IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 - Fire Testing for Upholstered Furniture

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) published the standard “IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 - Fire testing for upholstered furniture” describes the smoldering cigarette tests and propane flame tests for upholstered furniture. The expectation from these tests is that no progressive smoldering or flaming ignition will occur.

If upholstered furniture is required to have flame retardant and flame spreading properties, such furniture must comply with this standard.

Upholstered furniture is tested and evaluated in accordance with the fire test procedure specified in the annex to this standard (Annex 1).

Two smoldering cigarette tests are required by this standard. If no gradual smoldering or flaring is observed within a one hour period, or if the cigarette does not smolder along its entire length, a passing result is recorded for the smoldering cigarette test if the test piece fails the final examination as specified in this standard.

Again, two flame ignition source tests are required by this standard. If no flaming or gradual smouldering is observed during this test, a passing result is recorded for the propane flame ignition source test unless the test piece fails the final inspection as specified in this standard.

Tests are performed using samples of the final product. A new test is not required if only the colors change, but a new test is required if the basic product or the processing procedure changes.

There is significant risk in these tests and precautions must be taken. For safety, the tests should be carried out in a suitable fume cupboard. If such a cupboard is not available, an enclosure should be constructed to prevent the tester from being exposed to the fumes. Accessible means should be provided to extinguish the samples, for example a bucket of water, fire blanket or fire extinguisher.

This test procedure specifies methods for assessing the ignitability of material combinations, such as coverings and paddings, used in upholstered seating when exposed to the effects of a smoldering cigarette or a lighted match, which may be accidentally applied in the use of upholstered seating. It does not cover ignition caused by deliberate acts of vandalism.

For the purposes of this test procedure, progressive smouldering means an exothermic oxidation that is not accompanied by flame and is self-propagating, i.e. independent of the ignition source. This combustion may or may not be accompanied by glow. In practice, it is generally found that there is a clear distinction between materials that can char under the influence of an ignition source but do not spread further (non-propagating) and materials in which smouldering becomes widespread and propagates (propagating).

The principle is to subject a group of upholstery materials arranged to stylize the connection between the seat and back (or seat and arm) surfaces of a chair to two ignition sources, one a smoldering cigarette and the other a flame source close to the heat output of a lighted match.

A suitable test fixture consists of two rectangular frames which are hinged together and can be locked at right angles to each other. The frames are made from nominal 25 mm x 3 mm steel flat bar and securely hold expanded steel platforms placed 6 mm plus/minus 1 mm below the top edge of the frames.

The inside width and height of the rear frame shall be 450 mm plus/minus 2 mm x 300 mm plus/minus 2 mm and the width and depth of the base frame shall be 450 mm plus/minus 2 mm x 150 mm plus/minus 2 mm. A standard edge section may be used around the expanded steel for protection and added rigidity.

The sides of the frame shall extend beyond the rear of each frame to provide the hinge holes and to form the rear legs. The hinge bar shall be of nominal 10 mm diameter steel, continuous across the rear of the equipment and its axis shall be 22,5 mm plus/minus 0,5 mm beyond the rear member of each frame.

The frames shall be lockable at right angles by a bolt or pin through each pair of members forming the rear legs. The front legs may be welded to the front corners of the base frame. The height of the legs shall be such that a gap of at least 50 mm in height is left between the base frame and the supporting surface.

For testing, the equipment should be placed inside the enclosure and the test should be conducted in an environment free of significant drafts that allows for adequate air supply.

A smoldering cigarette source is an untipped cigarette that meets the following requirements: length 70 mm plus/minus 4 mm, diameter 8 plus/minus 0,5 mm, mass 0,95 plus/minus 0,15 g, and smoldering rate 11 plus/minus 4,0 min/50 mm.

The propane flame ignition source is designed to give a calorific output similar to that of a lit match. The burner is a stainless steel tube with an inside diameter of 6,5 mm plus/minus 0,1 mm, an outside diameter of 8 mm plus/minus 0,1 mm, and a length of 200 mm plus/minus 5 mm. The fuel is 95 percent pure propane gas.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the “IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 - Fire testing for upholstered furniture” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.