New Test Method for Assessment of Fire Behavior of Mattresses in Detention and Correctional Facilities by Mass Loss
1. Scope
1. SCOPE
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.
1.2 This test method provides a means of measuring mass loss and fire behavior (and, optionally, smoke obscuration), from mattresses intended for detention or correctional facilities, by igniting the mattress, or mattress insert, with sheets of newspaper.
1.3 This test method is intended for use by those interested in assessing the fire properties of the mattresses and their component materials or composites, within cells and other areas (such as isolation lounges) of detention and correctional occupancies.
1.4 Use the SI system of units in referee decisions associated with this Guide; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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.
1.6 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 has the potential to involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment.
1.7 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.
1.8 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.9 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.
Keywords
burning, combustion, detention, fire, flame, flaming droplets, ignition, mattress, Michigan roll mattress fire test, upholstery
Rationale
Codes require the use of a fire test to assess the behavior of mattresses by mass loss for suitability for use in detention environments. An ASTM F33 standard test method is needed.
