ASTM F1358-08

This test method is intended to determine the ignition resistance and burning characteristics of materials used in protective clothing, where flame resistance is not the primary form of protection designated.

Flame resistance is a distinctive property of clothing items designated for isolating parts of the body from anticipated flame hazards. It is possible that protective clothing designated for isolation from other hazard, such as those for chemical or biological protection, neither have flame resistance nor isolate the wearer from flame hazards. This test method can be used to evaluate the effects of flame impingement on protective clothing where flame resistance is not the primary objective of protection.

When flame resistance is the primary protection offered by the protective clothing, alternative test methods can be used. A test method that is useful for evaluating flame resistance of textiles is Test Method D 6413. Index D 4723 contains descriptions and guidance on other flammability test methods for textiles.

This test method is useful to determine the ignition resistance and burning characteristics of materials used in protective clothing not designated for flame resistance when the outer material surface is exposed to the flame. As such, it is particularly suited to protective clothing materials which are composed of different layers such as coated fabrics, laminates, or multilayer clothing systems.

Correlation of data from this test method with the ignition resistance and burning characteristics of protective clothing (not designated for flame resistance) under actual use conditions is not implied.

1.1 This test method establishes a small-scale laboratory screening procedure for comparing the ignition resistance and burning characteristics of materials used in protective clothing where flame resistance is not the primary form of protection provided by the clothing.

1.1.1 It is more appropriate to evaluate materials used in applications where flame resistance is the primary form of protection provided by the clothing by other flammability test methods. This test method shall not be used to evaluate materials where flame resistance is the primary form of protection offered by the protective clothing.

1.1.2 This test method provides a means for comparing ease of ignition and burning behavior of materials which include plastic or elastomeric films, coated fabrics, flexible laminates, multilayer-material systems, or other protective clothing materials that are not designated for offering flame resistance as their primary form of protection.

1.2 This test method measures and describes 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.

1.3 The values stated in SI units or other units shall be regarded separately. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values.

1.4 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.