Developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), IMO FTPC Part 8: Fire test procedure for upholstered furniture is a fire test procedure for determining the surface flammability of upholstered furniture on ships. Materials to be used at sea are tested according to this International Maritime Organization fire test procedures code.
Ships sailing in international waters must meet certain requirements. The European Union and the United States Coast Guard (USCG) require certification of products placed on these ships and the issuance of type approval certificates for other products. Fire test reports alone are not accepted and it is necessary to contact a notified body for marine Certification to obtain these documents and the tests must comply with IMO FTPC procedures.
The tests use a real product or a small-scale test chair, consisting of the cover and padding, which represent the components of the actual assembly. The materials required for the test, three samples each, are as follows:
While testing, the cigarette is lit and positioned axially along the joint between the seat and the back. During the cigarette test, the test assembly is not allowed to smolder for one hour after the start of the test. The propane flame burner tube is allowed to burn for 20 seconds by positioning it axially along the junction between the seat and the back. No flaming or gradual smoldering is allowed for more than 120 seconds after removing the burner tube.
The flooring combination is tested with the equivalent of a cigarette and match flame as the ignition source. The ignition sources are applied in a position along the joint between the seat and the back. Care is taken to identify any smoldering or flaming burns for any progressive in the combination.
At the same time, equipment carried on ships registered under the flags of European Union countries must be tested and certified in accordance with the 96/98 EC marine equipment directive.
Our organization, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, also provides fire test services for IMO FTPC Part 8: Upholstered furniture with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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