ASTM F1550-16

Standard Test Method for Determination of Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of Components or Composites of Mattresses or Furniture for Use in Correctional Facilities after Exposure to Vandalism, by Employing a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a means to determine various fire-test-response characteristics, including the time to sustained flaming and the heat release rate, of composites exposed to a prescribed initial test heat flux in the cone calorimeter apparatus, after they have been vandalized in a prescribed manner, to expose the filling material.  
5.2 It is clearly impossible to predict the manner in which a mattress or furniture will be vandalized. The objective of this test method is to develop data indicating the effect of violating the integrity of the fabric (or fabric-interliner) protection and exposing the padding to the source of heat (see Appendix X3).  
5.3 Quantitative heat release measurements provide information which is useful for product design and product development, for mattresses or furniture destined for correctional occupancies.  
5.4 Heat release measurements provide useful information for product development by giving a quantitative measure of specific changes in fire performance caused by component and composite modifications. Heat release data from this method will not be predictive of product behavior if the product will not spread flame over its surface under the fire exposure conditions of interest.  
5.5 The use of test specimens simulating vandalism allows the investigation of the variation in response between the system as designed by the manufacturer and the way the system is occasionally present in actual use, with the filling material exposed to the incident energy.  
5.6 This test method allows alternative strategies to be employed for producing a product (mattress or upholstered furniture) with the required fire-test-response characteristics for the scenario under consideration.  
5.7 Limitations:  
5.7.1 The test data are invalid if any of the events in 5.7.1.1 or 5.7.1.2 occur.
5.7.1.1 Explosive spalling.
5.7.1.2 The specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the spark plug or swells up to the plane of the...
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response test method is designed for use to determine various fire-test-response characteristics, including ignitability and heat release rate, from composites of mattresses or furniture, or correctional facilities, which have been vandalized in a prescribed manner to expose the filling material, by using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter.  
1.2 This test method provides for measurements of the time to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant radiant initial test heat flux of 35 kW/m2. See 5.7 for limitations.  
1.3 The apparatus used in this test method is also capable of determining heat release data at different initial test heat fluxes.  
1.4 The specimen is oriented horizontally and a spark ignition source is used.  
1.5 All fire-test-response characteristics are determined using the apparatus and the procedures described in Test Method E1354.  
1.6 The tests are done on bench-scale specimens combining the mattress or furniture outer layer components. Frame elements are not included.  
1.7 The vandalism is simulated by causing a prescribed cut on the outer layer of the composite, deep enough to expose the filling material to the incident radiation.  
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.9 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.  
1.10 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 de...

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-May-2016
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: F33 - Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F33.05 - Furnishings and Equipment

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F1550 − 16
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of
Components or Composites of Mattresses or Furniture for
Use in Correctional Facilities after Exposure to Vandalism,
by Employing a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption
1
Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1550; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
In correctional occupancies, vandalism of mattresses or furniture occurs with significant frequency.
After such vandalism, it is possible that the filling material (foam or other padding) of the mattress or
furniture becomes exposed. If the mattress or furniture filling material is exposed, it is possible for a
product which meets prescribed fire-test-response characteristics in its intact state to perform in a
decidedly less satisfactory manner. This standard test method provides a means for measuring, in
bench scale, fire-test-response characteristics of composite upholstered components of mattresses or
furniture, for use in correctional facilities, after having been vandalized in a prescribed manner so as
to expose the filling material, using an oxygen consumption calorimeter.
1. Scope 1.6 The tests are done on bench-scale specimens combining
the mattress or furniture outer layer components. Frame
1.1 Thisfire-test-responsetestmethodisdesignedforuseto
elements are not included.
determine various fire-test-response characteristics, including
ignitability and heat release rate, from composites of mat-
1.7 The vandalism is simulated by causing a prescribed cut
tresses or furniture, or correctional facilities, which have been
on the outer layer of the composite, deep enough to expose the
vandalized in a prescribed manner to expose the filling
filling material to the incident radiation.
material, by using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorim-
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
eter.
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
1.2 This test method provides for measurements of the time
standard.
to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat
release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant radiant
1.9 This standard is used to measure and describe the
2
initial test heat flux of 35 kW/m . See 5.7 for limitations.
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
1.3 Theapparatususedinthistestmethodisalsocapableof
determiningheatreleasedataatdifferentinitialtestheatfluxes. incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
1.4 The specimen is oriented horizontally and a spark
actual fire conditions.
ignition source is used.
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.5 All fire-test-response characteristics are determined us-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ing the apparatus and the procedures described inTest Method
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
E1354.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on
precautions, see Section 7.
Detention and Correctional Facilitiesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommit-
tee F33.05 on Furnishings and Equipment.
1.11 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
Current edition approved June 1, 2016. Published June 2016. Originally
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as F1550–10. DOI:
10.1520/F1550-16. conducting these tests.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F1550 − 16
2. Referenced Documents specimen surface. The heat flux can also be measured at any
2 time during a fire test, on any surface, and with measurement
2.1 ASTM Standards:
devices responding to radiative and convective fluxes. Typical
D123Terminology Relating to Textiles
2 2 2
units are kW/m , W/cm , or BTU/(s ft ).
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
3.2.4 ignitability, n—propensityforignition,asmeasuredby
E1354Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
the time to sustained flaming at a specified heating flux.
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
sumption Calorimeter
3.2.5 initial test heat flux, n—the heat flux set on the test
E1474Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Ra
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1550 − 10 F1550 − 16
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of
Components or Composites of Mattresses or Furniture for
Use in Correctional Facilities after Exposure to Vandalism,
by Employing a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption
1
Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1550; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
In correctional occupancies, vandalism of mattresses or furniture occurs with significant frequency.
After such vandalism, it is possible that the filling material (foam or other padding) of the mattress or
furniture becomes exposed. If the mattress or furniture filling material is exposed, it is possible for a
product which meets prescribed fire-test-response characteristics in its intact state to perform in a
decidedly less satisfactory manner. This standard test method provides a means for measuring, in
bench scale, fire-test-response characteristics of composite upholstered components of mattresses or
furniture, for use in correctional facilities, after having been vandalized in a prescribed manner so as
to expose the filling material, using an oxygen consumption calorimeter.
1. Scope
1.1 This fire-test-response test method is designed for use to determine various fire-test-response characteristics, including
ignitability and heat release rate, from composites of mattresses or furniture, or correctional facilities, which have been vandalized
in a prescribed manner to expose the filling material, by using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter.
1.2 This test method provides for measurements of the time to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat release,
2
and effective heat of combustion at a constant radiant initial test heat flux of 35 kW/m . See 5.7 for limitations.
1.3 The apparatus used in this test method is also capable of determining heat release data at different initial test heat fluxes.
1.4 The specimen is oriented horizontally and a spark ignition source is used.
1.5 All fire-test-response characteristics are determined using the apparatus and the procedures described in Test Method E1354.
1.6 The tests are done on bench-scale specimens combining the mattress or furniture outer layer components. Frame elements
are not included.
1.7 The vandalism is simulated by causing a prescribed cut on the outer layer of the composite, deep enough to expose the filling
material to the incident radiation.
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.9 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials,
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.10 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. For specific safety precautions, see Section 7.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on Detention and Correctional Facilitiesand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F33.05 on
Furnishings and Equipment.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2010June 1, 2016. Published January 2011June 2016. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20052010 as
F1550 – 05.F1550 – 10. DOI: 10.1520/F1550-10.10.1520/F1550-16.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
F1550 − 16
1.11 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption
Calorimeter
E1474 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Ma
...