ASTM F1550-00

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Designation: F 1550 – 00
Standard Test Method for
Determination of Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of
Components or Composites of Mattresses or Furniture for
Use in Correctional Facilities after Exposure to Vandalism,
by Employing a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption
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Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1550; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
In correctional occupancies, vandalism of mattresses or furniture occurs with significant frequency.
After such vandalism, it is possible that the filling material (foam or other padding) of the mattress or
furniture becomes exposed. If the mattress or furniture filling material is exposed, it is possible for a
product which meets prescribed fire-test-response characteristics in its intact state to perform in a
decidedly less satisfactory manner. This standard test method provides a means for measuring, in
bench scale, fire-test-response characteristics of composite upholstered components of mattresses or
furniture, for use in correctional facilities, after having been vandalized in a prescribed manner so as
to expose the filling material, using an oxygen consumption calorimeter.
1. Scope filling material to the incident radiation.
1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
1.1 This fire-test-response standard is designed for use to
standard.
determine various fire-test-response characteristics, including
1.9 This standard is used to measure and describe the
ignitability and heat release rate, from composites of mat-
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
tresses or furniture, or correctional facilities, which have been
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
vandalized in a prescribed manner to expose the filling
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
material, by using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorim-
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
eter.
actual fire conditions.
1.2 This test method provides for measurements of the time
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant radiant
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responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
heat flux of 35 kW/m .
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.3 The apparatus used in this test method is also capable of
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety
determining heat release data at different heat fluxes.
precautions, see Section 7.
1.4 The specimen is oriented horizontally and a spark
ignition source is used.
2. Referenced Documents
1.5 All fire-test-response characteristics are determined us-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ing the apparatus and the procedures described in Test Method
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D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E 1354.
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E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1.6 The tests are done on bench-scale specimens combining
E 1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
the mattress or furniture outer layer components. Frame
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
elements are not included.
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sumption Calorimeter
1.7 The vandalism is simulated by causing a prescribed cut
E 1474 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate
on the outer layer of the composite, deep enough to expose the
of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or
Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F33 on
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Calorimeter
Detention and Correctional Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommit-
tee F33.05 on Furnishings and Equipment.
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Current edition approved Aug. 10, 2000. Published November 2000. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
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published as F 1550M – 94. Last previous edition F 1550M – 96a. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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F 1550
E 1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Seating Upholstered 4. Summary of Test Method
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Furniture
4.1 This test method is based on the observation that,
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E 1590 Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses
generally, the net heat of combustion is directly related to the
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2.2 ISO Standards:
amount of oxygen required for combustion (1). Approxi-
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ISO 13943 Fire Safety–Vocabulary
mately 13.1 3 10 kJ of energy are released as heat for each kg
...