ASTM D4151

This test method for the determination of the flammability of blankets is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of blankets since this test method has been used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing.

This test method may be used to evaluate electric blanket fabric, but tests should be performed on the fabric itself without the resistance heating wires inserted.

All fabrics made of natural or regenerated cellulose, as well as many made from other natural or synthetic fibers, are combustible. Some combustible fabrics when used for blankets are potentially dangerous to the user because of the ease of ignition, rapidity, and intensity of burning. The first characteristic can be judged with the aid of the flammability tester.

FIG. 1 Flammability Tester

1. Scope

1.1 This test method provides a means to identify blanket fabrics which ignite easily and propagate flame across the surface.

1.2 This test method specifies the procedures described in the "Voluntary Blanket Flammability Standard" which has been used by the blanket industry in the United States since 1972.

1.3 This test method should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.

2. Referenced Documents

Federal Specification
NNN-P-40b
ASTM Standards
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D1230 Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
D1776 Practice for Conditioning Textiles for Testing
D3411 Test Methods for Flammability of Textile Materials

Index Terms

blanket; flammability; Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 97.160 (Home textiles. Linen)

Citing ASTM Standards

[Back to Top]