SEDL / STP / STP1082-EB / STP23517S

Developments in International Smoke Obscuration Tests and British Assessment Procedures for Smoke Hazards in Fire Scenarios Containing Plastics

Briggs, PJ
Head, Corporate Fire Laboratory, Imperial Chemical Industries PLC, Fine Chemicals Research Centre, Manchester,

Pages: 12    Published: Jan 1990

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Abstract

Assessment of the smoke hazard caused by materials and products has normally been solely from the results of small-scale or full-scale test methods. Recent British proposals suggest that the results of smoke tests should be used as part of a total method of smoke hazard assessment which would consider fire test data, product design, and room scenario in a way which would reflect the dangers of a product in a real fire situation. This proposed assessment procedure would prevent the misinterpretation of test data which can occur when smoke test data are compared in isolation without reference to other fire parameters.

Developments in static and dynamic procedures show that there are still significant differences in the fire models used in internationally recognized smoke obscuration tests. Results for small-scale tests (e.g., ISO single and dual chamber tests, NIST cone calorimeter) and large-scale tests (e.g., IEC 3m cube, room/duct, and room/corridor tests) are described. These results emphasize the need for a standardized analytical approach to smoke hazard assessment.