to exhibit breakopen when any hole is at
2. Referenced Documents least ⁄2 in. in area or at least 1 in. in any dimension.
3.1.5 breakopen threshold energy (E ), n—in electric arc
2.1 ASTM Standards: BT
testing, the average of the five highest E values that did not
i
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
cause specimen breakopen and did not cause sensor tempera-
ture rise to exceed the Stoll Curve.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-18 on
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
Subcommittee F18.65 on Wearing Apparel. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 09.02.
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 1999. Published December 1999. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 10.03.
published as F 1891–98. Last previous edition F 1891–99. Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4, Section D,
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01. 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F 1891
3.1.5.1 Discussion—E is determined when ATPV and second degree burn injury.
BT
HAF cannot be determined due to breakopen. 3.1.19.1 Discussion—The values which make up the Stoll
curve are listed in Table X5.1.
3.1.6 breakopen threshold energy above stoll (E ), n—in
BTAS
electric arc testing, the average of the five highest E values 3.1.20 thermal exposure, n—the intensity of heat energy to
i
which a fabric is exposed.
which did not cause specimen breakopen regardless of whether
sensor temperature rise exceeds the Stoll curve or not. 3.1.20.1 Discussion—As related to electric arc testing, the
level of incident energy, in calories per centimetre squared
3.1.6.1 Discussion—E is determined in addition to
BTAS
(cal/cm ), that is transferred to the material surface as deter-
ATPV and HAF.
mined by measuring the rise in temperature on monitor copper
3.1.7 char length, n— in measuring flame resistance of
calorimeters, positioned adjacent to the material.
textiles, the distance from the fabric edge which was directly
3.1.21 thermal protection, n— of a material, the property
exposed to the flame to the furthest point of visible fabric
that characterizes overall performance relative to reducing the
damage after a specified tearing force has been applied.
transfer of heat that is sufficient to cause a second-degree burn.
3.1.8 charring, n—the formation of carbonaceous residue as
3.1.21.1 Discussion—Thermal protection of a material and
the result of pyrolysis or incomplete combustion.
the predicted second-degree burn injury can be quantified by
3.1.9 design test, n— for arc and flame resistant rainwear,
the measured sensor response and the observed breakopen
one made on a sample treated as representative of an industrial
material response which indicate how well the material blocks
product; these tests will not generally be repeated in quantity
heat from the sensor surface and how well the material resists
production.
breakopen.
3.1.9.1 Discussion—Perform the design test only when a
3.1.22 thermal resistance, n—the reciprocal of thermal
new or modified rainwear material, substrate, coating or
transmittance.
adhesive is used to manufacture rainwear. A change in rainwear
3.1.23 thermal material response, n—in the testing of ther-
material could be, but is not limited to, any of the following:
mal protective materials, the effects that are observed concur-
The composition, weight or supplier of the substrate, or both,
rent and subsequent to thermal exposure, which can include
coating, laminate, or adhesive.
phenomena such as breakopen, charring, embrittlement, melt-
3.1.10 dripping, n—in testing thermal protective fabrics,
ing, shrinkage, etc.
coated fabrics or laminates, a material response evidenced by
3.1.23.1 Discussion—In electric arc testing, the thermal
flowing of the fiber polymer, the fabric, or the fabric coating.
material response can be a result of intense radiant energy,
3.1.11 electric arc ignition, n— as related to electric arc
convective energy, molten metal splatter from electrodes or
exposure, a response that causes the ignition of textile material
shock wave from rapidly expanding heated, ionized air, or any
which is accompanied by heat and light, and then subsequent
combination of these.
burning for at least 5 s, or consumption of at least 25 % of the
3.1.24 thermal transmittance, n—time rate of unidirectional
test specimen area.
heat transfer per unit area, in the steady-state, between parallel
3.1.12 embrittlement, n—the formation of a brittle residue
planes separated by unit difference of temperature of the
as the result of pyrolysis or incomplete combustion.
planes.
3.1.13 flame resistance, n—the property of a material
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this
whereby flaming combustion is prevented, terminated, or
specification refer to Terminology D 123.
inhibited following application of a flaming or nonflaming
source of ignition, with or without subsequent removal of the
4. Significance and Use
ignition source.
4.1 This specification covers the minimum performance
3.1.14 heat attenuation factor (HAF), n—in electric arc
criteria for arc resistance, flame resistance and other require-
testing, the percent of the incident energy which is blocked by
ments for rainwear used by workers who may be exposed to
a material at an incident energy level equal to ATPV.
thermal hazards of momentary electric arcs or flame.
3.1.15 human tissue heat tolerance, n—in testing of thermal
4.1.1 Material response characteristics, resulting from the
protective materials, the amount of thermal energy transferred
arc exposure shall be reported as a part of the thermal
to human tissue, which is predicted to cause a second degree
performance characteristics (see 9.3.3).
burn; the Stoll curve.
4.2 This specification establishes minimum performance
3.1.16 incident energy (E), n— in electric arc testing, the
criteria for rainwear material and rainwear seams that will
total heat energy received at a surface as a direct result of an
provide workers with protection from rain under conditions of
electric arc.
possible exposure to the thermal hazards of momentary electric
3.1.16.1 Discussion—In an arc test, incident energy for a
arcs and open flames.
specimen is determined from the average temperature rise
4.3 Rainwear material that meets the thermal and physical
response of the two monitor sensors adjacent to the test
performance criteria of this specification has been subjected to
specimen.
an electric arc exposure test, Test Method F 1959/F 1959M.
3.1.17 melting, n—the liquefaction of material under the
NOTE 1—When rainwear is worn over conventional clothing or flame
influence of heat.
resistant garments, the rainwear material in combination with fabric(s)
3.1.18 shrinkage, n—a decrease in one or more dimensions
worn under the rainwear may also be subjected to the electric arc exposure
of an object or material.
test, Provisional Test Methods PS 57 or F 1959/F 1959M and the results
3.1.19 stoll curve, n—curve used to predict the onset of reported.
F 1891
4.4 The purchaser has the option to perform or have 7.4.1 The rainwear material shall be tested for trapezoidal
performed any of these tests in order to verify the performance tearing resistance according to Test Methods D 1117 except
of the rainwear. Claims for failure to meet the specification are that the measured value shall be the average of the five highest
subject to verification by the manufacturer. peak loads. Rainwear material shall have a trapezoidal tearing
4.5 This specification for rainwear shall not be construed as resistance of not less than 6 lb (2.7 kg) in the warp direction
a requirement for the use of any particular rainwear material. and 6 lb (2.7 kg) in the fill direction. Appendix X3 provides
detailed information for the trapezoidal tearing resistance of
5. Ordering Information
rainwear material according to Test Methods D 1117.
5.1 The following items should be considered by the pur-
8. Performance Requirements
chaser when buying rainwear under this specification and
included, as necessary, in purchasing documents:
8.1 Rainwear material shall conform to the requirements of
5.1.1 Type of material,
7.2.1 for leak resistance.
5.1.2 Fabric weight (oz/yd ),
8.2 Rainwear shall be manufactured with seams that meet
5.1.3 Type and material of fasteners (buttons, snaps, zippers
the criteria of 7.2.2 for leak resistance.
or hook and loop fasteners),
8.3 Markings and reflective materials shall conform to the
5.1.4 Reflective material sections (optional),
requirements of 7.3.
5.1.5 Style and design or catalog number,
8.4 Rainwear material shall conform to the requirements of
5.1.6 Hood design (attached or detachable),
7.4 for trapezoidal tearing resistance.
5.1.7 Sizes,
8.5 The fabrics, stitchings, tapes, coatings, and fasteners
5.1.8 Color,
used to manufacture the rainwear should be made from
5.1.9 Special identification markings (optional),
electrically non-conductive materials. If conductive fasteners,
5.1.10 Jacket length, and
for example, zippers and buttons are used, they shall be
5.1.11 Notation of conformance to this specification.
covered with a layer of rainwear material.
8.6 The stitchings, thread, findings, zipper tapes, or fasten-
6. Materials and Manufacture
ers, or combination thereof, used to manufacture the rainwear
6.1 The rainwear shall be manufactured of materials and
shall not degrade the flame resistance or thermal performance
constructed using seams that meet the requirements for leak
of the rainwear.
resistance.
8.7 Rainwear material shall conform to the requirements of
6.2 Positive closures, such as buttons or snaps, should be
9.2 for flame resistance.
constructed so that they are covered by the rainwear outer layer
8.8 Rainwear material shall conform to the requirements of
material. This will result in the garment having a multiple layer
9.3 for thermal resistance to an electric arc exposure.
construction in the area of the closure. This will also prevent
the positive closure from being directly exposed to the hazard.
9. Thermal Performance Requirements
9.1 If the rainwear is constructed of a single-layer fabric or
NOTE 2—In limited testing, some uncovered closures may melt and
fuse. Constructing the closures so that they are covered as described above
a multi-layer fabric, then a single-or multi-layer sample of the
eliminates the melting and fusing observed with uncovered closures.
rainwear as constructed shall be subjected to all thermal tests.
9.2 The rainwear fabric shall be tested for flame resistance
7. Physical Requirements
by use of Federal Test Method Standard (FTMS) No. 191A
7.1 Rainwear material shall meet the requirements of this
Method 5903.1, Flame Resistance Cloth Vertical. Specimens
specification initially as manufactured and shall meet this
shall not melt and drip when subjected to the flame or continue
specification after five cleanings, when cleaned as directed
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