5.5 Test procedure
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - Resolutions - Assembly - IMO Resolution A.688(17) – Fire Test Procedures for Ignitability of Bedding Components – (Adopted on 6 November 1991) - Annex - Recommendation on Fire Test Procedures for Ignitability of Bedding Components - 5 Test Method - 5.5 Test procedure

5.5 Test procedure

 The test is carried out indoors, in an environment essentially free of air currents. The room temperature should be 20 ± 5°C.

The mattress specimen is placed directly on the test rig. The blanket, pillow, quilt and thin light mattress specimen is placed on the mineral wool which is laid on the test rig. The ignition source is placed on top of the specimen. The time is measured from the moment the ignition source is placed on the specimen.

The test duration is one hour from the moment the ignition source is placed on the specimen.

  5.5.1 Testing with smouldering ignition sources

The cigarette is lighted and air is drawn through the cigarette until it glows brightly. Not less than 5 mm and not more than 8 mm of the cigarette should be consumed in this operation. The cigarette is placed on the specimen at a distance of at least 100 mm from the nearest edge of the specimen or from marks left by any previous test. The cotton wool pad is placed centrally on the cigarette, and the clock is started.

The progress of combustion is observed and any evidence of progressive smouldering ignition (see 6.1) or of flaming ignition (see 6.2) of the specimen is recorded.

Two separate tests are carried out with the cigarette covered with cotton wool pad. On specimens with stitchings, one test is carried out with the cigarette placed along a stitching, and one test is carried out with the cigarette placed on a smooth surface if possible.

  5.5.2 Testing with flame as ignition source

The gas is ignited and the gas flow adjusted to the rate indicated in 5.2.8. The flow is allowed to stabilize for at least 120 s. The burner is placed horizontally on the specimen at a distance of at least 100 mm from any edge of the specimen and not less than 50 mm from any marks left from previous tests.

The specimen should be exposed to the ignition flame for 20 s. The exposure is terminated by carefully removing the burner from the specimen.

The progress of combustion is observed and any evidence of progressive smouldering ignition (see 6.1) or of flaming ignition (see 6.2) of the specimen is recorded.

Two separate tests are carried out: On specimens with stitchings, one test is carried out with the burner placed along a stitching, and one test is carried out with the burner placed on a smooth surface if possible.


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