Part 5 - Test for Surface Flammability

1 Application

Where a product is required to have a surface with low flame-spread characteristics, the product shall comply with this part.

2 Fire test procedure

2.1 The surface materials shall be tested and evaluated in accordance with the test procedure specified in resolution A.653(16). For the purpose of this part, the total heat release value (Q,) for floor coverings given in section 10 of the Annex to resolution A.653(16) is replaced by ≤2.0 MJ. The test may be terminated after 40 min.

2.2 During fire tests for bulkhead, ceiling and deck finish materials and primary deck coverings (see part 6 of this annex for primary deck coverings), there are those specimens which exhibit various phenomena which cause difficulties in classification of the materials. Appendix to this part provides guidance on the uniform interpretation of such results.

3 Additional requirements

3.1 Surface materials for bulkheads and ceilings and similar exposed surfaces

In case there is a requirement of maximum gross calorific value (e.g. 45 MJ/m²) for a product, the method specified in standard ISO 1716: 1973 is recommended for determining the gross calorific value.

3.2 Floor coverings and primary deck coverings

3.2.1 A primary deck covering is the first layer of a floor construction which is applied directly on top of the deck plating and is inclusive of any primary coat, anti-corrosive compound or adhesive which is necessary to provide protection or adhesion to the deck plating. Other layers in the floor construction above the deck plating are floor coverings.

3.2.2 Where a floor covering is required to be low flame-spread, all layers shall comply with part 5. If the floor covering has a multilayer construction, the Administration may require the tests to be conducted for each layer or for combinations of some layers of the floor coverings. Each layer separately, or a combination of layers (i.e. the test and approval are applicable only to this combination), of the floor covering shall comply with this part. When a primary deck covering is required to be not readily ignitable and is placed below a floor covering, the primary deck covering shall comply with part 6. When the primary deck covering is also the exposed surface, it shall comply with this part. Primer or similar thin film of paint on deck plating need not comply with the above requirements of part 6.

3.3 Combustible ventilation ducts

3.3.1 Where combustible ventilation ducts are required to be of material which has low flame-spread characteristics, the surface flammability test procedure and criteria for lining and ceiling finishes according to resolution A.653(16) shall be applied for such ducts. In case homogeneous materials are used for the ducts, the test shall apply to outside surface of the duct, whilst both sides of the ducts of composite materials shall be tested.

3.4 Insulation materials for cold service systems

Where the exposed surfaces of vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulation, as well as insulation of pipe fittings, for cold service systems are required to have low flame-spread characteristics, the surface flammability test procedure and criteria for linings and ceilings according to resolution A.653(16) shall be applied for such exposed surfaces.

3.5 Other references

Part 2 of this annex is also applicable to surface materials.

Appendix - Interpretation of Results - Evaluating unusual test specimen behaviour (see paragraph 2.2 of this part)

	Unusual behaviour	Guidance on classification
1	Flashing, no steady flame	Report furthest progress of flame and time, and whether or not flash is on centerline. Classify on basis of the data.
2	Explosive spalling, no flashing or flame	Accept material as passing test.
3	Rapid flash over surface, later steady flame progress	Report result for both flame fronts but classify on basis of worst performance for each of the four test parameters in the two burning regimes.
4	Specimen or veneer melts and drips off, no flame	Report behaviour and extent of advance on specimen.
5	Explosive spalling, and flame on exposed part of specimen	Report explosions and classify on basis of flame progress irrespective of whether above or below centerline.
6	Specimen or veneer melts, burns, and drips off	Reject material regardless of criteria. For floor covering, no more than 10 burning drops are acceptable.
7	Pilot flame extinguished	Report occurrence, reject data and repeat test.
8	Heat release signal after test and re-insertion of dummy specimen remains at a higher or lower level than initial stabilizing level.	Reject data and stabilize the equipment, then repeat test.
9	Very short ignition delay on carpets or non-rigid specimens	Could be caused by pile extension above holder surface, reducing space to pilot flame. Repeat with shims as required by procedure in paragraph 8.1.1 of the Annex to resolution A.653(16).
10	Specimen breaks up, and falls out of holder	Report behaviour, but classify on basis of worst performance with and without specimen restraint in paragraph 8.3.2 of the Annex to resolution A.653(16).
11	Substantial jetting combustible pyrolysis gases from specimen, adhesive or bonding agents	Reject material.
12	Small flame remaining along the edge of specimen	Report behaviour and terminate the test 3 min after flaming on exposed surface of specimen ceased.