Bench-Scale Predictions of Mattress and Upholstered Chair Fires: Similarities and Differences

摘要

The report summarizes recent and current research conducted jointly by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the California Bureau of Home Furnishings (BHF), now the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, to establish bench-scale test methods for the flammability of upholstered chairs and mattresses. The NIST research was funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), while the BHF research was funded by the International Sleep Products Association. The research of primary interest to NIJ is the investigation of mattress flammability. The BHF heat release rate (HRR) data from full-scale burn tests was correlated with bench-scale burn tests conducted by NIST. An examination of the data for non-propagating and propagating fire regimes for mattresses enabled the development of an NIJ performance standard for the flammability of mattresses for detentions and corrections use based upon HRR limits as determined through bench-scale testing. The bench-scale tests conducted by NIST included both mattress specimens as received from the manufacturers and the same specimen subjected to a leaching procedure to remove flame retardant treatments. It was concluded that with the criteria recommended in the present standard, an adequate safety margin is provided against the diminution of fire retardancy seen with leaching.