1. Scope
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.
1.2 This test method provides a means of determining the burning behavior of mattresses used in public occupancies by measuring specific fire test responses when the test specimen, a mattress or mattress with foundation, is subjected to a specified flaming ignition source under well ventilated conditions.
1.3 This is a test method for mattresses or mattresses with foundations.
1.4 Test data are obtained describing the burning behavior, following application of a specific ignition source, from ignition until all burning has ceased, a period of 1 h has elapsed, or flashover appears inevitable.
1.5 This test method does not provide information on the fire performance of mattresses under fire conditions other than those specified in this test method. In particular, this test method does not apply to smoldering ignition by cigarettes. See 5.12 for further information.
1.6 The rate of heat release of burning test specimen is measured by an oxygen consumption method. See 5.12.4 for further information.
1.7 Other measurements are the production of light-obscuring smoke and the concentrations of certain toxic gas species in the combustion gases. See 5.12.5 for further information.
1.8 The burning behavior is documented visually by photographic or video recordings.
1.9 Use the SI system of units in referee decisions; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.10 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.
1.11 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. This test method may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment.
1.12 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.
2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) 
The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.
ASTM Standards
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E800 Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated During Fires
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 Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
E1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture
ISO Standards
ISO13943 Fire Safety--Vocabulary
UL Standards
UL1895 Fire Test of Mattresses
CA Standards
CATechnicalBulletin1 Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies
Other Documents
NordtestMethodNTFire Upholstered Furniture: Burning Behavior--Full Scale Test
Index Terms
calorimetry; carbon dioxide; carbon monoxide; fire; fire-test-response; heat release; ignition; mattress; oxygen consumption; smoke obscuration; toxic combustion gases;
ICS Code
ICS Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 97.140 (Furniture)
DOI: 10.1520/E1590-07
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
Citing ASTM Standards
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