ASTM E2989-19a(2024)
(Guide)Standard Guide for Assessment of Continued Applicability of Reaction to Fire Test Reports Used in Building Regulation
Standard Guide for Assessment of Continued Applicability of Reaction to Fire Test Reports Used in Building Regulation
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide identifies concepts for assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests as used in building regulation. It provides guidance to users and requesters of test reports for reaction to fire tests, developed in accordance with the fire response test standards, such as those from ASTM, UL, or NFPA, to determine the continued applicability of a fire test report for regulatory use. This guide is not applicable to test reports for fire resistance.
5.2 This guide assumes that a fire test report generated by a test laboratory represents the performance of the material or product in accordance with the fire test standard identified in the report at the time a specific material or product was tested.
5.3 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the continued applicability of a material or product that is listed, labeled, or given in an evaluation report.
5.4 This guide is not designed to assist in determining whether a test laboratory conducted the test reference in the fire test report in accordance with a standard test protocol.
5.5 This guide is not designed to assist in determining whether the fire test laboratory issuing a fire test report met the requirements of competence of testing and calibration methods.4
5.6 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the applicability of a fire test report with respect to the measurement uncertainty developed in accordance with Guide E2536.
5.7 Do not consider issuance of a new edition with only editorial changes (as notated in ASTM by “epsilon or ɛ” ) or with a reapproval date, as a new edition containing a technical change.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide contains concepts that provide guidance for assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests on materials or products used in building regulation.
1.2 This guide describes how sponsors and users of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests can assess whether existing reports continue being applicable: (1) to the materials or products currently being offered for use, and (2) to a building regulation that references a different edition of the test standard. This guide is intended to identify conditions that may cause a fire test report for reaction to fire tests, which was valid when prepared, to no longer be an appropriate tool upon which decisions about the materials or products can be based.
1.3 Application of this guide is dependent on the technical changes in the fire test standard that could impact the test results and thus the classification of the material or product. Application of this guide will be better facilitated when fire test standards include explicit documentation of significant historical technical changes.
1.4 This guide does not address fire test reports relating to fire resistance tests.
1.5 The determination of the validity of a fire test report is outside the scope of this guide.
1.6 Fire test reports or certificates on assemblies are outside the scope of this guide.
1.7 Fire test reports or certificates on materials or products listed, labeled and inspected by a certification agency are outside the scope of this guide.
Note 1: Certification agencies have their own criteria to assess the continued applicability of fire test reports.
1.8 Some concepts contained in this guide may not be applicable to all fire test reports since they are a function of the type of fire test conducted and of the type of material or product assessed.
1.9 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.10 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2023
- Technical Committee
- E05 - Fire Standards
- Drafting Committee
- E05.31 - Terminology and Services / Functions
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2021
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
Overview
ASTM E2989-19a(2024) - Standard Guide for Assessment of Continued Applicability of Reaction to Fire Test Reports Used in Building Regulation provides an internationally recognized framework for evaluating whether existing fire test reports remain valid for regulatory purposes in the context of reaction to fire standards. This guide supports users, code officials, and other stakeholders in determining if a previously prepared fire test report can still be referenced for building product compliance, particularly considering potential changes in test standards or materials.
This standard is not applicable to fire resistance test reports, or to materials or products already covered by listing, labeling, or evaluation reports. It is specifically focused on reaction to fire tests such as those conducted under ASTM, UL, or NFPA methods, and is key to maintaining trusted documentation as products, codes, and test methods evolve.
Key Topics
Continued Applicability Assessment
The guide details a systematic process to determine if a fire test report for reaction to fire is still suitable for regulatory use, especially as codes and referenced standards are updated.Edition and Technical Changes
It addresses how differences in the referenced edition of fire test standards may affect the validity of a test report. Reports may require reassessment if technical changes in the standard affect the fire performance or classification of building materials or products.Material or Product Modifications
Procedures are outlined for evaluating whether changes to the material or product itself impact the relevance of the fire test report.Role of Requesters and Experts
The guide distinguishes the responsibilities of users and requesters, such as code officials or fire safety authorities, and emphasizes obtaining expert opinions when technical changes are significant.Scope Limitations
The document explicitly excludes fire resistance test reports, certificates on assemblies, and products already listed or labeled by certification agencies.
Applications
ASTM E2989-19a(2024) is a valuable tool for:
Building Code Compliance
Ensuring that reaction to fire test reports are current and applicable aids in regulatory approval processes for building materials and products.Product Development and Modification
Manufacturers assessing whether modifications to a product necessitate new testing or can rely on existing reports for regulatory checks.Specification and Procurement
Organizations referencing fire test reports in procurement documents to verify compliance with building regulations.Code Enforcement and Third-Party Evaluation
Code officials, fire marshals, and independent assessors using a consistent process to evaluate documentation presented for regulatory acceptance.
Using the guidance in E2989 supports compliance in jurisdictions where fire safety in buildings is regulated using reaction to fire test data, providing clarity amidst frequently changing test protocols and building codes.
Related Standards
Relevant standards referenced or aligned with this guide include:
- ASTM E84 - Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- ASTM E176 - Terminology of Fire Standards
- ASTM E2536 - Guide for Assessment of Measurement Uncertainty in Fire Tests
- ISO 13943 - Fire Safety – Vocabulary
- ISO/IEC 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories
These standards establish the terminology, measurement practices, and test procedures that are fundamental to consistent and reliable fire test reporting and its continued applicability.
Summary
ASTM E2989-19a(2024) is central to the maintenance and verification of reaction to fire test reports as reliable documentation in building regulation. By following its structured review process, industry stakeholders can ensure the ongoing relevance and acceptance of fire test data, mitigating risk and supporting fire safety in the built environment.
Keywords: ASTM E2989, reaction to fire test, fire test report applicability, building regulation, fire safety, fire standards, building materials compliance, code official, product testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2989-19a(2024) is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Assessment of Continued Applicability of Reaction to Fire Test Reports Used in Building Regulation". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This guide identifies concepts for assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests as used in building regulation. It provides guidance to users and requesters of test reports for reaction to fire tests, developed in accordance with the fire response test standards, such as those from ASTM, UL, or NFPA, to determine the continued applicability of a fire test report for regulatory use. This guide is not applicable to test reports for fire resistance. 5.2 This guide assumes that a fire test report generated by a test laboratory represents the performance of the material or product in accordance with the fire test standard identified in the report at the time a specific material or product was tested. 5.3 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the continued applicability of a material or product that is listed, labeled, or given in an evaluation report. 5.4 This guide is not designed to assist in determining whether a test laboratory conducted the test reference in the fire test report in accordance with a standard test protocol. 5.5 This guide is not designed to assist in determining whether the fire test laboratory issuing a fire test report met the requirements of competence of testing and calibration methods.4 5.6 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the applicability of a fire test report with respect to the measurement uncertainty developed in accordance with Guide E2536. 5.7 Do not consider issuance of a new edition with only editorial changes (as notated in ASTM by “epsilon or ɛ” ) or with a reapproval date, as a new edition containing a technical change. SCOPE 1.1 This guide contains concepts that provide guidance for assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests on materials or products used in building regulation. 1.2 This guide describes how sponsors and users of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests can assess whether existing reports continue being applicable: (1) to the materials or products currently being offered for use, and (2) to a building regulation that references a different edition of the test standard. This guide is intended to identify conditions that may cause a fire test report for reaction to fire tests, which was valid when prepared, to no longer be an appropriate tool upon which decisions about the materials or products can be based. 1.3 Application of this guide is dependent on the technical changes in the fire test standard that could impact the test results and thus the classification of the material or product. Application of this guide will be better facilitated when fire test standards include explicit documentation of significant historical technical changes. 1.4 This guide does not address fire test reports relating to fire resistance tests. 1.5 The determination of the validity of a fire test report is outside the scope of this guide. 1.6 Fire test reports or certificates on assemblies are outside the scope of this guide. 1.7 Fire test reports or certificates on materials or products listed, labeled and inspected by a certification agency are outside the scope of this guide. Note 1: Certification agencies have their own criteria to assess the continued applicability of fire test reports. 1.8 Some concepts contained in this guide may not be applicable to all fire test reports since they are a function of the type of fire test conducted and of the type of material or product assessed. 1.9 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.10 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This guide identifies concepts for assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests as used in building regulation. It provides guidance to users and requesters of test reports for reaction to fire tests, developed in accordance with the fire response test standards, such as those from ASTM, UL, or NFPA, to determine the continued applicability of a fire test report for regulatory use. This guide is not applicable to test reports for fire resistance. 5.2 This guide assumes that a fire test report generated by a test laboratory represents the performance of the material or product in accordance with the fire test standard identified in the report at the time a specific material or product was tested. 5.3 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the continued applicability of a material or product that is listed, labeled, or given in an evaluation report. 5.4 This guide is not designed to assist in determining whether a test laboratory conducted the test reference in the fire test report in accordance with a standard test protocol. 5.5 This guide is not designed to assist in determining whether the fire test laboratory issuing a fire test report met the requirements of competence of testing and calibration methods.4 5.6 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the applicability of a fire test report with respect to the measurement uncertainty developed in accordance with Guide E2536. 5.7 Do not consider issuance of a new edition with only editorial changes (as notated in ASTM by “epsilon or ɛ” ) or with a reapproval date, as a new edition containing a technical change. SCOPE 1.1 This guide contains concepts that provide guidance for assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests on materials or products used in building regulation. 1.2 This guide describes how sponsors and users of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests can assess whether existing reports continue being applicable: (1) to the materials or products currently being offered for use, and (2) to a building regulation that references a different edition of the test standard. This guide is intended to identify conditions that may cause a fire test report for reaction to fire tests, which was valid when prepared, to no longer be an appropriate tool upon which decisions about the materials or products can be based. 1.3 Application of this guide is dependent on the technical changes in the fire test standard that could impact the test results and thus the classification of the material or product. Application of this guide will be better facilitated when fire test standards include explicit documentation of significant historical technical changes. 1.4 This guide does not address fire test reports relating to fire resistance tests. 1.5 The determination of the validity of a fire test report is outside the scope of this guide. 1.6 Fire test reports or certificates on assemblies are outside the scope of this guide. 1.7 Fire test reports or certificates on materials or products listed, labeled and inspected by a certification agency are outside the scope of this guide. Note 1: Certification agencies have their own criteria to assess the continued applicability of fire test reports. 1.8 Some concepts contained in this guide may not be applicable to all fire test reports since they are a function of the type of fire test conducted and of the type of material or product assessed. 1.9 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.10 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.
ASTM E2989-19a(2024) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.99 - Other standards related to protection against fire. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2989-19a(2024) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E2989-19a, ASTM E176-24, ASTM E84-23d, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM E176-21ae1, ASTM E2536-21. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2989-19a(2024) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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.
Designation: E2989 − 19a (Reapproved 2024) An American National Standard
Standard Guide for
Assessment of Continued Applicability of Reaction to Fire
Test Reports Used in Building Regulation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2989; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.9 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
measures.
1.1 This guide contains concepts that provide guidance for
1.10 This international standard was developed in accor-
assessing the continued applicability of fire test reports for
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
reaction to fire tests on materials or products used in building
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
regulation.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.2 This guide describes how sponsors and users of fire test
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
reports for reaction to fire tests can assess whether existing
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
reports continue being applicable: (1) to the materials or
products currently being offered for use, and (2) to a building
2. Referenced Documents
regulation that references a different edition of the test stan-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
dard. This guide is intended to identify conditions that may
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
cause a fire test report for reaction to fire tests, which was valid
Building Materials
when prepared, to no longer be an appropriate tool upon which
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
decisions about the materials or products can be based.
E2536 Guide for Assessment of Measurement Uncertainty in
1.3 Application of this guide is dependent on the technical
Fire Tests
changes in the fire test standard that could impact the test
2.2 Other Standards:
results and thus the classification of the material or product.
ISO 13943 Fire Safety – Vocabulary
Application of this guide will be better facilitated when fire test
ISO/IEC 17025 General Requirements for the Competence
standards include explicit documentation of significant histori-
of Testing and Calibration Laboratories
cal technical changes.
1.4 This guide does not address fire test reports relating to
3. Terminology
fire resistance tests.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this guide
1.5 The determination of the validity of a fire test report is
and associated with fire issues, refer to the terminology
outside the scope of this guide.
contained in Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In case of
conflict, the terminology in Terminology E176 shall prevail.
1.6 Fire test reports or certificates on assemblies are outside
the scope of this guide.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 certification agency (organization), n—an accredited
1.7 Fire test reports or certificates on materials or products
agency operating a product or material certification system that
listed, labeled and inspected by a certification agency are
incorporates initial product testing, assessment and surveil-
outside the scope of this guide.
NOTE 1—Certification agencies have their own criteria to assess the lance of a manufacturer’s quality control system.
continued applicability of fire test reports.
3.2.2 labeled, adj—equipment, materials or products to
1.8 Some concepts contained in this guide may not be
which has been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identify-
applicable to all fire test reports since they are a function of the
ing mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspec-
type of fire test conducted and of the type of material or
tion agency or other organization concerned with product
product assessed.
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.31 on Terminology and contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Services / Functions. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2024. Published January 2024. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2015. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E2989-19a. DOI: Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/E2989-19AR24. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2989 − 19a (2024)
evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production 5. Significance and Use
of the above-labeled items and whose labeling indicates either
5.1 This guide identifies concepts for assessing the contin-
that the equipment, material or product meets identified stan-
ued applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire tests as
dards or has been tested and found suitable for a specified
used in building regulation. It provides guidance to users and
purpose.
requesters of test reports for reaction to fire tests, developed in
3.2.3 listed, adj—equipment, materials, products or services
accordance with the fire response test standards, such as those
included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the from ASTM, UL, or NFPA, to determine the continued
code official and concerned with evaluation of products or
applicability of a fire test report for regulatory use. This guide
services that maintains periodic inspection of production of is not applicable to test reports for fire resistance.
listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services
5.2 This guide assumes that a fire test report generated by a
and whose listing states either that the equipment, material
test laboratory represents the performance of the material or
product or service meets identified standards or has been tested
product in accordance with the fire test standard identified in
and found suitable for a specified purpose.
the report at the time a specific material or product was tested.
3.2.4 user, n—an individual or organization attempting to
5.3 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the
use a fire test report to demonstrate the aceptability of a
continued applicability of a material or product that is listed,
material or product.
labeled, or given in an evaluation report.
3.2.5 requester, n—an individual or organization responsible
5.4 This guide is not designed to assist in determining
for determining the continued applicability of a material or
whether a test laboratory conducted the test reference in the fire
product identified in a fire test report.
test report in accordance with a standard test protocol.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—A requester is often an authority having
5.5 This guide is not designed to assist in determining
jurisdiction such as, a code official or a fire official.
whether the fire test laboratory issuing a fire test report met the
requirements of competence of testing and calibration meth-
4. Summary of Guide
ods.
4.1 This guide contains guidelines to evaluate the continued
5.6 This guide is not designed to assist in determining the
applicability of fire test reports for reaction to fire. Unless
applicability of a fire test report with respect to the measure-
shown otherwise by the analysis in 4.3.1 through 4.3.3 it is
ment uncertainty developed in accordance with Guide E2536.
expected that the fire test report continues to be applicable.
5.7 Do not consider issuance of a new edition with only
4.2 The procedures to be followed for assessing continued
editorial changes (as notated in ASTM by “epsilon or ɛ” ) or
applicability of a fire test report may be a function of the type
with a reapproval date, as a new edition containing a technical
of fire test conducted and of the type of material or product
change.
assessed.
4.3 When considering the continued applicability of a fire
6. Evaluating Changes in the Fire Test Standard
test report, the questions in 4.3.1 through 4.3.3 should be
6.1 Codes or regulations typically specify the ed
...




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