ASTM E1590-12

This test method provides a means of measuring a variety of fire-test-response characteristics resulting from burning a test specimen, mattress or mattress with foundation. After ignition using a propane gas burner, the test specimen is permitted to burn freely under well-ventilated conditions. The most important fire-test-response characteristic measured in this test method is the rate of heat release, which quantifies the intensity of the fire generated.

The rate of heat release is measured by the principle of oxygen consumption. Annex A3 discusses the assumptions and limitations.

This test method also provides measures of other fire-test-response characteristics, including smoke obscuration (as the rate of smoke release, total smoke released, or optical density of smoke), combustion gas release (as concentrations of combustion gases), and mass loss, which are important to making decisions on fire safety.

In the majority of fires, the most important gaseous components of smoke are the carbon oxides, present in all fires. They are indicators of the toxicity of the atmosphere and of the completeness of combustion. Measurement of concentrations of carbon oxides are useful for two purposes: (1) as part of fire hazard assessment calculations and (2) to improve the accuracy of heat release measurements. Other toxic combustion gases, which are specific to certain materials, are also indicators of the toxicity of the atmosphere, but are less crucial for determining combustion completeness and are optional measures; however, fire hazard assessment often requires their measurement.

The type of ignition chosen (flaming source) is common in both accidental and intentional fires in public occupancies. The test method is thus applicable to mattresses in public occupancies. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, health-care facilities, old age convalescent and board and care homes, and college dormitories and residence halls.

One of the following three configurations is to be used in this test method:

Test Configuration A—A test room with the following dimensions: 3.66 by 2.44 by 2.44 m (12 by 8 by 8 ft) high.

Test Configuration B—A test room with the following dimensions: 3.66 by 3.05 by 2.44 m (12 by 10 by 8 ft) high.

Test Configuration C—An open calorimeter (or furniture calorimeter).

Rooms of other dimensions are acceptable where it has been shown that equivalent test results are obtained.

Measurements in the three test configurations listed in 5.6 have been shown to give similar results for heat release in the duct, and mass loss, up to a rate of heat release of 600 kW (1).

Measurements of temperatures, gas concentrations, and smoke obscuration in the room are dependent on room size.

This test method has been designed to provide details for the means to build and operate equipment capable of running tests as required by CA TB 129. However, this test method is more general than that technical bulletin.

Studies on the flammability performance of mattresses indicate that bench scale fire tests are useful for preliminary evaluations of component materials for substitution purposes (see Appendix X3).

Limitations:

This test method is not applicable to ignition by cigarettes, or by any other smoldering source.

The ignition source in this test method is a flaming source, and it has been shown that mattresses, particularly in public occupancies, are involved in fires with flaming ignition sources. Moreover, this particular ignition source has been shown to be able to provide a distinction between different kinds of mattress items. However, the fraction of actual flaming mattress fires occurring with ignitions more or less intense than that used here is not known.

It is not known whether the results of this test method will be equally valid when a mattress is burned under conditions different from those specified. In particular, it is unclear whether the use of a different ignition source, or the same ignition source but having a different duration of flame exposure or a different gas-flow rate, will change the results.

The value of rate of heat release corresponding to the critical limit between propagating mattress fires and non-propagating fires is not known.

As yet, there is not a known direct correlation between smoke obscuration or smoke toxicity measurements in the exhaust duct and overall fire hazard.

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 . 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.