1. Scope

1. Scope
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.
1.2 The purpose of this test method is to determine the burning behavior of upholstered furniture used in public occupancies, such as detention and correctional, behavioral, and other confinement facilities, when it has been vandalized to expose the padding.
1.3 In this test method, a standardized vandalization method is applied to the upholstered furniture item and the results of exposing the furniture item to a standardized specified flaming ignition source under well-ventilated conditions are compared to those associated with the same item, in an unvandalized form, as tested using Test Method E1537.
1.4 The specific fire-test response characteristics to be measured are heat release, smoke release and mass loss.
1.5 Data are obtained describing the burning behavior from a specific ignition source until all burning has ceased, a period of 1 h has elapsed, or flashover appears inevitable.
1.6 This test method does not provide information on the fire performance of upholstered furniture in fire conditions other than those conditions specified. In particular, this test method does not apply to smoldering ignition by cigarettes.
1.7 The rate of heat release of the burning specimen is measured by an oxygen consumption method. See Practice E2067 for further information.
1.8 The burning behavior is visually documented by photographic or video recordings, whenever possible.
1.9 The system of units to be used in referee decisions is the SI system of units, see only. 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.
1.13 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.

Keywords

fire testing, heat release, ignition, upholstered furniture, vandalism

Rationale

Fire tests exist for assessing the fire performance of upholstered furniture (specifically heat release) but they do not address a problem that can be found in correctional occupancies, namely vandalism, which can increase fire hazard.

The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.