The following criteria for classification of materials are
recommended as guidance. Where a different application of the test
method is desired, other criteria may be applicable.
1 Following application of the flame test the
experimental data from the ten or more specimens should be examined.
Products which show any of the following characteristics should be
considered unsuitable for use as curtains, draperies, or free-hanging
fabric product for use in rooms containing furniture and furnishings
of restricted fire risk as defined in Regulation
3(s)(iii) of Chapter ll-2 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention:
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.1 An afterflame time greater than five seconds
for any of the ten or more specimens tested with surface application
of the pilot flame. But see 2 below.
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.2 Burn through to any edge of any of the ten
or more specimens tested with surface application of the pilot flame.
But see 2 below.
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.3 Ignition of cotton wool below the specimen
in any of the ten or more specimens tested. But see 2 below.
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.4 An average char length in excess of 150 mm
observed in any of the batches of five specimens tested by either
surface or edge ignition.
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.5 The occurrence of a surface flash propagating
more than 100 mm from the point of ignition with or without charring
of the base fabric. But see 2 below.
2 If, following analysis of the experimental data
from tests of a fabric, it is found that either or both of the batches
of five specimens cut in both warp and weft directions fail to meet
one or more of the criteria specified in .1, .2, .3 and .5 above because
of poor performance of only one of the five specimens tested, one
complete retest of a similar batch is permitted. Failure of the second
batch to meet any of the criteria should provide the basis for rejection
of the fabric for use.