Fire Retardant & Fire Resistant Testing Standards
It is crucial to adhere to flame retardant or resistant (FR) test standards in the building industry in order to protect property and prevent harm to occupants. Meeting these standards is essential for minimizing destruction and ensuring the safety of the building’s inhabitants. FR standards differ depending on the location of the building and the materials used in its construction. This article aims to outline the specific FR standards that apply to window shade fabric and shed light on other commonly used FR standards in the industry. It is imperative that these standards are followed to guarantee the utmost safety and quality in building construction.
Industry Terms:
Fire Retardant:
Fire retardant products are specifically engineered with chemical treatments to significantly reduce the risk of ignition or combustion. This includes the vast majority of window shade fabrics, such as those made from 100% polyester with a specialized surface FR treatment.
Fire Resistant:
products are crafted from materials that are inherently nonflammable and engineered to self-extinguish, such as 100% fiberglass shade fabrics.
After Glow:
The residual combustion period refers to the duration in which the material continues to burn once the ignition source has been eliminated.
Char Length:
In tests where a specimen is exposed to a flame source positioned underneath it while in a vertical position, the extent of damage caused by the ascending flame is carefully assessed. The specific criteria for determining whether the specimen passes or fails these tests can vary depending on the standard being followed. It is crucial to adhere strictly to these criteria to ensure accurate and reliable results.
Building Codes:
Building codes serve as a crucial tool in ensuring public safety and promoting a standardized set of regulations for the construction industry. The International Building Code (IBC) is a comprehensive set of regulations that address various aspects of building safety, including fire standards, and is widely recognized on a global scale. In contrast, the NFPA’s Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) focuses solely on flammability standards, presenting a competing standard to the IBC.
Both the IBC and NFPA 101 undergo revisions every three years to ensure that they remain up to date with the latest advancements in building safety and technology. By adhering to these stringent codes, industry professionals can rest assured that their projects meet the highest standards of safety and quality.
The IBC stands as the foundational building code embraced by the majority of jurisdictions across the United States. A significant component of this code focuses on fire prevention measures, encompassing stringent test standards for construction materials, as well as regulations pertaining to essential safety features such as sprinkler systems and emergency exits. Embraced as a vital standard in the U.S., NFPA 101, while not legally enforceable, is skillfully formulated to pave the way for its seamless integration into law. NFPA 101 is sincerely dedicated to fostering a safe environment free from fire hazards for occupants. Despite the existence of competing codes, both the IBC and NFPA 101 command widespread acceptance within the building industry for their robust and harmonious approach to fire safety regulations.
Fire Standards for Certain Applications:
It is imperative to distinguish between flame retardant and flame resistant materials based on their composition. While these terms may be used interchangeably and share the acronym “FR” in testing standards, it is important to recognize that flame resistant materials typically obtain a superior rating compared to flame retardant materials when subjected to the same testing criteria. This distinction is crucial in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of fire prevention measures.
Numerous FR standards and fire classifications are employed to assess the functionality of different materials within buildings. As a leading player in the roller shade market, National Fireproofing Supply Co. upholds the highest FR standards for window shades and draperies. Our products are not limited to just building applications, but can be utilized in various environments for different purposes. In order to ensure the utmost safety, National Fireproofing Supply Co. also adheres to additional FR standards specific to varying applications.
NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films
NFPA 701 is an essential fire retardancy standard that must be met by textiles utilized in a variety of public spaces, including schools, churches, auditoriums, theaters, and commercial buildings. Specifically tailored for textiles that will be hanging freely, such as roller shades, this rigorous test standard mandates that ten individual samples of designated size endure a 45-second exposure to a flame. The performance criteria for NFPA 701 is determined by the percentage weight loss post-exposure and the duration of residual flame. To successfully meet this standard, textiles must exhibit a total weight loss under 40% and a residual flame duration averaging no more than 2 seconds. Failure to comply is not an option when public safety is at stake.
In accordance with the FR standard, compliance with both Test Method 1 (small scale) and Test Method 2 (large scale) is mandatory. Test Method 2 applies specifically to textiles weighing more than 21 oz/yd2, a requirement that Mermet currently does not meet as none of our products exceed this weight limit. Therefore, only Test Method 1 needs to be conducted to ensure compliance with the standard.
In the realm of window shade applications, it is imperative to adhere to the strict guidelines set forth by the International Building Code (IBC) and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Specifically, the IBC mandates compliance with NFPA 701, a stringent flammability standard, under section 806.1 pertaining to “Decorative Materials and Trim”. Furthermore, NFPA 101 establishes fire resistance (FR) standards for specific applications in Chapter 10 of its code, with section 10.3.1 specifically designating NFPA 701 as the requisite test standard for “Draperies, Curtains, and other Loosely Hanging Furnishings and Decorations”.
While references to these codes may be cited as fire classifications, it is crucial to note that meeting NFPA 701 automatically ensures alignment with these critical building codes. Adherence to these authoritative standards is non-negotiable in ensuring the safety and compliance of window shade applications.
NFPA 84: Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
This FR standard applies specifically to exposed surfaces, including walls and ceilings. Any decor or furnishing that is not permanently fixed in place is not obligated to meet this standard. Examples of textile applications that fall under this testing standard include wall coverings, ceiling panels, and fixed partitions.
Due to the rarity of these applications in Mermet products, testing for this FR standard is conducted upon request. However, any Mermet products intended for fixed applications – such as wall coverings – must undergo and comply with this standard to ensure safety and compliance.
The evaluation criteria for this test consist of surface flame spread and smoke emission levels when the textile is exposed to a flame source. Any inquiries regarding the flame spread of a specific product are generally concerning this particular test standard. The flame spread index is determined by the rate and distance the flame travels between two specified points.
Additionally, the amount of smoke produced is measured on a designated scale. Unlike NFPA 701, this test does not have a pass/fail outcome. Instead, performance is categorized into Class A, B, or C (or class I, II, or III). A Class A rating signifies the highest level of flame retardant performance. Refer to the following criteria for classification according to this standard.
ASTM E136: Standard Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C
The FR standard, ASTM E136, is crucial for ensuring the non-combustibility of construction materials. This requirement is mandated in the IBC for exterior building materials to uphold safety standards. Please note that this standard does not apply to interior finishes or trim materials.
IMO 2010 FTP: Fire Test Procedures Code (FTP) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) stands as a leading United Nations agency dedicated to upholding the safety and security of international shipping. In accordance with this mission, the IMO has established a stringent FR standard for drapery products utilized in the construction of maritime vessels. To meet this standard, products must adhere to specific performance criteria; including an after flame duration of no more than five seconds, an average char length not exceeding 150 mm, and ensuring the flame source does not burn through to the material’s edge from the point of ignition. Compliance with these criteria is crucial as it follows a strict pass/fail evaluation method.
Additional Fire Standards:
California Title 19: California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 13
It is imperative to adhere to the stringent flammability requirement set forth by the state of California, which surpasses the standards set by NFPA 701. The California State Fire Marshal has enforced strict compliance with this regulation to ensure the utmost fire and life safety within occupied spaces. It is crucial that all materials meet the performance criteria of a char length not exceeding six inches for each specimen, with no after flame lasting longer than four seconds. Failure to meet these standards is not an option, as the consequences could be dire. It is the responsibility of all individuals to prioritize safety and comply with these regulations to protect lives and property.
CAN/ULC-S109-03: Flame Tests of Flame-Resistant Fabrics and Films
In compliance with Canadian regulations for textiles in occupied buildings, the vertical flame test must be conducted. This stringent standard incorporates the performance criteria of NFPA 701 and California Title 19. It is imperative that the residual flame does not exceed two seconds on any specimen, and the char length must not surpass 250 mm on any individual sample. Notably, both a small scale and large scale test method are mandated by this standard, distinguishing it from NFPA 701. Regardless of the product’s weight, both test methods are obligatory in order to fully comply with the standard.
CAN/ULC-S102-10: Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
This standard is required for building material applications aside from roller shades. This Canadian standard meets similar performance criteria to ASTM E84.
Different regions have varying fire safety standards in place. It is important to note that these standards are not uniform across the globe, with some countries imposing stricter regulations than others. In the United States, for example, building codes often mandate the use of permanent fixtures like sprinkler systems to combat fires. In contrast, regions like Europe may have older buildings that are unable to support these modern safety measures, relying instead on the use of fire-resistant interior materials.
While there are widely accepted international standards for fire safety, it is crucial to also consider any specific localized regulations that may be necessary for individual projects. It is essential to stay informed and adhere to all relevant standards in order to ensure the highest level of safety and protection against the risk of fire.
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