i UNITED STATES EPARTMENT OF iOMMERCE

tJBUCATION NBS TECHNICAL NOTE 749

The Flammable

Fabrics Program
NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

The National Bureau of Standards1 was established by an act of Congress March 3,

1 901 . The Bureau's overall goal is to strengthen and advance the Nation's science and

technology and facilitate their effective application for public benefit. To this end, the Bureau conducts research and provides: (1) a basis for the Nation's physical measure- ment system, (2) scientific and technological services for industry and government, (3) a technical basis for equity in trade, and (4) technical services to promote public safety. The Bureau consists of the Institute for Basic Standards, the Institute for Materials Research, the Institute for Applied Technology, the Center for Computer Sciences and

Technology, and the Office for Information Programs.

THE INSTITUTE FOR BASIC STANDARDS provides the central basis within the United States of a complete and consistent system of physical measurement; coordinates

that system with measurement systems of other nations; and furnishes essential services leading to accurate and uniform physical measurements throughout the Nation's scientific community, industry, and commerce. The Institute consists of a Center for Radiation Research, an Office of Measurement Services and the following divisions: Applied Mathematics—Electricity—Heat—Mechanics-—Optical Physics—Linac

Radiation2—Nuclear Radiation2—Applied Radiation2—Quantum Electronics3—

Electromagnetics3—Time and Frequency3—Laboratory Astrophysics3—Cryogenics3

. THE INSTITUTE FOR MATERIALS RESEARCH conducts materials research lead- ing to improved methods of measurement, standards, and data on the properties of

well-characterized materials needed by industry, commerce, educational institutions, and

Government; provides advisory and research services to other Government agencies; and develops, produces, and distributes standard reference materials. The Institute consists of the Office of Standard Reference Materials and the following divisions: Analytical Chemistry—Polymers—Metallurgy—Inorganic Materials—Reactor

Radiation—Physical Chemistry.

THE INSTITUTE FOR APPLIED TECHNOLOGY provides technical services to pro- mote the use of available technology and to facilitate technological innovation in industry and Government; cooperates with public and private organizations leading to the development of technological standards (including mandatory safety standards), codes and methods of test; and provides technical advice and services to Government agencies upon request. The Institute also monitors NBS engineering standards activities and

provides liaison between NBS and national and international engineering standards

bodies. The Institute consists of a Center for Building Technology and the following

divisions and offices: Engineering Standards Services—Weights and Measures—Invention and Innovation—Product Evaluation Technology—Electronic Technology—Technical

Analysis—Measurement Engineering—Fire Technology—Housing Technology4 —Federal Building Technology4—Building Standards and Codes Services4—

Building Environment4—Structures, Materials and Life Safety4—Technical Evaluation and Application4

. THE CENTER FOR COMPUTER SCIENCES AND TECHNOLOGY conducts re- search and provides technical services designed to aid Government agencies in improving cost effectiveness in the conduct of their programs through the selection, acquisition, and effective utilization of automatic data processing equipment; and serves as the principal focus within the executive branch for the development of Federal standards for automatic data processing equipment, techniques, and computer languages. The Center

consists of the following offices and divisions: Information Processing Standards—Computer Information—Computer Services —Systems Development—Information Processing Technology.

THE OFFICE FOR INFORMATION PROGRAMS promotes optimum dissemination and accessibility of scientific information generated within NBS and other agencies of

the Federal Government; promotes the development of the National Standard Reference Data System and a system of information analysis centers dealing with the broader

aspects of the National Measurement System; provides appropriate services to ensure

that the NBS staff has optimum accessibility to the scientific information of the world, and directs the public information activities of the Bureau. The Office consists of the following organizational units: Office of Standard Reference Data—Office of Technical Information and

Publications—Library—Office of International Relations.

1 Headquarters and Laboratories at Gaithersburg, Maryland, unless otherwise noted ; mailing address Washington, D.C. 20234.

2 Part of the Center for Radiation Research.

3 Located at Boulder, Colorado 80302.

* Part of the Center for Building Technology.
nOfJAL P^MJ CF STODAftDS

JAN 2 * W

the Flammable Fabrics Program 1971

U.S. Department of Commerce

Report of Activities Under the

Flammable Fabrics Act 1971

NBS Technical Notes are designed to supplement the Bureau's regular publications program. They provide a means for making available scientific data that are of

transient or limited interest. Technical Notes may be

listed or referred to in the open literature.

Tt^t tL^-^d^X -Yu-^Lt-. *jt Iff

•'»*AU 0* *

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, Peter G. Peterson, Secretary

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS, Lawrence M. Kushner, Acting Director,

Issued December 1972
National Bureau of Standards Technical Note 749

Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Tech. Note 749, 92 pages (Dec. 1972) CODEN: NBTNAE

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 (Order by SD Catalog No. C13.46:749). Price «1.50
ABSTRACT

This Annual Report to the Congress, required by the Flammable

Fabrics Act, covers calendar year 1971. Specific flammability

standards outputs were standards for children's sleepwear in sizes

through 6X, a proposed standard for mattresses, and a finding of

possible need for amendment of the children's sleepwear standard to

add sampling plans for the periodic testing by manufacturers of

subject garments and materials. Research included studies, in-house

and under contract, on subjects such as the contribution of floor

covering systems to fire spread along building corridors and the

parameters related to the burning of cotton/polyester blends and

of multilayer fabrics. Studies of the feasibility of reducing flammability included the effects of treatments on combustion products

and the effects of heavy metal ions on flammability. Test development, in addition to that basic to the standards developments already

mentioned, included work on a blanket test, an upholstered furniture

test, and on a general apparel test. A series of formal training

sessions was initiated to supplement the continuing informal training,

presentations, etc. Extensive cooperation was carried out with HEW,

the public, industry, and voluntary standards groups.

Key Words: Annual report to Congress; blankets; children's sleepwear;

flammability; flammability reduction; mattresses; research;

sampling plans; standards; test development; upholstered

furniture.

iii
PREFACE

The 90th Congress amended the Flammable Fabrics Act of 1953 to

authorize the Secretary of Commerce to conduct research on the flammability of fabrics, on the feasibility of reducing their flammability;

to develop test methods and devices; and to offer training in the use

of these devices. The technical responsibility for these activities

was delegated by the Secretary to the National Bureau of Standards.

The Act, as amended by PL 90-189, requires annual reports to the

Congress on the above activities. The first such report covered calendar 1968-69; the second 1970; the third, contained herein, covers

calendar 1971. In the latter period, a standard was published for

children's sleepwear in sizes through 6X, proceedings were instituted

to amend the children's sleepwear standard to add sampling plans, and

a proposed standard was published for mattresses. In an effort to

make this information readily available to the public, the third Annual

Report to the Congress is published here as a Technical Note.

iv
SUMMARY

This report describes the work of the Flammable Fabrics

Program in 1971. The program is under the Department of

Commerce with the Office of Flammable Fabrics in the

National Bureau of Standards acting as the Department's

technical base.

Preparation of Standards

The standard for children's sleepwear was promulgated.

It establishes a flammability test based on average char

length and residual flame time when the fabric specimen

is exposed to a small flame. This standard becomes

effective July 29, 1972, although garments which do not

pass the test may be manufactured for another year if

they are appropriately labeled.

A mattress standard was proposed. The test requires that

a mattress not ignite when cigarettes are placed on its

smooth surface, in the tufted depressions, and along the

taped edge

.

Considerable progress was made on a test, intended for a proposed blanket standard, which determines if conditioned

blanket specimens ignite when exposed to a small flame for

one second.

Proceedings were instituted for a possible amendment of

the Children's Sleepwear Standard to add a sampling plan

which would specify pre-market testing procedures.

Res ear ch

The study of carpet hazards was expanded. Twenty experiments in a corridor study were completed using various

combinations of carpet, underlayment , ceiling finish, air

movement, and other floor systems. Many carpets burned

the full 30 foot corridor length, and all produced excessive

smoke. In order to make a practical carpet test for these

hazards, developmental work was done on a procedure for

scaling down from 30 foot corridors to laboratory scale.

Because more people may die from "smoke inhalation" than

from burns in building fires, studies were made of the

factors affecting production of toxic substances, types of

smoke hazard, and measurement techniques.
Laboratory tests of burning cotton/polyester blends and

multi-layer fabrics indicated that their f lammabili ty

cannot be predicted from the individual properties of the

single components. For instance, various cotton/polyester

blends did not respond uniformly to the use of cellulosic

flame retardants: the total heat output from cotton-rich

blends was reduced but the heat output from poly es ter- rich

blends was increased.

A joint fire investigation team was established at the

Bureau to check fires of special significance and several

fire investigators were contacted to report on the role of

interior furnishings in fire growth.

Textile studies of how flames spread and the flammability

effect of chemical composition were continued under the

Government Industry Research Committee on Fabric Flammability.

Reduction of Flammability

Studies were conducted of the difference in combustible

gases produced when certain treated and untreated textile

materials were exposed to high temperatures (pyrolyses).

The possible use of heavy metal ions to reduce textile

flammability was investigated.

Test Development

Progress was made on tests for upholstered furniture using

cigarettes, the most likely ignition source. Work was

begun modifying the present apparel test method.

Training

A series of formal training sessions on flammability testing

was begun to complement informal training. Additionally,

drafts of test methods and standards were prepared and 12

technical papers and reports were published.

Cooperation with Public and Private Agencies

Presentations were made at legi

congressional inquiries were re than 30 presentations were made

groups, and OFF staff participa

to exchange information. High

technical studies was reflected

foreign nations, a 7 nation ISO

U.S.S.R.), and an international

fourth of OFF staff time was sp

visitors and answering thousand

cooperated in the preparation o about flammable fabrics.

vi

slative hearings and numerous

ceived and answered. More

to public and industrial

ted in technical committees

foreign interest in the

by visits to OFF from 12

delegation (including the

study group. Nearly oneent receiving hundreds of

s of inquiries . OFF also

f 9 television presentations
Accident Investigations

OFF cooperated with HEW in carrying out accident investigations by testing recovered items, analyzing accident reports,

and reporting these results. The OFF system was fully computerized and all cases were put into the data base. The

computer has been queried about possible needs for new

standards and about the hazards of specific product categories

Cooperation was maintained with FTC, fire officials, NFPA,

and private fire investigators in reporting fabric fires.

VI

1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Preface iv

Summary v Introduction 1

Preparation of Standards 3

2.1 Standards Established 3

2.1.1 DOC FF 3-71, Flammability of Children's

Sleepwear 3

2.1.1.1 Scope 3 2.1.1.2 Technological Practicability .... 4

2.1.1.3 Dermatologi cal and Toxi cologi cal

Considerations 4

2.1.1.4 Acceptance Criterion 5 2.1.1.5 Test Equipment 5 2.1.1.6 Specimen Conditioning 6

2.1.1.7 Ignition Time 6

2.1.1.8 Laundering 7

2.2 Standards Proposed 7 2.2.1 Mattresses 7

2.3 Proceedings in Progress , 9 2.3.1 Sampling Plan for Children's Sleepwear. ... 9

2.3.2 Blankets 9 Activities Under Sec. 14(b)(1): Research 11

3.1 In-House Research 12

3.1.1 Carpet Flammability Hazards 12

3.1.2 Products of Combustion 16

IX
Page

3.1.3 Thermochemistry of Burning Fabrics 17

3.1.4 Field Studies of Fires 18

3.2 Contract Research 18

3.2.1 Dynamics of Textile Fires 18

3.2.2 Flammability and Combustion Behavior of

Textiles 19

3.3 Government-Industry Research Committee on Fabric

Flammability 20

Activities Under Sec. 14(b)(2): Reduction of

Flammability 21

4.1 Pyrolysis of Textile Materials 21

4.2 Effects of Heavy Metals 21

4.3 Textile Finishing Laboratory 22

Activities Under Sec. 14(b)(3): Test Development. ... 23

5.1 Upholstery Systems 23

5.2 General Apparel 24

Activities Under Sec. 14(b)(4): Training 24

6.1 Research Associate Programs 25

6.2 Publications 25

6.3 Workshop and Educational Films 26

Activities Under Sec. 14(b): Cooperation with Public

and Private Agencies 26

7.1 Congressional Hearings and Briefings 26

7.1.1 Hearings Statements 27

7.1.2 Congressional Inquiries 27

7.2 Liaison with Voluntary Standards Groups 28
Page

7.3 Other Liaison with State and Local Government,

the Public, and Industry 29

7.3.1 Representatives of Government and

Government Agencies 29

7.3.2 Non- Gove rnment Organizations 29

7.4 International Contacts 30

7.5 Television and News Services ; 31

7.6 General Liaison 32

Activities Under Sec. 14(a): Accident Investigations . 32

8.1 Collection of Accident Data 32

8.1.1 Cooperation with HEW 32

8.1.2 Cooperation with HEW Contractors 33

8.1.3 Cooperation with Other Federal Agencies . . 34

8.1.4 Cooperation with State and Local

Governments 34

8.1.5 Cooperation with Industry and Private

Organizations 35

8.2 Data Processing and Analysis 35

Activities Under Sec. 17: National Advisory Committee

for the Flammable Fabrics Act 36

Conclusions 37

References 38

XI

1. INTRODUCTION

The Flammable Fabrics Act (15 U.S.C. 1193 as amended, Sec. 3,

Public Law 90-189, 81 Stat. 568; hereinafter referred to as the Act) authorized the Secretary of Commerce to set new and

amended flammability standards or other regulations, including

labeling, for a fabric, related material, or product, when

needed to protect the public against unreasonable risk of the

occurrence of fire leading to death, personal injury, or significant property damage.

The Secretary of Commerce reserved the authorities to adopt

final flammability standards, to select members of the

National Advisory Committee, and to receive their comments

on proposed standards. The Secretary delegated to the

Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology the responsibilities for issuance of proceedings for the determination

of flammability standards, and for chairing the meetings of

the National Advisory Committee.

The Act authorizes appropriate activities to provide the

basis for standards, and states in part:

"Sec. 14(a) The Secretary of Health, Education, and

Welfare in cooperation with the Secretary of Commerce shall

conduct a continuing study and investigation of the deaths,

injuries, and economic losses resulting from accidental

burning of products, fabrics, or related materials. The

Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall submit

annually a report to the President and to the Congress

containing the results of the study and investigation.

(b) In cooperation with appropriate public and

private agencies, the Secretary of Commerce is authorized

to—

(1) conduct research into the flammability of

products, fabrics, and materials;

(2) conduct feasibility studies on reduction

of flammability of products, fabrics, and materials;

(3) develop flammability test methods and

testing devices; and

(4) offer appropriate training in the use of

flammability test methods and testing devices.
The Secretary shall annually report the results of these

activities to the Congress."

The Secretary delegated responsibility for activities under

Section 14(a) and 14(b) to the National Bureau of Standards

by revision of Department Organization Order 30-2A dated

October 1, 1968. All activities under the Act, including

those under Section 14, are conducted to contribute to the

identification of need for standards, or to providing a sound technical basis for the development of standards and

test methods. Assessment of technological practicability

(including studies ofthe feasibility of reducing flammability), of reasonableness, and of appropriateness are

parts of standards development.

This is the third report submitted by the Secretary of

Commerce in response to the requirement of Sec. 14(b)

quoted above, and encompasses calendar year 19 71 activities. The two previous reports were submitted to the

Congress and, with the permission of the appropriate

Committees, were subsequently published [1, 2] to make

them generally available to the public.

The main body of this report discusses activities under

the Act as they relate to specific standards developments.

Additional sections of the report describe general

activities, which underlie standards development.

At the end of calendar year 1971, the fire related activities at the National Bureau of Standards had been coordinated

under a Fire Program in the Bureau's Institute for Applied

Technology. Within the overall Fire Program, 31 members of

the scientific and supporting staff were employed in

activities directly supporting the Office of Flammable

Fabrics (OFF), to provide the technical base for mandatory

standards development. The Office of Fire Programs has

formalized and enhanced the previously informal coordination

between activities under the Flammable Fabrics Act and those

under the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968 (Public Law

90-259) [3] and the long standing building fire research

program under the organic act of NBS

.

In addition to Fire Program personnel, OFF funded two manyears of work in the Office of Textiles of the Department

of Commerce to maintain liaison with the industries affected

by the Act or by standards resulting from implementation of

the Act, and to furnish economic impact studies in the areas

concerned with the proposed standards. OFF also funded

supporting efforts of other NBS personnel.

T

Figures in brackets indicate the references at the end of this paper,
2. PREPARATION OF STANDARDS

2.1 Standards Established

2.1.1 DOC FF 3-71, Flammablllty of Children's Sleepwear

A proposed f lammab i li ty standard for children's sleepwear was

published under the designation DOC PFF 3-70, in the FEDERAL

REGISTER on November 17, 19 70 [4]. In response to requests

from interested parties, the period for submission of written

comments was extended from December 17, 19 70 to January 29,

1971, by public notice in the FEDERAL REGISTER on December 19,

19 70 [5]. Public hearings were requested. A notice of the

hearings was published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on December 23,

19 70, [6] and the hearings were held January 14 and 15, 1971.

As a result of the hearings, comments received, and further

laboratory investigations, the proposed standard was modified

and the final standard published, under the designation

DOC FF 3-71, in the FEDERAL REGISTER on July 29, 1971 [7].

The standard for children's sleepwear is based on a vertical

test with char length of the specimens and time of burning

(residual flame time) of molten drips or other fragments

from the specimens on the floor of the test chamber as the

acceptance criteria. The test chamber is shown in Figures 1

and 2 .

The texts of the standard for the flammability of children's

sleepwear and of the covering notice are given in Appendix I.

A number of issues raised in the written comments and hearings

were considered prior to publication of the standard. These

include

:

- scope

- technological practicability

- dermatological considerations

- acceptance criterion

- test equipment

- conditioning of specimens

- ignition time

laundering

.

2.1.1.1 Scope

The proposed standard's scope included any product of children's sleepwear up through size 6X and any fabric or

related material intended for use or which may reasonably

be expected to be used in such children's sleepwear. This
definition in its widest interpretation could cover annual

production of approximately 750 million yards of fabric, of

which 15 to 30 million are used in children's sleepwear.

Since the purpose of the standard is to cover only children's

sleepwear, the scope was changed to reflect this limit.

2.1.1.2 Technological Practicability

The chi

this 70

Departm

OFF ind

produce

meet th

cially

woven f

the fla

may be

pr eviou

be made

modacry

availab

Process

ob taine

which w wi thin

become

provis o manuf ac appropr

manuf ac

ldren's sleepwear market is ove

% is knit, 20% woven. Visits t ent and OFF personnel and a con

icated that it is technological

commerically children's sleepw

e standard. Heavyweight (winte

available. The problem with li

abrics is a significant loss of

me retardant treatment. Indica

overcome by substituting a newe

sly tried. Alternatively, ligh

from permanent flame retardant

lies. In the case of knits, ch

le for flame retardant treating

ing techniques must be develope

d. Best estimates, in July, we

ould pass the test could be ava

24 months. On this basis the s effective in 12 months (July 29

that garments which do not pas

tured for a further 12 months p

iately labeled. All children's

tured after 24 months must pass

r 90% cotton and of

o factories by

sultant retained by

ly practicable to

ear garments which

r) wovens are comme

ghtweight (summer)

strength caused by

tions are that this

r process for that

tweight fabrics may

treated rayon or emical processes ar

of these fabrics,

d and new equipment

re that knit sleepw

ilable in quantity

tandard was issued

, 19 72) , with a

s the test may be

rovided they are

sleepwear garments

the test.

rear

to

2.1.1.3 Dermatological and Toxicological Considerations

One of the questions raise

hearing was that of possib

effects from flame retarda

suppliers of flame retarda

copies of their toxicology

animals and humans ob taine

there was no significant p

greater than 25,000 garmen

million garments in Englan

cases of contact dermatiti

government and universitie

say absolutely that there

medical consultants were s a dermatitis problem is ex

various new chemicals on f

d in the comments and at the

le toxicological and dermatological

nt treated fabrics. The major

nt chemicals were contacted and

and dermatology studies on

d. These studies indicated that

roblem. Consumer experience with

ts in the U.S. and some four

d showed only two substantiated

s. Medical consultants from

s indicated that they could not

is not a problem. Industry

atisfied that the probability of

tremely small. Experience with

ibers had been that about 0.001%
of people in contact with treated fiber exhibit dermatitis.

Thus, in the case of children's sleepwear some 200 children

per year could be expected to show a skin effect due to the

flame retardant treatment. The average medical cost of a dermatitis case is about $100.00. This contrasts to an estimated 8-10,000 pre-school children per year burned by

flammable sleepwear with an average medical cost per case of

$2,500.

2.1.1.4 Acceptance Criterion

The proposed standard specified a three-part acceptance

criterion: (a) no specimen may char its full ten inch

length, (b ) average char length must not exceed a limit

which varied with fabric weight and (c) time of burning

of drips or other fragments on the test chamber floor

must not exceed a limit. These basic requirements were

modified in the acceptance criterion for the final standard. A review of available data indicated that an

average char length limit varying with fabric weight was

not necessary. The criterion was, therefore, changed to

specify one 7.0 in. limit on average char length for all

fabric weights. The 10 second limit on time of burning

of drips or other fragments on the test cabinet floor

(residual flame time) was redefined for clarification

and the method of measurement changed to simplify the

test procedure. The 10 in. limit was retained on maximum

char length . 2.1.1.5 Test Equipment

The proposed standard specified a test chamber in which a vertical burner was moved across the floor of the cabinet.

This presented problems in that residue from molten drips

interfered with burner movement, and was difficult to clean

from the cabinet floor. The final design, shown in Figures

1 and 2 , included a burner mounted on the side of the cabinet

with the burner tip at an angle of 25° from vertical to

minimize the chance of drips falling into the burner. The

floor of the cabinet was covered with asbestos sheets to

give a uniform replaceable surface on which the burning

drips fall.

It had been recommended that the sample holder and, therefore,

the exposed area of the test specimen be larger than in the

proposed standard. A series of laboratory trials indicated

no significant advantage of larger holders and no change in

the pass-fail results. The exposed area was, therefore, not

changed. Outside dimensions of the holder were increased
slightly to make the holder arms more rigid. The trials

also indicated that a holder consisting of two plates with

locating pins, shown in Figure 3 , was preferable to the

hinged holder and, therefore, it was adopted. The two-plate

holder is more convenient than the hinged holder for testing

thick samples.

Another reco

tioned in ai

than, as sti

dried for 30

minutes befo

standard con

f lammability

way were rel

a reasonable

tioning, fab

conditioning

range 65% RH

desiccating)

cated in Fie

some fabrics

at equilibri

but pass whe

percent RH i

for air in a homes during

samples afte

always provi

2.1.1.6 Specimen Conditioning

mmendation was that the test specimen be condir at 70 °F and 65% relative humidity (RH) rather

pulated in the proposed standard, being oven

minutes and cooled in a desiccator for 30

re testing. Sixty-five percent RH is the

dition used by textile laboratories and if

test results for samples conditioned in this

ated to the hazard, then this would have been

approach. To investigate the effect of condirics of four common fibers were tested after

to equilibrium in air at humidities in the

to 5% RH (latter approximates oven drying and

The char length results obtained are indiures 4 to 6 . These results clearly show that

fail to meet the acceptance criterion when

urn with air at relative humidities up to 50%

n at equilibrium with air at 65% RH . Forty

s recommended as the optimum relative humidity

home, and lower humidities prevail in many

the winter months. On this basis, testing of

r conditioning in air at 65% RH would not

de an indication of the potential hazard.

To further check the effect of moisture, 11 children under

5 years of age wore cotton undershirts overnight for

several nights. Each following morning the undershirts

were tested for moisture content. The moisture contents

were found to be equivalent to equilibrium with air having

relative humidities in the range 35 to 54%, averaging 49%.

Hence, testing after conditioning at 65% RH also would not

be indicative of the condition of garments in use.

2.1.1.7 Ignition Time

The proposed standard specified that a flame impingement

time of three seconds be used; if the specimen did not

ignite, then the flame was applied for a further 12

seconds. The need for the two flame application times

was questioned. A careful review of available data, and
further investigations, showed that some lightweight

nylon and polyester fabrics passed with three seconds

flame impingement and failed with 12 seconds but, in all

such cases, failure was by continued melting of the fabric

rather than by burning. Moderate amounts of melting without flaming is not judged an unreasonable risk. No

evidence was found that cellulosics which passed on three

seconds flame application would fail on 12 seconds application. On this basis the 12 second flame application

requirement was deleted.

2.1.1.8 Laundering

Under the laundering requirement, a number of questions

were raised concerning disposable garments, with a useful

service life of less than 50 washings, and "dry-clean only"

garments. The wording of the laundering section of the

standard was modified to cover these products. Also,

laboratory work indicated that the flammability of a garment does not change significantly with washing, provided the garment was made from fabric that meets the

standard after 50 launderings . Therefore, the requirement

for dry-cleaning or launderings were dropped for garments

provided they are made from fabric guaranteed to meet the

standard after such dry-cleaning or laundering.

2.2 Standards Proposed

2.2.1 Mattresses

A proposed flammability standard for mattresses was published in the FEDERAL REGISTER on September 9, 1971, [8].

This proposed standard and the covering notice are given

in Appendix II.

The proposed standard is based on

to ignition by cigarettes. Cigar

different types of locations; (a)

in depressions caused by quilting

tape edges. Single cigarettes ar representative of each of these 1

mattress, and with the cigarettes

the mattress. Figures 7 , 8 , and

six configurations. If any one o the mattress, that mattress fails

Ignition by a given cigarette is

occurred if five minutes after th

burned out, char on the mattress

resis t e 1 1 es a on smo

or tuf

e burne

ocation

betwee

9_ illus

f the c to mee

cons ide

e cigar

sur face

ance

re p

oth

ts , d at

s on

n tw

trat

igar

t th

red

ette

ext

of

lace

surf

and

thr

the

o sh

e th

ette

e s t not

has

ends

mat tr

d on

aces , (c) a ee po

bare

eets

ree o

s ign

andar

to ha

comp

not

esses

three

(b)

long

int s

on

f the

i tes

d.

ve

letely

more
than one inch in any direction from the cigarette, and

there is no evidence of continuing combustion. The latter

is determined by cutting open the mattress and examining the

insides

.

Early in 1971, as part of development of the proposed standard, an interlaboratory trial ("round robin") of the test

method was completed in conjunction with the National

Association of Bedding Manufacturers and the American

Society for Testing and Materials. This round robin involved nine mattress types and 17 laboratories; the test

procedure required that cigarettes be burned at five points

representative of each location, mentioned above. Statistical

analysis of the round robin results showed the test to be

reproducible, and that it is necessary to test at all three

location types (smooth surface, quilted or tufted depressions,

and tape edges), both on the bare mattress and between two

sheets on the mattress. The results also showed that the

number of cigarettes burned at each location could be lowered

from five to three without loss in precision and reproducibility. This reduction was incorporated in the proposed

s tandard

.

The possible effects of service use on the flammability of

mattresses were considered prior to publication of the proposed standard. Two mattress types were tested: a) flame

retardant latex foam and b) polyurethane foam over cotton

felt. In the latter case the minimum thickness of foam

required to prevent ignition of the cotton felt was determined to be 5/16 in. and a mattress was constructed using

slightly thicker foam. This mattress and the treated latex

foam mattress each were flexed for 100,000 cycles according

to a National Association of Bedding Manufacturers (NABM)

procedure to simulate use. Ignitions were not obtained on

either the flexed or unflexed areas of either mattress.

These results indicated no measurable effect on flammability

due to service use. A test for service use, therefore, was

not included in the proposed standard.

A wetting-down procedure is included in the proposed standard to be applied in cases where resistance to ignition is

achieved by the use of flame retardants in mattresses. This

procedure specifies that any mattress containing flame retardant treated components be uniformly wetted with two gallons

of water per foot of width and then air dried for 48 hours

before testing.

A number of comments have been received concerning the proposed standard. The major issues raised were:

8
a) better definition of items covered (scope) under the

proposed standard

b) clarification of the sampling plan proposed for

mat tresses

c) modification of the wetting procedure for mattresses

containing treated components

d) testing of components or small-scale rather than

full-scale mattresses.

These comments are under study.

2.3 Proceedings In Progress

2.3.1 Sampling Plan for Children's Sleepwear

On August 14, 1971, a Notice of Finding was published in

the FEDERAL REGISTER [9], that there may be need to amend

the children's sleepwear standard [7] to provide a sampling

plan or plans. This finding is given in Appendix III.

The flammability test in the children's sleepwear standard

is destructive, i.e. the items tested are destroyed or at

least partially charred. Testing every item produced - the

only way to assure 100 percent compliance - therefore, is

not practical. To ensure consumer protection by an acceptably

high level of compliance with the standard while maintaining

a reasonable frequency of testing, it may be necessary to

follow statistically based sampling plans.

Comments received pursuant to the notice were mainly of two

types: (a) those which stated only that plans are needed

and (b ) those which stated that plans cannot be developed

until the variability of the test method and of industrial

processes for flame retardant treatments are known.

Work is in progress on the development of suitable plans.

2.3.2 Blankets

A flammability test method has been developed for blankets.

During development of the test method, a wide range of

blankets were obtained and tested using an eas e-of-igni tion

and a burn-rate test. These two tests were carried out in

an American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) experimental tester based on the aforementioned tests, which had

been developed by OFF and described in the first Annual
Report [1]. The blanket types included 100% wool, cotton,

polyester, and acrylic, as well as a range of blends

including polyester, nylon, cotton, and rayon.

The methods provide for measurements of (a) i

which for the blankets tested ranged from less

second to more than 5 seconds, and (b ) times t 6-inch specimen lengths, which ranged from les

seconds to greater than 50 seconds. Of these

eas e-of-igni tion appeared better able to discr

between more and less hazardous blankets, so i

for further development. In the ASTM experime

six concurrently mounted specimens are tested

While convenient for determining the minimum i

this arrangement means that six oven dried spe

room air so long that the last one or two may

moisture to effect their igni tab ili ty . Also,

specimen holder makes it difficult to brush up

nap uniformly. These problems may be overcome

single specimens for resistance to ignition fr

applied for a given period such as one second,

ignition-non ignition test.

nition times

,

than 0.1

6 burn over

s than 3.5

two methods

,

iminat e

t was selected

ntal tes ter

,

one at a time

.

gni tion time

,

cimens are in

pick up enough

the sixthe specimens

by testing

om a flame

i.e. an

During the development of the test method a number of other

technical issues were considered. These included:

- effect of humidity

- effect of specimen mounting angle

- effect of brushing

Blan

65%

fore

(5%

s ome

all

thos

and

wint

as t

ket samples conditioned (a) for several hours in air at

RH, 70 °F, and (b) for 30 minutes in air at 105 °C in a ed circulation oven followed by 30 minutes in a desiccator

RH) , were tested using one second flame impingement. For

blankets, no effect of humidity was observed; for others,

five specimens conditioned at 5% RH ignited but none of

e conditioned at 65% RH ignited. Based on these results,

the fact low humidities are common in many homes during

r (see 2.1.1.6), oven drying and desiccating was selected

he method for conditioning specimens.

In the ASTM experimental tester, ignition times are determined

with the sample at 60° from the horizontal. The general

apparel flammability test (CS 191-53) [10] requires placement

of the specimens at 45°. To check the effect of angle, blanket

samples were tested at 60°, 45°, and horizontal. Although no

effect was observed among the three angles for ignition or

non-ignition from one-second flame impingement, there were

noticeable effects on the subsequent burning of the specimens.

10
At least some of this appeared due to the direction of the

fabric weave. Also, there may have been spurious effects due

to convective heat flow from the test flame during impingement

on the specimen at 45° and 60°. Therefore, it was decided to

place the specimens horizontally to minimize these effects.

Blanket specimens were tested with their surfaces brushed and

duplicate specimens not brushed. While this did not change

the pass-fail results for the blankets tested, it was noted

that less variability between specimens was observed with

the brushed specimens.

The test method, as developed to the year's end, is based on

the resistance of blankets to ignition by a small flame.

Five 7.0 cm x 7.0 cm (2-3/4 in. x 2-3/4 in.) blanket specimens are conditioned, brushed, and mounted in holders, each

of which exposes a 6.25 cm (2-1/2 in.) diameter circular

area of the blanket specimen. A paper monitor similar in

size to the specimen with a 5.1 cm (2 inch) diameter hole

is placed over the specimen and under the top plate of the

holder. A 1.6 cm (5/8 inch) flame is impinged on the center

of the upper surface of the exposed specimen for one second.

If ignition occurs, as evidenced by charring or burning of

the paper monitor, the specimen fails. Five specimens are

tested and ignition of any one results in failure of the

sample

.

A holder with a specimen and the paper monitor in place is

shown in Figure 10 and a specimen is shown under test in

Figure 11 .

3. ACTIVITIES UNDER SEC. 14(b)(1): RESEARCH

Research provides a portion of the basic technical information necessary for the setting of reasonable, appropriate,

and effective flammability standards. The research program

has as its principal objectives:

(1) more precise and quantitative identification of the

hazards associated with textile fires, as guidance to the

development of more appropriate test methods; and

(2) an understanding of just how fires start and grow

in text iles

.

Work directed toward the attainment of both objectives was

continued, both internally and through cooperative programs

with other agencies.

11
The consolidation of the Flammability Research Unit into the

Fire Program's Applied Research Section permitted further

expansion and better integration of research programs.

Physical scientists trained in fluid dynamics and heat transfer were added to the staff so that adequate attention could

be given to the physical mechanisms important to fire development, thereby complementing the predominantly chemical orientation of past programs. More laboratory space became available

and several major research instruments were acquired, including

an infrared spectrophotometer, a gas chromatograph , an oxygen

index tester, and improved data acquisition equipment.

The expanded staff capabilities and their improved facilities

permitted an increased scope of activities, which led to

increased cooperation with our agencies, both government and

private, and generated important support from these sources.

3.1 In-House Research

3.1.1 Carpet Flammability Hazards

A standard more restrictive than that defined by the "Pill

Test" (DOC FF 1-70) [11; text Appendix II in Ref. 2] may be

desirable for floor coverings for use in special occupancies

such as medical facilities, schools, and multiple occupancy

buildings. In 19 70, the Office of Flammable Fabrics and the

Fire Research Section of the NBS Building Research Division

initiated a joint program to investigate the spread of fires

through building corridors, with special attention being

given to the effects of carpets and other floor coverings

on fire spread and hazard development. The program- was to

include full-scale fire experiments in a simulated room and

corridor test structure and supporting investigations.

Early in 1971, the Department of Health, Education, and

Welfare requested the advice of NBS in establishing flammability standards for floor coverings to be used in medical

and educational facilities constructed or operated under HEW

rules. Following extensive discussions, HEW and NBS agreed

to support jointly an expanded program to be carried out by

NBS. This program includes the following three tasks [12].

Task 1. Evaluation of the Chamber Test (U.L. Subject 992)

Task 2. Comparison of the Chamber Test and the Tunnel

Test (ASTM E-84) applied to carpets

Task 3. Definition of Hazards from Carpets and Interior

Furnishings in Building Fires

The program is currently planned to continue through June 1973.

12
Work on Task 1 has been completed and a report has been issued

[13]. The principal objective of the Task was the evaluation

of the Underwriters' Laboratories Floor Covering Chamber Test

(U.L. Subject 992) as a test method for assessing the hazard

potential of floor coverings in building fires. An interlaboratory comparison was carried out using five different carpet

and pad assemblies tested in the four existing chambers. It

was concluded that some further development work on the test

is needed before it can be relied upon to give reproducible

results. The relationship of the test results to the actual

contribution to hazard by the carpet in a building fire is not

clearly established (the same can be said of most. carpet flammability test methods).

A major activity under Task 2 will be an interlaboratory

study of the Steiner Tunnel Test (ASTM E-84). Twelve

laboratories are participating. The following materials

will be included: red oak flooring, asbestos cement board,

fiberglas insulation, hardwood plywood, sheet vinyl floor

covering, and three carpets (anticipated flame spread ratings

low, medium, and high). The distribution of test materials

has been started; the interlaboratory study will be completed

in the spring of 1972.

The carpets to be used in the interlaboratory study will include some of the ones used in the Chamber Test Study and in

full-scale corridor experiments. In addition, a number of

other laboratory tests are being carried out on these same

carpets. Thus an extensive body of data will be gathered on

the response of these carpets to a variety of laboratory

tests, and on their performance in a simulated full scale

fire environment in the corridor experiments. These results

will help to establish the relevance of the various test

methods to the measurement of hazard potential and will help

to identify the construction features of the carpets which

contribute to specific types of fire behavior.

Activities under Task 3 center on the full-scale corridor

experiments. The objectives of this task are to characterize

the environment to which carpet and other interior furnishings

are exposed during a building fire and to evaluate the effects

of various design and operational parameters on hazard development in a corridor fire. The corridor-room combination was

chosen because corridors are common routes by which flames,

smoke, or toxic gases from fire in a room spread to other

spaces, as occurred in several recent multiple death fires.

13
The facility consists of a 30 ft. long corridor with an

8 ft. x 8 ft. room opening into it from the side near one end

( Figures 12, 13, 14 ). Air conditioning equipment permits

control of the initial air temperature and relative humidity,

and of air flow into the corridor during an experiment. Smoke

abatement equipment has been ordered to further increase the

usefulness of the facility.

Instrumentation is provided for measurements of temperature,

heat flux (radiative and convective) and air velocity at many

points. Smoke density and the concentrations of carbon

dioxide (COo) , carbon monoxide (CO) and oxygen (O2) are monitored continuously during experiments. Samples of smoke and

gases are collected at intervals for laboratory study (see

section 3.1.2). Still and motion pictures are taken to record

the progress of the experiment.

To conduct an experiment, a fire is initiated in the side

room using wood cribs to simulate the fire loading in a typical occupied room. The fire is allowed to spread down

the corridor and its progress and intensity are observed by

various instrumental techniques. A total of 20 experiments

had been carried out by the end of the calendar 1971.

Principal variables in the investigation include the intensity of the room fire (fuel loading), flame spread rating

of ceiling materials, presence or absence of forced air flow

down the corridor, different wood and vinyl tile floors,

different carpet fiber types and constructions, and the

presence or absence of a pad under the carpet. A preliminary

report has been prepared [14]. The following qualitative

observations have been made:

(1) Fire spread the full length of the corridor in each

of several experiments in which the only combustible materials

in the corridor were carpet and underpad. This was true for

all four different carpets used thus far.

(2) This initial rapid flame spread involved only the

pile surface of the carpet. Backing and pad did not become

seriously involved until a later stage of the fire.

(3) Fire spread only half the corridor's length when

the ceiling finish was gypsum wallboard (very low combustibility) and the floor covering was one particular carpet

without pad; fire spread the full length with the same

carpet, no pad, but a cellulose particle board ceiling

finish (f lammability comparable to oak flooring).

Ik
(4) Radiation, from the hot ceiling and from flames,

appears to provide the necessary energy to cause the fire to

propagate over the carpet surface.

(5) The principal role of a pad during the early phase

of the fire is to keep heat in the carpet, thereby causing

the carpet to burn more readily.

(6) A mild forced draft down the corridor (^ 100 ft/min,

1 mph) delayed ignition, presumably by increasing heat loss

from -the corridor, but caused very rapid flame spread once

ignition occurred.

(7) All carpets tested produced copious quantities of

dark smoke. Visibility in the corridor was reduced almost

to zero during the period of active carpet burning.

More quantitative information is being developed from the

analysis of the large volume of data collected during these

experiments. A high speed data acquisition system has been

added to the facility and computer programs have been developed for reduction of the data from the tape records.

To aid in the interpretation of the corridor experiment

results and the results of the various laboratory flammability tests, studies of the thermophys i cal properties of

floor and floor covering systems are being carried out.

Figure 15 shows some of the results from preliminary calculations of temperature distribution through a carpet with

various backing materials when subjected to a constant

radiant flux on the top surface. It should be noted that

up to 90 seconds (the approximate burning time of the "pill")

the surface temperature is insensitive to the nature of the

backing because the thermal wave has not penetrated to the

back of the carpet and little heat is lost. However, after

5 or 6 minutes, a time characteristic of the chamber test or the corridor experiments, the surface temperature is much

higher for a carpet with pad than for the same carpet on a masonry floor. More refined calculations will take into

account the radiative properties of the carpet surface and

the non-homogeneity of the carpet structure. Flame propagation over the heated carpet surface will be studied experimentally. Further development of this concept might lead to

a simple test method for evaluating the flammability properties

of carpets under simulated fire exposure conditions.

Because of the urgency of resolving questions relating to the

suitability of the various proposed carpet flammability test

15
methods, the Man-Made Fiber Producers' Associ

sored a Research Associateship at NBS for the

investigating these problems. An apparatus h

consisting of an 8 ft. long experimental duct

cross section (from 4 ft. by 4 ft. to 1 ft. b

precisely controllable variable air supply, a system, an exhaust duct, and instrumentation

temperature, radiation and air flow data ( Fig

The equipment is designed to assist in scalin

full scale corridor experiments to laboratory

apparatus . Experiments have been carried out

the effects of cross section, air velocity an

intensity on-, carpet burning. Further experim

to hes lp define the parameters of a laboratory

necessary to provide a simulation of such rea

ation has sponpurpose of

as been constructed

of variable

y 2 ft.) , a gas ignition

for recording

ure 16 and 17)

.

g down from the

scale test

to evaluate

d ignition

ents are expected

test which are

1 fire conditions.

3.1.2 Products of Combustion

Many of the fatalities occurring in building fires are

attributed to "smoke inhalation" rather than to burns, yet

the nature of the hazard from the gaseous and particulate

products of combustion is not well understood. Investigations

are underway with the objectives of (1) developing better

methods of characterizing and quantifying the products of

combustion of textile materials, (2) measuring smoke and gas

development from carpets and other interior furnishings in

full scale building fires, and (3) correlating the results

of full scale and laboratory experiments.

The corridor experiments d

provide a convenient vehic

measurements. Carbon mono

and oxygen (O2) concentrat

during the course of an ex

taken at intervals for lab

ents by infrared spectroph

mass spectrometric methods

by measuring the decrease

locations along the corrid

the corridor by a carpet o that accurate measurements

techniques are being inves

accurate measurement. Var

collecting samples of the

gases. The problem is mad

tures and the presence of

liquids in the smoke from

are being developed for ch

using a combination of che

gas chromatographic analys

escribed in the previous section

le for large scale smoke and gas

xide (CO) carbon dioxide (CO2),

ions are monitored continuously

periment. "Grab samples" are

oratory analysis of minor constituotometry, gas chromatography, or

Smoke development is monitored

in light transmission at three

or. However the smoke produced in

n the floor soon becomes so dense

have not been possible. Dilution

tigated to increase the range of

ious methods are being used for

particulate matter in the combustion

e more difficult by the high temperalarge amounts of condensible tarry

burning textile materials. Methods

aracterizing these liquid products,

mical separation and infrared and

is .

16
A laboratory combustion chamber has been constructed which

permits the burning of samples of textile materials under

controlled conditions of ventilation, initial gas composition,

and energy input. Combustion rate (weight loss), smoke

density, and gas composition can be measured continuously.

Conditions which give results which correlate with the full

scale experiments will be sought as a step toward the development of more meaningful test methods.

3.1.3 Thermochemistry of Burning Fabrics

The heat release from fabrics burning freely in air is

measured by means of an isoperibol calorimeter. This heat

release is less than the standard heat of combustion since

a portion of the fabric remains as a carbonaceous char and

some of the gaseous products are incompletely oxidized. A

combustible gas meter has been placed in the exhaust stream

from the calorimeter to measure the amounts of unburned

gases, so it is possible to obtain a complete heat balance

on the burning of the fabric sample.

This equipment has been used for (1) evaluation of flame

retardants for cellulosic fabrics, (2) study of the burning

of cotton/polyester blends, and (3) study of the burning of

multi-layer fabrics. Two papers describing this work were

presented at the Fall National Meeting of the American

Chemical Society [15, 16] and a third paper has been accepted

for the Spring, 1972, meeting [17],

Studies o chemi cal

the prope

flame ret

co tton-ri

poly es ter

the combu

of comb us cellulosi

cellulosi

rate of t component

layer fab

behavior

f co t ton/poly

properties of

rties of the

ardants reduc

ch blends but

-rich blends

s tion of poly

tion of the c

c content in

c flame retar

he fabric and

( Figure 19 )

.

rics indicate

as compared t

es ter

the b

pure c ed the

incre

( Figur

blends indicate that the thermolends can not be predicted from

omponents. The use of cellulosic

total heat output from the

ased the heat output from the

e 18 ) . The results reveal that

ester in the blend depends on the rate

ellulosic component. Decreasing

the blend or increasing add-on of

dant tends to reduce the combustion

increase the combustion of the polyester

Preliminary experiments with multidrastic differences in thermo chemi cal

o the behavior of single layers

.

17
3.1.4 Field Studies of Fires

During 1971 a joint fire investigation team was established

at NBS, combining fire investigators from the building

research, fire services, and flammable fabrics projects.

Under the plan, personnel from one or more of the NBS

fire projects would be sent to investigate fires of special

significance. In addition to collecting information on these

fires for NBS, the investigators offer cooperation with local

or state government investigations of the same fires. In

1971, NBS investigators were sent to investigate fires at

the Lil-Haven Nursing Home in Salt Lake City, Utah, the Geiger

Nursing Home in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and a residence fire

in Washington, D.C. in which five children died. In addition,

NBS contracted with several fire investigators to obtain their

reports on unusual aspects of various home and office furnishings fires. Among the fires they investigated were those at

the Westminister Terrace Presbyterian Home for Senior Citizens

in Buechel, Kentucky, the Pick-Carter Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio,

a multiple residence building in Boston, Massachusetts, and

25 fires in or near Washington, D.C.

3.2 Contract Research

External contracts with academic and commercial organizations

provide a means of supplementing the OFF research by making

available technical experts and special facilities for

application to specific probelms, as well as stimulating

interest in textile flammability research in the scientific

community. This program will be continued as suitable

opportunities arise. Contracts which were active during

1971 are described below.

3.2.1 Dynamics of Textile Fires

In April 1971 a request for proposals for a study of "Dynamics

of Textile Fires" was issued [18]. Eighteen proposals were

received in response to the solicitation. Following a competitive evaluation, a one year contract was awarded to the

Factory Mutual Research Corporation [19].

The objective of the program is to apply recent progress in

understanding the mechanism of flame propagation over the

surface of liquids and solids to the more difficult problem

of flame propagation over the surface of textile materials.

The program is described in the following summary of the

work statement:

18
(1) The contractor will develop a physical and mathematical model of the spread of flame over the surface of

textile materials . The model should describe flame propagation; transient phenomena associated with and leading to

ignition will not be considered in the present program.

(2) The initial model is expected to describe an

idealized system, e.g., a plane fabric surface burning

in an upward direction at an angle of 45° in air. The

model should be extended, where possible, to include

the effects of such parameters as orientation in the

gravitational field, forced convection, atmospheric

compositions, temperature, pressure, and composition and

structure of the textile material.

(3) The contractor may perform simple combustion

experiments in his own laboratory to provide an insight

into the mechanics of flame spread and to check predictions based on the model. The Government will provide

standard test fabrics for this purpose.

Work on both the theoretical and experimental phases of

work is under way and a first quarterly report has been

issued [20].

3.2.2 Flammability and Combustion Behavior of Textiles

The Office of Flammable Fabrics has joined in supporting

a multi-sponsor program being carried out at the Textile

Research Institute [21]. The general objectives of the

program are :

(1) To establish the effects of chemical composition

and gross physical structure of textiles on their inherent

flammability behavior.

(2) To identify the controlling mechanisms of the

combustion processes which occur during the flaming of

textile substrates.

Specifically, a portion of the program effort will be

directed toward characterizing the burning properties of

the GIRCFF Fabrics (Sec. 3.3) using the TRI Flammability

Analyzer. This apparatus gives precise measurements of

fabric flame progagation rates. The results should be

useful in the numerous research programs which utilize

these fabrics .

19
3.3 Government-Industry Research Committee on

Fabric Flammability

As reported last year, the Government-Indus

t

Committee on Fabric Fl ammability was organiz

purpose of sponsoring research aimed at deve

information on hazards associated with appar

fires. The research p rogram is supported wi

vided by the American Textile Manufacturers

the National Cotton Council, and the Man-Mad

Producers Association, each of which contrib

and by the National Science Foundation, whic

$92,900. The Office o f Flammable Fabrics of

Bureau of Standards provides scientific and

guidance

.

ry Research

ed for the

loping factual

el fabric

th funds proIns titute , e Fibers

uted $25,000,

h contributed

the National

technical

In November 1970, the Committee selected four leading

industry and university facilities to receive funding for

research under this cooperative program. These projects

include

:

. A Factory Mutual Research Corporation (Norwood, Mass

Study of pre-ignition heat transfer through a fabric'

skin system subjected to a heat source;

. A Georgia Institute of Technology investigation of

hazards from burning apparel and the relation of

hazards to test methods:

. A Gillette Research Institute (Rockville, Md . ) inquiry

into the probability of ignition and the effect of

garment construction and multiple-fabric layers, using

full-size mannikins in the experiments;

. A Massachusetts Institute of Technology series of

experiments on measurement of burn-injury potential

of fabrics.

Preliminary reports indicate that significant contributions

are being made to the understanding of the basic phenomena

involved in fabric fires, and the relationship between the

properties of fabric products and the hazards they represent.

20
4. ACTIVITIES UNDER SEC. 14(b)(2):

REDUCTION OF FLAMMABILITY

4.1 Pyrolysis of Textile Materials

The burning of textile materials involves an initial pyrolysis

to produce gaseous fuels which mix with air to support a gas

phase flame. Many flame retardants take effect through a modification of the pyrolysis reaction to reduce the supply of

gaseous fuel to the flame zone. A high rate pyrolysis apparatus,

which gives a direct measure of the amount of combustible gas

evolved during the rapid pyrolysis of organic fuels, was used

to study a number of polymer-retardant systems [22],

The pyrolytic behavior of a series of metal oxy cellulos es

,

supplied by the NBS Paper Evaluation Section, was examined

for evidence of flame retardant action. The decomposition

kinetics showed little overall differences among samples

with the metal ions located in three different positions

in the organic structure of the materials. Both increases

and decreases in thermal stability were observed among the

various samples, as characterized by the oxygen index

method. The changes in flammability were in disagreement

with the common generalization that retardancy accompanies

a lowering of the decomposition temperature.

A cooperative study was carried out with Stevens Institute

of Technology. The decomposition kinetics of a number of

polymers were determined in the pyrolysis apparatus by OFF.

The results were in good agreement with those derived from

controlled surface combustion experiments at Stevens. In

cooperation with Clemson University, retardant treated nylon

samples were studied and evidence was found to indicate the

retardant acted by a vapor phase inhibition mechanism.

Pyrolyses of a number of carpet fibers were carried out to

support the studies of carpet flammability. An acrylic

fiber was found to undergo a distinct two stage pyrolysis

which appears to correlate with the observed behavior of

the carpet in various flammability tests. A further study

of this effect is planned.

4.2 Effects of Heavy Metals

Scattered references in the literature suggest that small

concentrations of heavy metals may show pronounced flame

retardant effects in a variety of fuels. For example, the

chrome dyeing of wool confers a considerable degree of

21
fire resistance on the product. A program has been started

to study the prevalence and mechanisms of such effects and

to determine whether or not retardant processes based on

heavy metals may be practical.

Ethy lene-acry lie acid copolymers are being converted to

their metal salts by an ion exchange technique in the

Polymer Chemistry Section. The products are evaluated by

pyrolyses, oxygen index, and combustion methods for evidence

of retardant action. Of particular interest is a nickelcontaining copolymer which shows a significant increase in

oxygen index, indicative of flame retardancy, while the

corresponding cobalt derivative shows no effect.

A series of cotton fabrics containing metaloxy-anion

derivatives were prepared by Clemson University under a contract. Some of these also show significant retardant

activity. These leads will be explored further during the

coming year.

In another approach to the study of inhibition reactions,

a mass spectrometr ic system for atmospheric-pressure

sampling of flames has been placed in operation by the

Inorganic Chemistry Section. Used in conjunction with a quadrapole mass spectrometer, this equipment allows direct

analysis of flames and gaseous pyrolysis products, including

unstable intermediates. This system has been applied to a study of the antimony-halogen flame retardance synergism [23]

Applications to other retardant systems are planned.

4.3 Textile Finishing Laboratory

Plans for establishing a finishing laboratory in OFF are

being implemented. The laboratory will perform three major

functions. First, it will help OFF in insuring that, as required by the Flammable Fabrics Act, proposed standards

are technologically practicable. It will permit OFF to

acquire first hand experience with processes and finishes

which impart flame retardance to fabric products. A flameretardant process or finish which works in a laboratory is

not necessarily suitable for large scale commercial

production. Still, there is an urgent need for the Office

to become less dependent on the technical literature or

industrial contacts for information about the state of

the art. The second major function of the finishing

laboratory will be to assist in test development by

producing fabrics over a wide range of flammability

characteristics. These fabrics will then be used to

22
determine the ability of proposed test methods to discriminate among fabric specimens. The third programmatic thrust planned for the finishing laboratory is to

assist in research on the reduction of flammability of

fabric products. Work in this area will be performed in

conjunction with other research efforts, and will permit

studies which utilize a diversity of materials with

predetermined characteristics.

A contract for the design of a finishing laboratory capable

of providing the services described above has been let to

the Gillette Company Research Institute. Appropriate

equipment has been identified with the assistance of the

contractor, procurement has been started, space has been

allocated, and the laboratory should go into operation in

calendar 1972.

The Gillette Research Institute provided professional

services to supplement the capabilities of OFF, during 1971,

by furnishing flame retardant treated fabrics as required

by the OFF research program (Sections 3.1.3 and 4.1). The

variety of experimental materials and treatment levels

required could not be obtained from commercial sources.

5. ACTIVITIES UNDER SEC. 14(b)(3) TEST DEVELOPMENT

Several tasks of test development were carried out in

connection with the development of the standards already

discussed; additional work is described in two areas not

yet in the formal stages of standards development.

5.1 Upholstery Systems

Stud

char

igni

s tan

tive

6 to

cott

bina

on s show

the

the

fill

ies h

acter

tion

dard

upho

17 o on f e tions

imula

n in

cotto

fabri

ing.

ave been started on the

istics of upholstered f

test similar to that us appears a promising app

lstery fabrics were ob

t

z/yd.2 Simulated const

It and fabric over uret

were prepared and test

ted construction sample

Figure 20 did not resul

n or urethane-cotton co

c appeared heavy enough

igni

urnit

ed in

roach

ained

ructi

hane

ed.

s pla

t in

mbina

to p

tion and f

ure . A ci

the propo

Fourtee

in the we

ons of fab

foam- cotto

Burning th

ced horizo

ignition w tion. In

revent ign

lammab

gare tt

sed ma

n repr

ight r ric ov

n felt

e ci ga

ntally

ith ei

these

i tion

ility

e

t tress

esentaange

er

comrettes

as ther

cases

of the

23
Some ignitions

as shown in F_i

and vertical e two vinyl fabr

felt combinati

combinations w

of the fabrics

where ignition

was different

heat from the

the filling be

upholstered fu

appears to occ

were ob

t

gure 21 , lements

,

ics preve

ons . Whe

ere tes te

Close

occurred

than with

cigarette

neath the

rniture s ur with s

ained when

on samples

to simulat

nted ignit

n the fabr

d, ignltio

examinatio

indicated

mat tresse

s penetrat

ticking

.

amples ign

ub sequent

cigarettes were

having both hor

e chair arms . ion with the fab

i c-f oam-cot ton f ns were obtained

n of some of the

that the way th

s . With mat tres

es the mattress

With the Simula

ition of the sur

ignition of the

burned

,

izontal

nly the

ric-cotton

elt

with four

samples

ey ignited

ses the

and ignites

ted

face fabric

filling

.

5.2 General Apparel

The Office of Flammable Fabrics participated in a roundrobin to evaluate the ASTM experimental flammability tester

mentioned in Section 2.3.2 This tester is a combination of

two units, an eas e-of-igni tion tester and a burn-rate tester

These two units, developed by OFF, were described in the

first annual report [1]. Ten commonly available apparel

fabrics were tested by 16 participating laboratories. The

results of this round-robin are being analyzed statistically

by NBS.

Although the development of the

in the preceeding paragraph was

technical inadequacies in the p

dard [10], the possibility of i

also been pursued. Ways have b

several of the recognized inade

the year, a draft of an improve

method was in the early stages

It is based on the original tes

drawing upon basic familiarity,

tive modifications believed to

If the evaluation is sufficient

will be given to promulgation o general wearing apparel standar

CS 19 2-5 3.

two test me

prompted by

resent weari

mproving the

een develope

quacies and

,

d version of

of review an

t apparatus

,

but incorpo

be signif ica

ly affirmati

f the method

d , to replac

thods mentioned

recognition of

ng apparel stanbasic method has

d to overcome

at the end of

the original

d evaluation,

thereby

rates substannt improvements.

ve , consideration

as a proposed

e CS 191-53 and

6. ACTIVITIES UNDER SEC. 14(b)(4): TRAINING

The training activities authorized by the Flammable Fabrics

Act were expanded during 1971 as the staff of the Office

of Flammable Fabrics was enlarged. Although the nature of

2k
the training needed did not require formal classwork until

year's end, technical information was conveyed to interested

individuals and groups in the several ways discussed below.

One formal workshop was held on the children's sleepwear

standard, the first of a planned series.

6.1 Research Associate Programs

The Research Associate Program provides a mechanism for

joint support by NBS and industry of research of mutual

interest. It provides excellent training opportunities

for the individual Research Associates and, through them,

the sponsoring industry groups.

The National Cotton Council Research Associate Program

was continued for another year to complete the studies

on heat release from burning fabrics, including those

containing fire retardants

.

The Research Associate Program of the Underwriters'

Laboratories was extended, at least until the end of

June, 1972. The results obtained in the full-scale

evaluation of fire spread in corridors are shedding new

light on the interactions of wall, ceiling, and flooring

systems in a fire environment.

The Man-Made Fiber Producers Association initiated a Research Associate Program in mid 1971 to study the parameters in the Underwriters' Laboratories' Chamber Test for

carpets and to model other fire exposures of carpets. A

chamber was constructed with variable dimensions and interior

environment for this study. Additional details have been

given in Section 3.1.1.

The Office of Flammable Fabrics established a cooperative

program with the National Association of Bedding

Manufacturers (NABM) , under which a consultant has been

employed by NABM to work closely with the OFF staff to

develop mattress constructions that will comply with the

proposed flammability standard for mattresses (DOC PFF 4-71)

[8], Because this is largely a non-resident program, it

has not been designated officially as a Research Associate

Program.

6.2 Publications

Although the primary outputs of the flammable fabrics

program are flammability standards, other outputs were

->• -

25
several reports and formal articles published this year,

several of which have been mentioned and referenced earlier

in this Report. The reports are identified in full as References : 29 . 2, 13, 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, and

6.3 Workshop and Educational Films

A workshop was held at the National Bureau of Standards in

December to train personnel of government and private

laboratories in the use of the apparatus in the Children's

Sleepwear Standard. The Standard was reviewed, the procedures demonstrated, and questions were answered. Thirteen

individual trainees also had the opportunity to work with

the test apparatus. This workshop was the prototype for a series to be continued in 1972.

Films have been prepared illustrating the flammability

test methods for children's sleepwear and mattresses.

These are available, on loan, to all interested parties.

7. ACTIVITIES UNDER SEC. 14(b):

COOPERATION WITH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE AGENCIES

Appreciable cooperation was received i

and funding of research activities, an

described in detail under Section 3.

significant cooperation has been recei

ment , particularly with regard to part

laboratory evaluation of test methods.

described in detail, under Sections 2.

the Department and OFF had cooperation

with many groups, including government

State, and local), voluntary standards

public, industry, the news media, and

n the formulation

d this has been

Also, equally

ved in test developicipation in interThis too has been

and 5. In addition,

from and liaison

agencies (Federal,

organizations , the

others

.

7.1 Congressional Hearings and Briefings

Congressional interest in flammable fabrics issues intensified as product safety legislation was introduced and as actions by the Department extended into new product areas.

Communications with individual members of the Congress and

appearances before appropriate committees and subcommittees

increased over 19 70.

26
7.1.1 Hearings Statements

Testimony was prepared and presented to the following

Congressional Committees and Subcommittees:

1. Subcommittee on Commerce and Finance of the House

Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, supporting

H.R. 5066, a bill to reauthorize appropriations for the

Flammable Fabrics Act.

2. Subcommittee on State, Justice, Commerce, the

Judiciary and Certain Related Independent Agencies of the

House Committee on Appropriations, in favor of a supplemental appropriation for funds to provide a fire test

facility at NBS Gaithersburg for full-scale corridor and

room fire studies.

3. Subcommittee on Commerce and Finance of the House

Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce, supporting

H.R. 5698, a bill to amend the Flammable Fabrics Act to

provide for premarket testing and suitable penalties for

violations of the Act and to reauthorize appropriations

.

4. Subcommittee on State, Justice, Commerce, the

Judiciary and Certain Related Independent Agencies of the

House and Senate Committees on Appropriations, regarding

the regular appropriation for the Flammable Fabrics Program.

5. Consumer Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on

Commerce, regarding several consumer product safety bills.

A demonstration on the flammability of children's sleepwear

was made for this subcommittee.

6. Subcommittee on Science, Research and Development

of the House (Committee on Science and Astronautics, during

oversight hearings on NBS.

7. Senate Committee on Aging, hearings on Flammable

Fabrics and the Elderly American.

8. Subcommittee on State, Justice, Commerce, the

Judiciary, and Certain Related Independent Agencies of the

Senate and House Committees on Appropriations, requesting

appropriations for the new fire facility at NBS Gaithersburg

7.1.2 Congressional Inquiries

As the Carpet and Rug Standard (DOC FF 1-70) [11] went into

effect in April, the Children's Sleepwear Standard (DOC FF

27
3-71) [7] was published in July, and a proposed standard for

mattresses (DOC PFF 4-71) [8] was published in September,

many members of Congress began receiving increasing numbers

of inquiries on these subjects from their constituents.

These members of the Congress and their staffs consulted

with members of the Department on the details of these

standards areas, as well as the flammable fabrics program

in general. It became apparent that consumer and producer

interests have been intensified.

7.2 Liaison With Voluntary Standards Groups

The Depa

s tandard

from lia

concerne

Flammab

1

dis cussi

and , mos

the real

and vari

interlab

under Se

memb ersh

American

for Test

Chemis ts

Ass ociat

rtment of C

s organizat

ison. Part

d with mate

e Fabrics A

ons of part

t important

-life hazar

ous committ

oratory eva

ction 2 of

ip and part

National S ing and Mat

and Colori

ion

.

ommerce and the national voluntary

ions continued to draw mutual benefits

icipation in the technical committees

rials or products subject to the

ct provides a forum for technical

icular test procedures, related factors,

ly , the relationship between a test and

d. The Office of Flammable Fabrics

ees have jointly participated in

luations of test methods, as discussed

this report. Staff of the Office hold

icipate actively in committees of the

tandards Institute, American Society

erials , American Association of Textile

sts, and National Fire Protection

As the data from accident case reports were analyzed,

became clear that nearly half of all garment fires' we

started by matches, cigarette lighters, and cooking

stoves. Although the Flammable Fabrics Act does not

authorize the setting of mandatory standards for such

items, obviously the designs of stoves and matches ar part of the overall flammable fabrics problem. There

discussions were held between OFF and representatives

the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, the

Appliance Manufacturers Association, the American Nat

Standards Institute, and others regarding the initiat

of development of standards for the cooking surfaces

stoves, within the voluntary standards effort. The a the voluntary standards would be to lessen the hazard

accidental ignition of clothing. Similarly, efforts

under way, but at a more preliminary stage, with rega

matches and lighters. Negotiations have been started

a contract study to make recommendations for design

improvements in these products, which recommendations

could be the basis for voluntary standards.

it

re

efore

,

of

Gas

ional

ion

of

im of

of

are

rd to

for

28
7.3 Other Liaison With Federal, State, and Local

Government, the Public, and Industry

OFF has had numerous contacts with State and local officials

who seek to draw upon the broad expertise in flammability

that has been developed in OFF. Responses to many of these

requests can be provided from existing technical information.

However, occasionally the basic problems require more active

participation in continuing discussions. OFF has entered

into such continuing discussions with the California State

Fire Marshal and the Disposables Association regarding

proposed California regulations on the flammability of

disposable items for use in hospitals.

Communication with interested government, consumer, and

industrial groups was maintained through briefings, formal

presentations, and discussion groups. These interchanges

supplemented the formal comment procedures followed under

the Flammable Fabrics Act and were extremely useful in

explaining the provisions and consequences of new test

procedures and standards, in setting priorities, and in

planning research and other activities.

7.3.1 Representatives of Government and Government Agencies

1) Senator Howard H. Baker, Jr. , of Tennessee

2) Staff of the Senate Committee on Commerce

3) Commisssioner Charles Edwards of the Food and Drug

Administration

4) Staff of the Federal Trade Commission

5) Driver and Passenger Protection Division, Department

of Transportation

6) Staff of the Department of Health, Education and

Welfare

7) National Commission for Fire Prevention and Control

8) National Academy of Sciences Ad Hoc Panel on Fire

Programs at NBS

.

9) British and West German government representatives

accompanied by personnel from the State Department and

British Embassy

10) National Science Foundation

7.3.2 Non-Government Organizations

1) American Association of Textile Chemists and

Colorists and its Committee on Flammability and Fire Research

2) Texas Home Economics Association

3) Textile and Apparel Flammability Advisory Committee

4) Textile Research Institute

29
5) National Association of Bedding Manufacturers

6) American Society for Testing and Materials Committee

D-13 on Textiles and Committee E-5 on Fire Tests

7) National Fire Protection Association Committee on

Fire Tests

8) American National Standards Institute

9) Delaware Valley Consumers Council

10) Western States Section of Combustion Institute

11) Information Council on Fabric Flammability and its

Commi t tees

'12) American Apparel Manufacturers Association

13) American Association of Textile Technologists

14) Society of Plastics Engineers

15) Plastics Institute of America

16) Texas Education Agency (In-Service Training Meeting)

17) Short Course on "Textiles and the Consumer", North

Dakota State University

18) Flammability Seminar - University of California at

Berkeley

19) Flammability Conference, Polymer Conference Series,

University of Utah

20) Gordon Research Conference

21) "Textiles in the Marketplace" seminar at Framingham

State College

22) Associated General Merchandising Chains

23) Latex Foam and Sponge Rubber Carpet Flammability

Technical Committee of the Rubber Manufacturers Association

24) American Chemical Society

25) Carpet and Rug Institute

26) Plastics and Paper Conference, Technical Association

of Paper and Pulp Industry

27) Association of Mutual Insurance Engineers

28) Disposables Association

29) Textile Information Users Council

30) California Fire Chiefs Association

31) National Cotton Batting Institute

32) Man-Made Fibers Producers Association

33) North Carolina State University short-course

34) Clemson University seminar

7.4 International Contacts

The standards for the flammability of fabrics, related

materials , and products developed by the Department of

Commerce affect import and export items , and many foreign

governments are looking to the United States for leadership

in the development of appropriate standards. Therefore,

there is a continuing strong interest in the program, from

representatives of foreign governments and foreign industry.

30
The Office of Flammable Fabrics received individual visitors

from Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand,

South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Viet Nam,

and West Germany. OFF staff visited Canada, Switzerland,

the United Kingdom, and West Germany. In addition, OFF was

visited by 21 delegates to the meeting of ISO Committee TC

92 on Fire Tests, from Australia, Belgium, Denmark, West

Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and the Union of

Soviet Socialist Republics; and by participants in the

International Fire Protection Engineering Institute, held

at the University of Maryland, from Australia, Belgium,

Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Netherlands , Norway

,

Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and

West Germany,.

7.5 Television and News Services

Flammable fabrics was discussed in a number of television

programs during the year. Among those in which the staff

actively participated or which they helped prepare were:

(1) CBS TV spent three days at the National Bureau of

Standards and on another day interviewed Secretary Maurice H

Stans and Secretary of HEW Elliot Richardson for a segment

of their "60 Minutes" program. The material had not been

used by the year's end.

(2) Station KXJB, CBS-TV Fargo, North Dakota, general

discussion, audience questions.

(3) NBC-TV News, filmed tests of carpets in relation

to a hotel fire in Cleveland, Ohio.

(4) NBC (WRC) TV News, material related to children's

sleepwear standard.

(5) CBS (WTOP) TV News.

(6) ABC (WMAL) TV News.

(7) "Caution" (Consumer program series, WTOP-TV,

Washington, D.C.), panel discussion on "Flammable Fabrics"

involved members of the National Advisory Committee for

the Flammable Fabrics Act, and visuals provided by OFF

staff

.

(8) WMAL "AM Washington".

(9) Westinghouse Broadcasting Company, "Firetrap".

31
7.6 General Liaison

In addition to the liaison already described, the Department

and the Office of Flammable Fabrics have responded to

numerous telephone inquiries, and have handled voluminous

correspondence related to implementation of the Flammable

Fabrics Act. It is estimated that the Office of Flammable

Fabrics responded to over 9,000 telephone and 2,200 written

inquiries, and received over 600 visitors in 1971. The

effort in this area alone required approximately 20-25

percent of the total man-years available for the Office.

8. ACTIVITIES UNDER SEC. 14(a): ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS

8.1 Collection of Accident Data

The Office of Flammable Fabrics has been actively searching

for and identifying sources of information on the nature

and extent of fabric flammability hazards faced by the

American public. When potential sources have been identified, efforts were made to assist the people involved in

the collection of data and to obtain their data for analysis

and use by OFF.

8.1.1 Cooperation with HEW

OFF has continued to cooperate with the Department of

Health, Education and Welfare to facilitate and ensure

the collection of meaningful data on accidents involving

flammable fabrics.

In the latter part of 19 70, the Bureau of Product Safety,

Food and Drug Administration, HEW instituted an accelerated

data collection program using personnel in 17 regional

districts. This new program lasted until mid-1971, during

which time some 1000 case histories were transmitted to

OFF by the FDA investigators, using a report form and

instructions jointly developed by the Bureau of Product

Safety and OFF. All these cases were screened as they

were received by OFF for consistency of reporting and

adherence to the guidelines and instructions provided to

the investigators. OFF provided the Bureau of Product

Safety with a detailed list of observations on the quality

of the case histories received, to aid the FDA and its

investigators in evaluating the program.

With the HEW/FDA accelerated flammable fabrics investigation program scheduled to terminate at mid-1971, the

Department advised HEW of the continuing need for such

32
data and for the need for statistically valid sampling to

permit development of estimates of the national picture.

At the request of the National Advisory Committee, the

Secretary again wrote the Secretary of HEW late in the

year, to the effect that the investigations are of major

importance to the proper implementation of the Act, and

urged a high level of effort and random sampling.

Secretary Richardson replied with assurances that a significant number of cases would be investigated and a national sampling system will be in operation shortly.

OFF provided FDA personnel with suggestions on ways in

which new or continuing Bureau of Product Safety accident

data collection programs could be made useful to the

Department of Commerce Flammable Fabrics activities.

Among these were OFF suggestions on how the new FDA

National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS)

could be modified to allow more adequate reporting and

coding of flammable fabrics accidents.

During 1971, OFF established contacts with the Divisions

of Health Interview Statistics, Vital Statistics, and

Health Resources Statistics of the National Center for

Health Statistics, in order to obtain more detailed information and reports on burns and other fire related injuries.

8.1.2 Cooperation with HEW Contractors

Early in 1971 OFF sent copies of documents describing the

purpose and operation of its data system to the National

Burn Information Exchange (NBIE) at the University of

Michigan. Summaries of OFF test results of fabrics provided with NBIE case histories were periodically sent to

FDA for transmittal to NBIE. In mid 1971 FDA provided

OFF with a draft copy of an NBIE report titled "Flammable

Clothing: Crisis in Burn Severity" which was helpful to

OFF in setting priorities for future work.

In early 1971 OFF agreed with FDA to provide fiber characterizations and flammability test services to the Pittsburgh

Burn Study (PBS) , an FDA contractor at the University of

Pittsburgh. PBS was to provide burn case investigation

reports and fabrics recovered from fires investigated by

them to OFF. The data from these case reports will be

included in the OFF data base, but PBS encountered delays

and had sent no fabrics nor reports by year's end.

33
8.1.3 Cooperation with Other Federal Agencies

During 1971 an informal arrangement was established for

OFF to obtain information on flammable fabrics accident

cases identified by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

.

Under this arrangement FTC field personnel notify the

nearest FDA regional investigator when a likely case is

discovered by them. FDA investigates the case and transmits

a report and any available fabric remnants to OFF for

inclusion in its data system. As a part of its standing

procedures, OFF tests the fabric remnants in its laboratories. Whenever a noncompliance with an applicable

flamm ability standard is noted, for a material submitted

from any source, FTC is notified immediately and proceedings

are instituted by them to remove similar items from the

market. In 1971 two such instances were reported to FTC.

In April 19 71 OFF participated in a two-day conference of

government representatives and others , convened by the

Bureau of the Census, to discuss the needs for statistical

data describing the fire service and possible use of such

data by the fire service and other governmental or private

agencies. Fire incidence and loss data requirements constituted major discussion topics at the conference.

W - : L* Discussions were held.with Department of Agriculture,

Special Surveys personnel on the collection of market and

other data on fabrics with flame retardant properties.

8.1.4 Cooperation with State and Local Governments

OFF has received the cooperation of fire officials in

Kentucky; Brookhaven, New York; Prince Georges County,

Maryland; Montgomery County, Maryland; and Washington,

D.C. who provided reports on and samples of fabrics

from specific fires in their jurisdictions. OFF made

summaries of its tests on the fabric remnants available

to these officials. In addition, Fire Marshals or other

officials in all 50 states were contacted by OFF for

data available in their states on the frequencies of

fire injuries, relative to specific ignition sources and

materials ignited. Approximately two-thirds had responded

by year's end. Fire Marshals in several major cities

were also contacted for similar data.

OFF assisted the Burns Care Institute, New York State

Department of Health, in adapting a version of the OFF

information processing system for use in the collection,

3^
processing, and maintenance of burn injury statistics.

The N.Y. Department of Health will provide OFF with

summaries of its fire loss data.

8.1.5 Cooperation with Industry and Private Organizations

NBS was one of 18 sponsors (others included industrial

trade associations, unions, federal agencies, retail chain

stores, and safety oriented groups) of a six month-nationwide

consumer study of household safety. The objective of the

study, which was completed in the summer of 1971, was to

obtain information on the non-occupational incidence of

property damage or personal injuries associated with

specific products (including fabrics other than as used

in motor vehicles) or environmental conditions. OFF joined

the on-going study and made tentative arrangements for

collection of fabrics involved in fires mentioned by any of

the 35,000 households interviewed in the study. None had

been collected by year's end, from the fires that involved

fabrics . OFF participated in the National Fire Protection Association

(NFPA) conference on the application and fire department

utilization of the new NFPA Uniform Fire Incident Reporting

System (UFIRS), with particular emphasis on how UFIRS could

contribute data on the fabric fire problem.

Early in 1971 OFF staff visited the Shriners Hospitals for

Crippled Children Burns Institute in Galveston, Texas.

During the year OFF received a report from the Burns

Institute summarizing data for patients admitted to their

hospital during the March 1966 to December 31, 19 70 period.

This report was another source used to determine candidate

priorities for future national fabric flammability standards.

8.2 Data Processing and Analysis

The Office of Flammable Fabrics has developed, maintains and

operates the Flammable Fabric Accident Case and Testing

System (FFACTS) to provide information and data on circumstances and factors in fabric fire cases. The system's

capabilities were described in the annual report for 19 70

[2], and the processing cycle for case histories was

illustrated therein.

Data in the FFACTS computer master file were queried and

subjected to statistical analyses to provide quantitative

information on the relative frequencies of the involvement

35
of differe

mation on

inf ormatio

candidate

the flamma

for the de

between hi

tial hazar

aspects of

nt fabric products, as well as qualitative infortrends and significant interrelationships. Such

n was further analyzed and interpreted to develop

priorities for recommendations of standards for

bility of fabric products; to provide the basis

velopment of realistic tests which can discriminate

ghly hazardous products and those of lower potend; and to provide other insights into the many

the flammable fabric problem.

9. ACTIVITIES UNDER SEC. 17:

NATIONAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE FLAMMABLE FABRICS ACT

Section 17 of the Act states in part:

"(c) The Secretary shall consult with the National

Advisory Committee before prescribing flammability standards

or other regulations established under this Act."

Although this can b

and limited role fo

exercised a broader

Committee were held

members and groups

in informal discuss

of these discussion

activities describe

report. Members pr

development of stan

the research tasks

to sources of data,

system established

data obtained. It

shown by and the co

and the consuming p

the members

.

e interpreted as defining a n

r the Committee, the Committe

role. Two meetings of the f

during the year, and individ

of members were involved freq

ions and consultation. The s

s ranged over the entire spec

d in the preceding sections o ovided guidance and assistanc

dards and test methods, comme

that would be most appropriat

and constructive criticism o for extracting information fr

is apparent that much of the

operation received from both

ublic were stimulated by the

arrow

e has

ull

ual

uently

ub j ects

trum of

f this

e in the

nts on

e, leads

n the

om the

interes t industry

efforts of

The origin

at the end

group. He

the origin

essentiall

of manufac

were among

membership

loss of on

Kaplan, Te

Mr. Kaplan

existence

.

will be fe

al appointments of the members having expired

of 1970, the Secretary had to appoint a successor

reappointed for one year approximately half of

al members, in order to provide continuity, and

y an equal number of new members. Representatives

turers , distributors, and the consuming public

both the reappointed and new members. The

of the Committee and Department suffered the

e member through the sudden death of Mr. Morris

chnical Director of Consumers Union, Inc.

had been a member throughout the Committee's

The loss of his valuable input to the Committee

It by everyone concerned with flammability standards

36
Since two standards matters were very active at the end

of the year, the Secretary decided it would be in the best

public interest to retain the present members, who had

great familiarity with the subjects and background, rather

than replace some of them by new, comparatively uninformed

individuals. Therefore, he reappointed all members whose

appointments expired at the end of 1971.

10. CONCLUSIONS

A new flammability standard was established for children's

sleepwear and proceedings were instituted for amending the

standard to include sampling plans for materials and for

garments. A proposed flammability standard was published

for mattresses, and progress was made on the preparation

of proposed flammability standards for blankets and for

general wearing apparel.

A desirable improvement was made in the utility of the

accident data base by completing computerization of the

data, thereby facilitating the examination of this basis

for determinations of need and the setting of priorities

in research and test development. However, still lacking

is a random sampling of accidents that would permit

accurate extrapolation to national estimates of the overall

fabric flammability problem.

The various activities at the National Bureau of Standards

that are carried out in response to the Flammable Fabrics

Act, the Fire Research and Safety Act of 1968, and fire

research responsibilities in the organic act of NBS have

been brought together under the coordination of the Manager

of Fire Programs, thereby broadening the base of technical

expertise and data that can be brought to bear on the

overall fire problem.

Research was advanced by fundamental studies into the nature

of combustion and the effectiveness of various chemicals on

reducing the flammability of common textile materials, and

by full scale studies of the life and property hazards that

develop in a corridor as results of burnout of the contents

of a connected room. The Department of Health, Education

and Welfare, various trade associations, and the carpet

industry havjrcooperated in and supported the latter study.

Liaison has been expanded with the public, voluntary standards groups, industry, and other government agencies at

all levels

.

37
11. REFERENCES

[1] The Flammable Fabrics Program 1968-1969, Nat. Bur. Stand.

(U.S.) Tech. Note 525, 76 pages (April 1970), C 13.46:525,

75C*

[2] The Flammable Fabrics Program 1970, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.)

Tech. Note 596, 57 pages (Sept. 1971), C 13.46:596, 65c*

[3] ' Fire Research and Safety Act. of 1968, Public Law 90-259,

90th Congress, S. 1124 (March 1, 1968)

[4] Children's Sleepwear: Proposed Flammability Standard;

Fed. Regist., Vol. 35, No. 223, Appendix III, page 42

(Nov. 17, 1970)

[5] Children's Sleepwear: Proposed Flammability Standard;

Notice of Extension Time for Filing Comments, Fed. Regist.,

Vol. 35, No. 246, page 19274 (Dec. 17, 1970)

[6] Children's Sleepwear: Proposed Flammability Standard;

Notice of Hearing, Fed. Regist., Vol. 35, No. 240, page

19520 (Dec. 23, 1970)

[7] Children's Sleepwear: Notice of Standard, Fed. Regist.,

Vol. 36, No. 146, pages 14062-14073 (July 29, 1971)

[8] Mattresses: Proposed Flammability Standard, Fed. Regist.,

Vol. 36, No. 175, pages 18095-18099 (Sept. 9, 19.71)

[9] Children's Sleepwear Sampling Plan: Notice of Finding

that Amendment to Flammability Standard May be Needed and

Institution of Proceedings, Fed. Regist., Vol. 36, No. 158,

page 15465 (Aug. 14, 1971)

[10] Flammability of Clothing Textiles, Dept. Comm. (U.S.)

Commer. Standard 191-53 revised, 24 pages (1953), 15C*

[11] Carpets and Rugs: Notice of Standard, Fed. Regist., Vol,

35, No. 74, page 38 (April 16, 1970)

[12] Memorandum of Agreement for Reimbursable Service to be

Performed by the National Bureau of Standards: Hazards

from Carpets and Interior Furnishings in Building Fires,

Dep. Heal'th, Educ, Welfare and Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.),

Reference No. 123/405 6400 (April 23, 1971)

* Copies Available from: Superintendent of Documents

U.S. Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C. 20402

38
[13] Investigation of Carpet Flammab ili ty Test Methods, Clayton

Huggett and T. G. Lee, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.), Report

10 585, 33 pages (Sept. 24, 1971)

[14] Corridor Program Status Report I, Francis C. W. Fung, Miles R.

Suchomel, and Philip L. Oglesby, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.),

Report 10 484, 53 pages (Aug. 24, 1971)

[15] Calorimetric Study of Flammable Fabrics I: Instrumentation

and Measurement, Merrit M. Birky and Kwan-nan Yeh , presented

at the 162nd National Meeting of the Amer. Chemical Soc.,

Washington, D.C. (Sept. 1971)

[16] Calorimetric Study of Flammable Fabrics II: Analysis on

Flame Retardant Treated Cotton, Kwan-nan Yeh, Merritt M.

Birky, and Clayton Huggett, presented at the 162nd National

Meeting of the Amer. Chemical Soc., Washington, D.C. (Sept.

1971)

[17] Calorimetric Study of Flammable Fabrics III: Combustion of

Cotton/Polyester Blends, Kwan-nan Yeh, to be presented at

the 163rd National Meeting of the Amer. Chemical Soc.,

Boston, Mass. (April 1972)

[18] Request for Proposal No. 1-35841 on Dynamics of Textile Fire,

G. A. Cauley, Dept. Comm. (U.S.), 19 pages, (April 20, 1971)

[19] Dynamics of Textile Fire: A Study of its Mechanisms--Theory

and Experiment, Factory Mutual Corp. (Norwood, Mass.),

Proposal No. 1-35841, 13 pages (May 1971)

[20] Dynamics of Textile Fires: A Study of the Mechanisms— Theory

and Experiment, J. de Ris and G. H. Markstein, Factory Mutual

Research Corp. (Norwood, Mass.), Contract No. 1-35.841, 7 pages (Oct. 1971)

[21] Research Proposal on Flammability and Combustion Behavior of

Textiles, Textile Research Inst. (Princeton), 6 pages

(Feb. 27, 1970)

[22] The Pyrolysis of Cellulose at Rates Approaching Those of

Combustion, R. J. McCarter, presented at the Amer. Chemical

Soc, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 1971)

[23] Mass Spectrometric Studies of Flame Inhibition: The Antimony

Oxyhalide System, J. W. Hastie, presented at the 162nd National

Meeting of the Amer. Chemical Soc., Washington, D.C. (Sept.

1971)

39
[24] Flammable Fabrics Act Amendments of 1967, U.S. Senate, 90th

Congress, 1st Session, Report No. 407 (July 25, 1967)

[25] Protocol for Processing Flammable Fabrics Case Histories,

Robert E. Frye , Richard G. Katz, and Henry Tovey , Nat. Bur.

Stand. (U.S.), Report 10 530, 67 pages (Jan. 15, 1971)

[26] Material Balance on Cotton Mattress Fires, Merritt M. Birky

and Thomas R. Davis, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.) Report 10 541,

12 pages (Feb. 26, 1971)

[27] Flame Resistant Textile Standards in the United States of

America, James V. Ryan, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.) Report 10 570,

14 pages (April 19, 1971)

[28] Ignition Sources in Accident Cases Involving Flammable Fabrics,

Henry Tovey and Richard R. Giroux, Nat. Bur. Stand. (U.S.)

Report 10 629, 9 pages (Nov. 11, 1971)

kO
APPENDIX I US. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

Reprinted from Federal Register, Volume 36, Number 146, July 29, 1971 (Pages 1406214073)

CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR

Notice of Standard On November 17. 1970, there was published in the Federal Register (35 F.R.

17670 > a notice of finding that a flammability standard is needed for sleep- wear normally worn by young children

(5 years and under) to protect the public against unreasonable risk of the oc- currence of fire leading to death, injury, or significant property damage. This

notice preliminarily found that the pro- posed standard published in the same

Federal Register was:

a. Needed for young children's sleep- wear to protect the public against unreasonable risk of the occurrence of Are

leading to death, personal injury, or sig- nificant property damage.

b. Reasonable, technologically practicable, and appropriate, and is stated in

objective terms; and

c. Limited to young children's sleep- wear, and fabrics or related materials which are intended to be used or which

may reasonably be expected to be used in children's sleepwear, and which have

been determined to present such unreasonable risk. The comments received pursuant to the above-referenced publication, state- ments presented at the public hearings, and the reports of the National Advisory

Committee for the Flammable Fabrics Act on the proposed children's sleepwear standard were reviewed and considered. Having made appropriate changes in the proposed standards for the flammability

of young children's sleepwear based on

those reviews and considerations and on

further research, it is hereby found that

the flammability standard as set out in

full at the end hereof:

(a) Is needed for children's sleepwear

to protect the public against unreasonable risk of fire leading to death, personal

injury, or significant property damage;

(b) Is reasonable, technologically practicable and appropriate and is stated in objective terms; and

(c) Is limited to young children's sleep- wear, and fabrics or related materials which are intended or promoted for use

in children's sleepwear and which currently present the unreasonable risks

specified in (a) above. Intent and scope of standard. It is the

intent of the standard set out in full at the end hereof to provide a high and

effective level of protection to children approximately 5 years of age and younger

against unreasonable risk of death or in- jury suffered as a result of ignition and

continued burning of sleepwear gar- ments, as defined in the standard, and/or

as a result of the continued burning of

molten or other material falling or drip- ping from the burning garments. In con- sonance with the Act and Senate Report

No. 407, 90th Congress, first session, this standard is expressly "tailored to meet

the particular need or hazard shown to

exist." It is therefore, limited to garments and fabrics intended or promoted for use

in children's sleepwear without imposing

the same requirement on all other wearing apparel. The regulation of fabrics in- tended for use in products other than

children's sleepwear is not covered under

this standard. Items in inventory or with

the trade on the effective date of the standard are exempt. All concerned

parties shall be required to maintain

records that these items offered for sale after the effective date of this standard

are eligible for the exemption.

The standard accomplishes the above

objectives by limiting the individual and

average char lengths of specimens subjected to 3-second impingement of a moderate sized flame, and by limiting the time after removal of the flame within which material fallen from the specimens

may continue burning.

Effective date. The standard shall be- come effective for items manufactured 12 months from the date of promulgation.

Normally under the Flammable Fabrics Act a standard becomes effective within

12 months following promulgation unless

it is found for good cause shown that an

earlier or later effective date is in the

public Interest. Some industry sources have stated that it is not technologically

practicable to comply with the standard

in less than 31-36 months. The Department's independent investigation shows, however, that it will be technologically

practicable for the majority of companies

to comply with the standard within 24 months from the date of promulgation and that some may be able to comply

within 12 months. Accordingly, in order

to conform with the requirements of the Act that the standard be technologically

practicable, the standard is made effective 12 months after promulgation with a

proviso temporarily requiring a permanent and conspicuous cautioning label for noncomplying goods manufactured during the 12 months after the effective date

of the standard. All goods manufactured

24 months after promulgation are re- quired to comply.

Effect on other standards. As of 12 months after the effective date of the standard, the present flammability standards under the Flammable Fabrics Act (Commercial Standard 191-53, Flammability of Clothing Textiles as modified by Act of Congress approved

August 23, 1954, and Commercial Standard 192-53, General Purpose Vinyl Plastic Film) are superseded Insofar as they

apply to items of children's sleepwear

included in DOC FF 3-71. Nothing in this action affects the application of CS 191-

53 and CS 192-53 to products, fabrics, or

related materials not included in DOC

FF 3-71. Issued: July 27, 1971. Maurice H. Stans, Secretary of Commerce.

Children's Sleepwear

standard for the flammability

of children's sleepwear

[DOC FF 3-71)

.1 Definitions.

.2 Scope and application.

.3 General requirements.

.4 Test procedure.

.5 Labeling requirements.

.1 Definitions. In addition to the defi- nitions given in section 2 of the Flammable Fabrics Act, as amended (sec. 1, 81 Stat. 568; 15 U.S.C. 1191), and sec- tion 7.2 of the Procedures (33 F.R. 14642, Oct. 1, 1968), the following definitions apply for the purposes of this Standard

:

(a) "Children's Sleepwear" means any

product of wearing apparel up to and

including size 6X, such as nightgowns,

pajamas, or similar or related items, such

as robes, intended to be worn primarily

for sleeping or activities related to sleeping. Diapers and underwear are excluded from this definition.

(b) "Size 6X" means the size defined as 6X in Department of Commerce Vol- untary Product Standard, previously

identified as Commercial Standard, CS

151-50 "Body Measurements for the Siz- ing of Apparel for Infants, Babies, Toddlers, and Children." l (c) "Item" means any product of

children's sleepwear, or any fabric or

related material intended or promoted

for use in children's sleepwear.

(d) "Trim" means decorative materials, such as ribbons, laces, embroidery, or ornaments. This definition does not include (1) individual pieces

less than 2 inches in their longest dimension, provided that such pieces do not

constitute or cover In aggregate a total of more than 20 square inches of the

item, or (2) functional materials (find- ings) , such as zippers, buttons or elastic bands, used in the construction of garments.

(e) "Acceptance Criterion" means the maximum char length and residual flame time which an item may exhibit in order

to comply with this standard.

1 Copies available from the National Technical Information Service, 5285 Port Royal

Street, Springfield, VA 22151.

41
NOTICES

(f

)

"Char Length" means the distance from the original lower edge of the specimen exposed to the flame in accord- ance with the procedure specified in ".4 Test Procedure" to the end of the tear or void in the charred, burned or damaged area, the tear being made in ac- cordance with the procedure specified in .4(d)(2).

(g) "Residual Flame Time" is defined

as the time from removal of the burner from the specimen to the final extinction of molten material or other frag- ments flaming on the base of the

cabinet.

(h) "Afterglow" means the continuation of glowing of parts of a specimen

after flaming has ceased.

.2 Scope and application, (a) This Standard provides a test method to determine the flammability of items of

children's sleepwear.

(b) All items of children's sleepwear must meet the acceptance criterion, ex- cept during the period set out in .5(b).

.3 General requirements—(a) Summary of test method. Five conditioned specimens, 8.9x25.4 cm. (3.5x10 in.), are suspended one at a time vertically in holders in a prescribed cabinet and

subjected to a standard flame along their bottom edge for a specified time under

controlled conditions. The char length and residual flame time are measured.

(b) Acceptance criterion. An item meets the acceptance criterion if: (1) The average char length of five speci- mens does not exceed 17.8 cm. (7.0 in.),

(2) no individual specimen has a char

length of 25.4 cm. (10 in.), and (3) no

individual specimen has a residual flame

time greater than 10 seconds, when the

testing is done in accordance with ".4 Test Procedure".

.4 Test procedure—(a) Apparatus—

(1) Test chamber. The test chamber shall be a steel cabinet with inside dimensions

of 30.5 cm. (12 in.) wide, 30.5 cm. (12

in.) deep, and 78.7 cm. (31 in.) high. It shall have a frame which permits the suspension of the specimen holder over

the center of the base of the cabinet at such a height that the bottom of the specimen holder is 1.7 cm. (% in.) above

the highest point of the barrel of the gas burner specified in .4(a) (3) and per- pendicular to the front of the cabinet. The highest point of the barrel of the gas burner shall be 17.5 cm. (6.9 in.) above the floor of the cabinet. The front

of the cabinet shall be a close fitting door with a glass insert to permit observation of the entire test. The cabinet floor shall be covered with a piece of asbestos paper, whose length and width are approximately 2.5 cm. (1 In.) less than

the cabinet floor dimensions and whose

thickness is a nominal 0.3 cm. (Ye in.). A piece of asbestos paper at least 15.2 x

15.2 em. (6x8 in.) and of nominal thick- ness 0.15 cm. (We in.) or less shall be used

to catch the drips of other fragments and

this latter paper shall be changed after each specimen which drips has been

tested. The cabinet to be used in this test method is illustrated in Figure 1 and detailed in Engineering Drawings, Nos. 1 to 7.

(2) Specimen holder. The specimen

holder is designed to permit suspension

of the specimen in a fixed vertical position and to prevent curling of the speci- men when the flame is applied. It shall consist of two u-shaped 0.32 cm. C/8 in.) thick steel plates, 41.9 cm. (16.5 in.) long, and 8.9 cm. (3.5 in.) wide, with

aligning pins. The openings in the plates

shall be 35.6 cm. (14 in.) long and 5.1 cm. (2 in.) wide. The specimen shall be

fixed between the plates, which shall be

held together with side clamps. The

holder to be used in this test method is illustrated in Figure 2 and detailed in Engineering Drawing No. 7. (3) Burner. The burner shall be substantially the same as that illustrated in Figure 1 and detailed in Engineering

Drawing No. 6. It shall have a tube of

1.1 cm. (0.43 in.) inside diameter. The in- put line to the burner shall be equipped

with a needle valve. It shall have a

variable orifice to adjust the height of the flame. The barrel of the burner shall be at an angle of 25° from the vertical. The burner shall be equipped with an

adjustable stop collar so that it may be

positioned quickly under the test speci- men. The burner shall be connected to the gas source by rubber or other flexible tubing.

(4) Gas supply system. There shall be

a pressure regulator to furnish gas to the burner under a pressure of 129±13 mm.

Hg. (2'/2 ±y4 lbs. per sq. in.) at the burner inlet. (5) Gas. The gas shall be at least 97 percent pure methane.

(6) Hooks and weights. Metal hooks and weights shall be used to produce a

series of loads for char length determinations. Suitable metal hooks consist of No. 19 gauge steel wire, or equivalent, made from 7.6 cm. (3 in.) lengths of the

wire, bent 1.3 cm. (0.5 in.) from one end

to a 45° angle hook. The longer end of the wire is fastened around the neck of the weight to be used and the other in the lower end of each burned specimen to one side of (he burned area. The requisite loads are given in Table 1.

Original fabric weight >

g.lsq. m. (02. Isq. yd.) s (lb.) LessthanlOl (Less than 3.0) 64.4 (0.12) 101-207 (3.0-6.0) 113.4 (0. 25) 207-338 (6.0-10.0) 226.8 (0.S0) Greater than 338-— (Greater than 10.0).. 340.

2

(0. 76)

1 Weight of the original fabric, containing no seams or trim, is calculated from the weight of a specimen which

has been conditioned for at least 8 hours at 21±1.1° C. (70±2° F.) and 66±2 percent relative humidity. Shorter conditioning times may be used if the change in weight

of a specimen in successive weighings made at intervals

of not less than 2 hours does not exceed 0.2 percent of the weight of the specimen. (7) Stopwatch. A stopwatch or similar timing device shall be used to measure

time to 0.1 second.

(8) Scale. A linear scale graduated in mm. or 0.1 in. divisions shall be used to measure char length.

(9) CzrcttZatirif; air oven. A forced cir- culation drying oven capable of maintaining the specimens at 105°±2.8° C.

(221° ±5° F.), shall be used to dry the specimen while mounted in the specimen

holders.5 (10) Desiccator. An air-tight and

moisture-tight desiccating chamber shall be used for cooling mounted specimens

after drying. Anhydrous, silica gel shall be used as the desiccant in the desiccat- ing chamber.

(11) Hood. A hood or other suitable enclosure shall be used to provide a

draft-free environment surrounding the

test chamber. This enclosure shall have

a fan or other suitable means for ex- hausting smoke and/or toxic gases pro- duced by testing. (12) Sewing machine. A machine capable of carrying out the operations in

.4(b) (2) shall be used whenever sewing

is required.

(b) Specimens and sampling—(1) Fabric. Select a sample of the item

representative of the lot and large enough to permit cutting five specimens.

Pretesting shall be performed to deter- mine whether different results are obtained for specimens cut with their long dimensions in the machine or cross- machine directions; if different results are obtained, the official test specimens

shall be cut such that they are tested

in the direction that gives the greater flammability. Cut Ave specimens 8.9 x 25.4 cm.

(3.5 x 10 in.) from the fabric sample

selected. If the sample is wrinkled, it may

be ironed. If possible, specimens shall be

cut so that each contains different machine direction yarns and different cross- machine direction yarns.

(2) Garments. Select a sample gar- ment representative of the lot and large enough to permit cutting five specimens. More than one item of that lot may be

used if necessary to obtain the five spec- imens. Cut five specimens 8.9 x 25.4 cm.

(3.5 x 10 in.) . If the garment is wrinkled,

it may be ironed. Seamed and trimmed

areas shall be tested, with the exception

of the small areas indicated in section

.1(d). Specimens shall be cut such that

the seam or trim is down the center of the long dimension of the specimen. For

items in which the trim or seam length

is less than 25.4 cm. (10 in.), specimens

shall be cut with the seam beginning at the lower edge of each specimen. For items with attached trim whose

configuration does not allow placement

in the specimen holder as described

above, specimens shall be prepared by

sewing or attaching the trim to the

center of the vertical axis of an appropriate sample of untrimmed fabric chosen from another portion of the item, beginning the sewing or attachment of the lower edge of each specimen. The

sewing or attachment shall be made in

•Option 1 of ASTM D2664-87T, "Method

of Test for Amount of Moisture In Textile Materials", describes a satisfactory oven.

(1970 Book of ASTM Standards, Fart 24, published by the American Society for Test- ing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.)

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 36, NO. 146—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

42
NOTICES

the manner in which trim was attached

in the item. This trim shall be removed from the item with due care to avoid damage to the trim; all remnants of thread, other fastening material and

base fabric shall be removed from the

trim. Sewing or otherwise attaching the trim shall be done with thread or fasten- ing material of the same (or as close to the same as possible) composition and

size as used for this purpose in the

original item and using the same (or as

close to the same as possible) stitching and seam type. The trim shall be sewed

the entire length (if possible) of representative samples of the item.

Alternatively, the set of five specimens

may be prepared from the base fabric and other component materials used in a garment rather than by cutting the

finished garment. The base fabric speci- men shall be cut or prepared with the

long dimension in the more flammable

direction'. The seams to be used in the garment shall be sewn, attaching two

pieces of fabric, so that each seam lies along the long center line of a result- ing test specimen. The same type and

composition of sewing thread as will be used in the garment shall be used in preparing the test specimens. The trim

to be used in the garment shall be sewn

or attached to the center of the vertical axis of a fabric specimen beginning the sewing or attachment at the lower edge

of the specimen. Sewing or otherwise attaching the trim shall be done the

entire length of the fabric specimen with thread or fastening material of the same

composition and size as will be used in the garment and using the same stitch- ing and seam type. In both instances

(trim and seam) , the method of preparing the seam or attaching the trim to each test specimen shall be the same as that to be used in the finished garment.

(c) Mounting and conditioning of spec- imens. The specimens shall be placed in specimen holders so that the bottom edge

of each specimen is even with the bottom

of the specimen holder. Mount the speci- men in as close to a flat configuration as

possible. The sides of the specimen holder

shall cover 1.9 cm. (% in.) of the speci- men width along each long edge of the specimen, and thus shall expose 5.1 cm.

(2 in.) of the specimen width. The sides of the specimen holder shall be clamped

with a sufficient number of clamps or

shall be taped to prevent the specimen from being displaced during handling and testing. The specimens may be taped

in the holders if the clamps fail to hold them. Place the mounted specimens in the drying oven in a manner that will permit free circulation of air at 105" C.

i221 P.) around them for 30 minutes.5

Remove the mounted specimens from

the oven and place them in the desiccator

for 30 minutes to cool. No more than five specimens shall be placed in a desiccator

at one time. Specimens shall remain in the desiccator no more than 60 minutes.

(d) Testing—(1) Burner adjustment.

With the hood fan turned off, use the

needle valve to adjust the flame height

of the burner to 3.8 cm. (IV2 in.) above

the highest point of the barrel of the

burner. A suitable height indicator is shown in Engineering Drawing 6 and

Figure 1. (2) Specimen burning and evaluation. One at a time, the mounted specimens

shall be removed from the desiccator and

suspended in the cabinet for testing. The

cabinet door shall be closed and the burner flame impinged on the bottom

edge of the specimen for 3.0±0.2 seconds.' Flame impingement is accomplished by moving the burner under the specimen for this length of time, and

then removing it. If flaming drips or fragments are evi- dent, measure the residual flame time to the nearest 0.1 second. If an individual specimen produces fragments or drips

which are flaming beyond the specified 10-second residual flame time, that item

fails to meet the acceptance criterion and

testing of that item may be stopped. When afterglow has ceased, remove

the specimen from the cabinet and

holder, and place it on a clean flat surface. Fold the specimen lengthwise along a line through the highest peak of the charred or melted area ; crease the speci- men firmly by hand. Unfold the speci- men and insert the hook with the correct weight as shown in Table 1 in the speci- men on one side of the charred area 6.4 mm ( V* in.) from the lower edge. Tear

the specimen by grasping the other lower

corner of the fabric and gently raising the specimen and weight clear of the supporting surface."' Measure the char

length as the distance from the end of the tear to the edge of the specimen ex- posed to the flame. If the char length of any individual specimen of an item equals

25.4 cm (10 in.) that item fails to meet

the acceptance criterion and testing may

be stopped. After testing each specimen, vent the hood and cabinet to remove the

smok.e and/or toxic gases.

(3) Report. Report the value of char

length, in centimeters (inches', and the

residual flame time, in seconds, for each

specimen, as well as the average char

length for the set of five specimens.

(4) Laundering. The procedures described under .4(b), .4(c), and .4(d) shall be carried out on finished items (as produced or after one washing and drying) and after they have been washed

and dried 50 times ° according to Test Method AATCC 124-1969.7 Items which

do not withstand 50 launderings shall be

tested at the end of their useful service

life. Washing procedure 6.2(111), with a

water temperature of 60° ^2.8" C.

(140° ±5° F.), and drying procedure 6.3.2 (B), shall be used. Maximum load shall be 3.64 Kg. (8 pounds) and may consist of any combination of test samples and dummy pieces. Alternatively, a different number of times under another washing and drying procedure may be specified and used, ' if that procedure has previously been found to be equivalent by

the Federal Trade Commission. Such laundering is not required of items which are not intended to be laundered, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission.

Items which are not susceptible to being laundered and are labeled "dryclean only" shall be dry-cleaned by a procedure which has previously been found to be acceptable by the Federal Trade Commission. For the purpose of the issuance of a

guarantee under section 8 of the Act, finished sleepwear garments to be tested according to .4(b) (2) need not be laun- dered or dry-cleaned provided all fabrics used in making the garments (except

trim) have been guaranteed by the fabric producer to meet thfl acceptance cri- terion after such laiu dering or drycleaning.

.5 Labeling requirements—(a) Care

labels. All items of children's sleepwear

shall be labeled with precautionary in- structions to protect the items from

agents or treatments which are known to cause deterioration of their flame re- sistance. If the item has been initially tested under .4(d) (4) after one washing and drying, it shall be labeled with in- structions to wash before wearing. Such

labels shall be permanent and otherwise

in accordance with rules and regulations

established by the Federal Trade Commission.

(b) Temporary requirement for noncomplying items. Items of noncomplying

children's sleepwear which are manufactured during the 12 months following the

effective date of the standard shall, prior

to introduction into commerce, be prominently, permanently, and conspicuously

labeled with the following statement: "Flammable (Does Not Meet U.S. De- partment of Commerce Standard DOC

FF 3-11.) Should not be worn near

sources of fire." Such labels should be in accordance with the rules and regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.

" If the specimens are moist when received, permit them to air-dry at laboratory conditions prior to placement in the oven. A satisfactory preconditioning procedure may be found in ASTM D 1776-67, "Conditioning

Textiles and Textile Products for Testing". ("1970 Book of ASTM Standards", Part 24, published by the American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street Philadelphia. PA 19103.)

* If more than 15 seconds elapse between

removal of a specimen from the desiccator and the initial flame impingement, that spec- imen shall be reconditioned prior to testing.

- A figure showing how this is done is given

in AATCC 34-1969, Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, Vol. 46, 1970. published by AATCC, Post Office Box 12215. Research

Triangle Park, NC 27809.

If changes In an item occur during laundering which appear to affect the flammability of that item sufficiently to make it fail the acceptance criterion, that item may be tested

after fewer than 50 launderings. If the item

fails, further launderings are not necessary.

' Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, Vol.

46, 1970. published by AATCC, Post Office Box

12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709.

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 1 46—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

43
NOTICES

VENTILATION PORTS SUPPORT FOR SPECIMEN HOLDER

VENTILATION PORTS

BURNER

SPECIMEN HOLDER

FIGURE 2

VERTICAL TEST CABINET

FIGURE I

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 146—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

44
NOTICES

FLAME HEIGHT

GUIDE

RIGHT VIEW

1 r —

9

13 —

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

VERTICAL FLAMMABILITY TESTER

OFFICE OF FLAMMABLE FABRICS m%C:Z,...

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 36, NO. 146—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

45
NOTICES

FRONT VIEW

(DOOR REMOVED)

COLLAR STOP

(INSTALLED WITH DOUBLED SIOED TAPE)

NATIONAL BUREAU Of STANDARDS

VERTICAL FLAWMASILIT' TESTES

OFFICE OF FLAMMABLE FABRICS

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 1 46—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

46
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FEDERAL RECISTER, VOL 36, NO. 146—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

47
NOTICES

DOOR CLASS PANEL GUIDE (HORZ.)

2 REO. ALUM.

DOOR GLASS PANEL GUIOE (VERT.)

i a r -i, 6 r- —\ f-i

DOOR LATCH

I REO. ALUM

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k.J-J#t+

TOP COVER SPACER

A REQ. STEEL

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

OFFICE OF FLAMMABLE FABRICS

EC WATTS

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 146—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

48
NOTICES

£

3 No. 30 OR'LS. f— i -p

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GUIDE ROO

I REQ. ALUM.

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-2 No. SO OR'LS.

FUEL VALVE BRACKET

I REQ. ALUM.

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SPRING (ADJ. CLAMP)

REQ. (SEFNOTE)

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GUIOE ROO ASSEMBLY

scNATlOHAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

VERTICAL FLAM^ABIUTY TEStTft"

OFFICE OF FLAMMABLE FABRICS

-iigMj.t «m

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FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 96, NO. 146—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

49
NOtlCES

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BURNER BODY GUIDE (OS.) 2 REO. ALUM.

mTWWAL BUMAU OF WMOWW

omcc of jMNMAgj «amc;

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 14*—THURSDAY, JUUf It. 1971

50
NOTICES

^^ /

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NO. 10 dr'l /

JGUIOE PLATE

l-REO. N.S.

RETAINER PLATE

l-REO. N.S.

f^

NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

VERTICAL FLflMMABIUTY TESTER

^OFFICE OF FLAMMABLE FABRICS

.?:

(PR Doc.71-10925 Piled 7-28-71;9:16 am]

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 146—THURSDAY, JULY 29, 1971

51
APPENDIX IA

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR

Notice of Standard; Correction In F.R. Doc. 71-10925 appearing at pages 14062-14073 in the issue for Thursday, July 29, 1971, the following nonsubstantive corrections are made

:

In paragraph .4(a) (1) of the Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear (Doc. FF 3-71) on page

14063, in the first sentence, after the words "dimensions of" delete the re- mainder of the sentence and substitute

the following, "32.9 cm. (12i%6 in.) wide,

32.9 cm. (12^Ae in.) deep, and 76.2 cm.

(30 in.) high." In paragraph .4(a) (2) on page 14064, delete the second sentence in the para- graph and substitute the following sentence in lieu thereof, "It shall consist of two U-shaped 0.20 cm. (14 ga USS) thick

steel plates, 42.2 cm. (16% in.) long, and

8.9 cm. (3.5 in.) wide, with aligning pins."

On pages 14068, 14069, 14070, 14071, and 14072, delete Drawings Nos. 2, 3, 4,

5, and 6 respectively and substitute therefor the hereto attached Drawings Nos.

2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Issued: November 4, 1971. Maurice H. Stans, Secretary of Commerce.

a;;

MTC-MLtoi wnr MM

T0lOTCfrW«Oi*»

[KTTU.L WTTM OOUU «M0 WtNTJ

I -- ^s^^Eggg:

tkjJUL

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-qy^<—

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 219—FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1971

52
*

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FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL 36, NO. 219—FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1971

53
ib» '""Vil T BH Wj —6-

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[PR Doc.71-16366 Filed 11-11-71;8:45 am]

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 219—FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1971

54
APPENDIX II

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

[ 15 CFR Part 7]

MATTRESSES

Proposed Flammability Standard

On June 10, 1970, there was published

in the Federal Register (35 F.R. 8944) a notice of rinding that a flammability standard or standards, or other regulations, including labeling, may be needed

for mattresses, used either alone or as a component of a bedding assembly, and

fabrics or related materials intended to be used, or which may reasonably be ex- pected to be used, in these products. This

finding informed the public that a stand- ard may be needed to protect the public

against unreasonable risk of the occur- rence of fire leading to death or personal

injury or significant property damage

from mattress fires and instituted proceedings for the development of an

apropriate flammability standard or

standards, or other regulation, includ- ing labeling, for mattresses. After review and analysis of the comments received, analysis of information

developed through research, and after further review of information cited in the June 10, 1970, Federal Register (35 F.R. 8944), and more recent additions

thereto, it is hereby found that a flammability standard for mattresses is needed to protect the public against unreasonable risk of .the occurrence of fire leading to death, injury, or significant

property damage arising from such hazards as continuous slow burning or smoldering and the resultant production

of smoke or toxic atmospheres.

Proposed standard. It is preliminarily found that the proposed flammability standard DOC PFF 4-71, the Flammability Standard for Mattresses, as set out

in full at the end hereof as appendix I: (a) Is needed for mattresses to protect the public against unreasonable risk of the occurrence of fire arising from

such hazards as continuous slow burning or smoldering and the resultant pro- duction of smoke or toxic atmosphere

leading to death, personal injury, or sig- nificant property damage

;

(b) Is reasonable, technologically

practicable, and appropriate and is stated in objective terms; and

(c) Is limited to mattresses and mattress pads, which have been determined

to present such unreasonable risk. Basis for proposed flammability standard. The finding that a flammability standard or other regulation is needed

for mattresses is based on reported accident data and on the results of laboratory research. Data on building fires in recent years dramatically underscore the

fact that no national flammability stand- ard now exists for mattresses which af- fords protection to the general public

from unreasonable risks of death, injury, or significant property damage due to

fires. Mattresses may be produced and

made available for consumer purchase,

which, when used alone or in a bedding

assembly, present through ordinary use such hazards as continuous slow burning

or smoldering with the resultant production of injurious smoke or toxic atmospheres. Data supporting the foregoing conclusions were contained in the above-cited

notice published in the Federal Register on June 10, 1970. In addition to the data

contained in that notice, the March 1971

issue of "Fire Journal" contains a report

of 1969 Oregon and California fires which

states that in cases where the first material to ignite was known, bedding or mattresses ignited first in 13.7 percent

of the 3,126 Oregon residential fires and

produced 24 percent of the 285 Oregon

residential fire casualties. When fires which involved flammable liquids or gases and energized electrical equipment were

excluded from this group .of 1969 Oregon

fires, the initial ignition of bedding or mattresses accounted for over 20 percent

of the residential fires and over 34 per- cent of the residential fire casualties. In

the State of California, the initial igni- tion of bedding or mattresses by smoking

occurred in 18.4 percent of the 435 fire deaths. By June 1, 1971, the Department of Commerce had analyzed data from 1,005 cases involving the burning of products

composed of fabrics or related materials which had been investigated by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Seventy-six were cases in which

mattresses were involved. Over 60 per- cent of these fires, which produced injuries to 28 and death to six, were caused by smoking in bed. In another analysis, data on fires in the city of Washington,

D.C., during the period of April through June 1971, showed that 11.7 percent of 915 building fires involved the ignition of mattresses.

All the data cited above and in the June 10, 1970, notice in the Federal

Register show the high incidence of fires resulting from mattress or bedding ignitions. Laboratory research indicates that a smoldering mattress is a major source

of injurious smoke or toxic atmospheres.

It has also been determined that burning cigarettes are the principal ignition source for mattress fires which result in the production of injurious smoke

toxic atmospheres. Thus, the proposed standard for mattresses specifies cigarettes as the ignition source. Further

laboratory research, using cigarettes as the ignition sources and mattresses representing current production, indicates that the addition of sheets on the mattress increases the probability of igni- tion of the mattress. Accordingly, sheets are included in the testing procedure in the proposed standard.

Finally, as the result of this research and analysis conducted at the National Bureau of Standards and an interlabora- tory evaluation of the test procedures in cooperation with the American Society

for Testing and Materials, the National

Association of Bedding Manufacturers,

and other producers, retailers, and con- sumer groups, it has been concluded that the test method contained in the pro- posed standard is reasonable and

appropriate.

Participation in proceedings. All inte- rested persons are invited to submit writ- ten comments relative to the proposed

flammability standard within 30 days

after the date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register. Written comments should be submitted in at

least four (4) copies to the Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology,

Room 3862, U.S. Department of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230, and may

include any data or other information

pertinent to the subject.

Inspection of relevant documents. The

written comments received pursuant to

this notice will be available for public

inspection at the Central Reference and

Records Inspection Facility of the Department of Commerce, Room 7046, (Department Library) Main Commerce

Building, 14th Street between E Street and Constitution Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20230. Two supporting documents are avail- able for inspection in the above facility. One, "Accident Data and Research on Hazards from Mattress Fires" presents an analysis of accident data on fires in- volving mattresses, and on the results of research on the hazards from ignition

and continuous burning of mattresses and the resultant production of smoke

or toxic atmosphere. The second, "Flammability Test: Analysis of Interlabora- tory Results," presents the results and

a statistical analysis of the interlabora- tory evaluation. Issued: September 3, 1971. James H. Wakelin, Jr., Assistant Secretary

for Science and Technology. Mattresses

proposed flammability standard for

mattresses [DOC PFF 4-71]

.1 Definitions.

.2 Scope and application.

.3 General requirements.

.4 Test procedure.

.5 Laundering.

.6 Sampling plans.

.7 Labeling.

.1 Definitions. In addition to the defi- nitions given in section 2 of the Flammable Fabrics Act as amended (sec. 1, 81

Stat. 568; 15 U.S.C. 1191) and § 7.2 of the procedures (33 F.R. 14642, Oct. 1, 1968), the following definitions apply for the purpose of this standard

:

(a) "Mattress" means a ticking filled with a resilient material used alone or

in combination with other products and

intended or promoted for sleeping upon. This definition includes mattress pads

and excludes pillows and boxsprings.

(b) "Acceptance criteria" means that

set of ignition properties which a mattress must exhibit in order to comply

with this standard.

(c) "Ticking" means the outermost

layer of fabric or related material, that

encloses the mattress core and upholstery materials.

(d) "Core" ("Unit") means the main

support system of the mattress, such as springs or foam.

(e) "Upholstery material" means all

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 1 75—THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1971

55
material, either loose or attached, be- tween the tickings or betwen the tick- ins and the core of the mattress, if a core

is present.

(f) "Tape edge" ("Edge") means the seam or border edge of a mattress.

(g) "Quilted" means sewn through or otherwise attached to ticking and one

or more layers of upholstery material.

(h) "Tufted" means buttoned or laced through the ticking and upholstery

materials and/or core.

.2 Scope and application, (a) This standard provides a test method to de- termine the ignition resistance of a mattress when exposed to a lighted cigarette.(b) All types of mattresses, regardless of their method of fabrication or material content, must meet the acceptance

criteria.

.3 General requirements—(a) Summary of test method. The method, in- volves the exposure of each type of mattress surface to a lighted cigarette as the standard igniting source in a draft- protected environment and the meas- urement of the ignition resistance of the

mattress in terms of nonignition (N) or

ignition (I). These surfaces include smooth, tape, and quilted or tufted lo- cations, if they exist on the mattress surfaces. If nonignition results are obtained

for all bare mattress tests, then twosheet tests are conducted over similar surface locations. In the latter test the burning cigarette is placed between the

sheets, and nonignition or ignition results are recorded. Mattresses which

contain fire retardant treated components must be wet down with water and

dried prior to testing. (b) Acceptance criteria. Testing the mattress in accordance with the testing

procedure set forth in "A Test Procedure," a mattress meets the acceptance

criteria if: (1) Five minutes after any cigarette has completely burned out on the mattress surface, all smoking has stopped,

and examination of the exposed area shows no evidence of ignition or continuing combustion, and

(2) Char length on the mattress surface is not more than one inch in any

direction from any cigarette.

.4 Test procedure—(a) Apparatus—

(1) Test room. The test room shall be

large enough to accommodate a full size mattress in a horizontal position and to allow for free movement of personnel and

air (without draft) around the test speci- men. The room shall be equipped with a

support system (platform, bench, etc.) upon which a mattress may be placed in a horizontal position at a reasonable

height for making observations. The test room shall be draft-protected and

equipped with a suitable system for ex- hausting smoke and/or noxious gases produced by testing. The test room at- mospheric conditions shall be between

18°-27° C. (65°-80° F.) and at less than

55 percent relative humidity.

(2) Ignition source. The ignition source

shall be cigarettes without filter tips made from 100 percent natural tobacco, 85±2mm. long with a tobacco packing

density of 0.270±0.020 g./cm.3

.

(3) Fire extinguisher. A pressurized water fire extinguisher, or other suitable

fire extinguishing equipment, shall be immediately available.

(4) Water bottle. A water bottle fitted with a spray nozzle shall be used to extinguish the ignited portions of the

mattress.

(5) Scale. A linear scale graduated in millimeters or 0.1 -inch divisions shall be used to measure char length.

(6) Other apparatus. In addition to the above, a timer, a thermometer, a

relative humidity measuring instrument, a knife, and tongs are required to carry out the testing. (b) Specimens and sampling—(1) Selection of mattress sample. The mattress

selected for test shall be a complete and

finished product, representative of such

mattresses produced for sale. (2) Preparation of mattress samples.

The mattress shall be divided laterally into two sections (see Figure 1), one

section for the bare mattress tests and

the other for the two-sheet tests. If a

mattress contains any fire retardant

treated components it shall be soaked

with water and dried prior to testing. Uniformly wet the mattress using no less than 2 gallons of water for each foot

of width. Prior to conditioning, air dry

the mattress for at least 48 hours at an

ambient temperature above 18° C. (65°

F.) and a relative humidity below 55

percent.

(3) Sheet selection. The sheet shall be

white, 100 percent combed cotton percale, with 180 threads per square inch. Size

of sheet shall be appropriate for the mattress being tested.

(4) Sheet preparation. The sneets

shall be laundered before use by the pro- cedure prescribed in Method 124—1967

of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists washing proce- dure 6.2 (III) , with a water temperature

of 60°±2.8° C. (140°±5° F.), drying pro- cedure 6.3.2(B). Maximum load shall be

3.64 kg. (8 pounds) and may consist of any combination of sheets and dummy

pieces. The hems shall be cut from the

sheet and the sheet then cut across the width into two equal parts.

(5) Cigarettes. An unopened package

of cigarettes shall be selected for each

mattress evaluation.

(c) Conditioning. The mattresses,

sheets, and cigarettes shall be conditioned at a temperature of 18°-27° C.

(65°-80° F.) and a relative humidity less than 55 percent for at least 48 hours

prior to test. The cigarettes shall be re- moved from the package and supported

in a suitable manner to permit free movement of air around them during

conditioning.

(d) Testing—(1) General—a. Light

and place one cigarette at a time on

the mattress surface. (If previous experience with the same type of mattress has indicated that rapid spread of combustion is not likely, up to three cigarettes may be lighted and placed on the mattress at one time.) If more than one

cigarette is burning at one time, the

cigarettes must be positioned no less than

6 inches apart on the mattress surface. The cigarette used as the ignition source

shall be well lighted but not burned

more tnan 4mm. (0.16 in.) when placed on the mattress. Fire extinguishing

equipment must be readily available at

all times.

b. If a cigarette extinguishes before burning its full length, the test is considered "no test" and must be repeated with a freshly lit cigarette on a different portion of the same type of location on

the mattress.

c. Three cigarettes shall be burned on

each of the different mattress locations: Smooth surface, tape edge, and quilted or tufted areas, if they exist in the particular mattress under test. d. If, during the testing, the mattress

fails at any time to meet the acceptance

criteria the testing may be stopped.

(2) Bare mattress test—a. Smooth

surfaces. Each of three burning cigarettes shall be placed directly on a smooth surface location on the test mattress on the half reserved for bare mattress tests. The cigarettes should burn

their full lengths on a smooth surface without burning across a tuft or stitching

of a quilted area. However, if this is not

possible because of mattress design, then

the cigarettes shall be positioned on the

mattress in a manner which will allow

as much of the butt ends as possible to burn on smooth surfaces. Report results for each cigarette as nonignition (N) or

ignition (I) as defined in the acceptance

criteria. Catjtion: Even Under the Most Carefully Observed Conditions, Smoldering Combustion Can Progress to the Point Where It Cannot Be Readily Extinguished. It Is Imperative That a Test Be Discontinued as Soon as Ignition Has Definitely Occurred. Immediately Wet the Exposed Area With a Water

Spray (Prom Water Bottle) , Cut Around the Burning Material With a Knife and Pull the

Material Out of the Mattress With Tongs. Make Sure That All Charred or Burned Material Is Removed. Ventilate the Room.

b. Tape edge. Each of three burning

cigarettes shall be placed in the depression between the mattress top surface and the tape edge, parallel to the tape

edge on the half of the test mattress

reserved for bare mattress tests. If there

is no depression at the edge, hold the

cigarettes in place along the edge and

parallel to the edge with straight pins. Three straight pins may be inserted through the edge at a 45° angle such that one pin supports the cigarette at the top, one at the center, and one at the butt. The heads of the pins must be below the upper surface of the cigarette (see Figure 2) . Report results for each cigarette as nonignition (N) or ignition (I) as denned in the acceptance criteria.

c. Quilted location. If quilting exists on the test mattress, each of three burning cigarettes shall be placed on quilted locations of the test mattress. The cigarettes shall be positioned directly over

the thread in the depression created by

the quilting process on the half of the

test mattress reserved for bare mattress

tests. If the quilt design is such that the

cigarettes cannot burn their full lengths over the thread, then the cigarettes shall be positioned in a manner which will al- low as much of the butt ends as possible to burn on the thread. Report results for each cigarette as nonignition

(N) or ignition (I) as denned in the

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 1 75—THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1971

56
acceptance criteria.

d. Tufted location. If tufting exists on

the test mattress, each of three burning

cigarettes shall be placed on tufted locations of the test mattress. The cigarettes

shall be positioned so that they burn

down into the depression caused by the

tufts and so that the butt ends of the

cigarettes burn out over the buttons or

laces used in the tufts on the half of the

test mattress reserved for bare mattress

tests. Report results for each cigarette as nonignition (N) or ignition (I) as

defined in the acceptance criteria. (3) Two-sheet tests. Spread a section

of sheet material smoothly over the mattress surface and tuck under the mattress on the second half of the test mattress, which has been reserved for the

two-sheet test. a. Smooth surfaces. Each of three burning cigarettes shall be placed di- rectly on the sheet covered mattress in a smooth surface location as defined in the bare mattress test. Immediately cover the first sheet and the burning cigarettes

loosely with a second, or top, sheet (see Figure 2). Do not raise or lift the top

sheet during testing unless obvious ignition has occurred. If ignition occurs, immediately remove the sheets and cigarette and follow the cautionary proce- dures outlined in the bare mattress test. Report results for each cigarette as nonignition (N) or ignition (I) as defined in the acceptance criteria.

b. Tape edge. Each of three burning

cigarettes shall be placed in the depression between the top surface and the tape edge on top of the sheet, and immediately

covered with a second sheet. In most

cases, the cigarettes will remain in place

throughout the test; however, if the cig- arettes show a marked tendency to roll

off the tape edge location, they may be

supported with straight pins. Three

straight pins may be inserted through the bottom sheet and tape at a 45° angle such

that one pin supports the cigarette at the

top, one at the center, and one at the

butt. The heads of the pins must be below

the upper surface of the cigarette (see Figure 2)

.

Report results for each cigarette as

nonignition (N) or ignition (I) as defined

in the acceptance criteria.

c. Quilted locations. If quilting exists on the test mattress, each of three burning cigarettes shall be placed in a depression caused by quilting, directly over the

thread and on the bottom sheet, and immediately covered with the top sheet. If necessary, a thin rod may be used to depress the bottom sheet into a depression. If the quilt design is such that the

cigarettes cannot burn their full lengths

over the thread, then the cigarettes shall be positioned in a manner which will al- low as much of the butt ends as possible to burn on the thread. Report results for each cigarette as nonignition (N) or

ignition (I) as defined in the acceptance

criteria.

d. Tufted locations. If tufting exists on

the test mattress, each of three burning

cigarettes shall be placed in the depression caused by tufting, directly over

the tuft and on the bottom sheet, and

immediately covered with the top sheet.

If necessary, a thin rod may be used to depress the bottom sheet into a depression. The cigarettes shall be positioned so that they burn down into the depression caused by the tuft and so that the butt ends of the cigarettes burn out over the buttons or laces used in the tufts. Report results for each cigarette as nonignition (N) or ignition (I) as defined

in the acceptance criteria.

.5 Laundering. Mattress pads shall be tested in accordance with ".4 Test Procedure" in the condition in which

they are intended to be sold, and after they have been washed and dried 25 times according to the procedure prescribed in Method 124—1967 of the American

Association of Textile Chemists and

Colorists washing procedure 6.2 (HI), with a water temperature of 60°±2.8° C.

(140° ±5" F.), and drying procedure

6.3.2(B). Maximum load shall be 3.64 kg. (8 pounds) and may consist of any

combination of test items and dummy

pieces.

.6 Sampling plans. At least one mattress from each production lot shall be

tested.

.7 Labeling. If a mattress contains any fire retardant treated components, It shall be labeled with the letter "T" pursuant to rules and regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.

[PR Doc.71-13240 Piled 9-8-71; 8: 50 am]

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 175—THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1971

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Office of the Secretary

[15 CFR Part 7 1 MATTRESSES

Proposed Flammability Standard

In F.R. Doc. 71-13240 appearing at pages 18095-18098 in the issue for Thursday, September 9, 1971, at the end of the Proposed Flammability Standard for Mattresses (Doc. PFF 4-71) , insert the following figures 1 and 2. Issued: September 29, 1971. James H. Wakelin, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology.

MATTRESS PREPARATION CIGARETTE LOCATION

_CL

BARE

MATTRESS

TWO SHEETS

FIRST SHEET

TUCKED UNDER

FIGURE 1

P ' i i I ! ! FTTTl

BARE

=^=

; j ; j

>

;

. i ! | ; i

J i I i .J i I i i U/ i TWO SHEETS

TAPE EDGE

FIGURE 2

[PRDoc.71-14512 Filed 10-4-71;8:45 am]

FEDERAL REGISTER, VOL. 36, NO. 193—TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1971

57
APPENDIX III

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY

Reprinted from Federal Register Volume 36, Number 158, August 14, 1971 (Page 15465) CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR

SAMPLING PLAN

Notice of Finding That Amendment

To Flammability Standard May

Be Needed and Institution of Proceedings

Finding. Pursuant to section 4(a) of the Flammable Fabrics Act, as amended

(sec. 3, 81 Stat. 569; 15 U.S.C. 1193) and

§ 7.5 of the Flammable Fabrics Act pro- cedures (33 F.R. 14642, October 1, 1968)

,

and upon the basis of investigations or research conducted pursuant to section

14 of the Flammable Fabrics Act, it is hereby found that sampling plans may

be needed to detect noncomplying fabrics and garments before they are placed on

the market in order to provide increased

protection to the public against unreasonable risk of the occurrence of fire leading to death or personal injury or

significant property damage. Confirmation of this preliminary finding of need

will require appropriate amendment of the Standard for the Flammability of Children's Sleepwear, DOC FF 3-71 (36 F.R. 14062). The test upon which the children's sleepwear standard is based destroys the items being tested and, thus, all items cannot be tested. In order to obtain ac- ceptably high levels of compliance and

to maintain a reasonable frequency of

testing, it is, therefore, necessary to have

statistically based sampling plans. Comments received during the development

of the standard and from other presentations to the Department of Commerce

tend to corroborate the need for sampling

plans. Thus, children can be given in- creased protection by providing as part

of the testing procedure in the children's sleepwear standard statistically based sampling plans for fabrics and garments. These sampling plans would also provide a framework for premarket testing and

thus assist greatly in detecting noncomplying fabrics before they are placed on the market. Such plans should be based on recognized principles of statistical quality control and acceptable

quality levels (AQL's) . They should provide a sound basis for facilitating quality control of the products, and standardizing the frequency of testing. Institution of proceedings. Pursuant

to section 4(a) of the Flammable Fabrics

Act, as amended (sec. 3, 81 Stat. 569;

15 U.S.C. 1193) and § 7.6(a) of the Flammable Fabrics Act Procedures (33 F.R.

14642, Oct. 1, 1968), notice is hereby

given of the Institution of proceedings

for the development of appropriate sampling plans, for items of children's sleep- wear and for all fabrics or related materials intended or promoted for use in

children's sleepwear.

All interested persons are invited to submit written comments or suggestions within 30 days after date of publication of this notice in the Federal Register, relative to (1) the above finding that sampling plans may be needed; and (2) the terms or substance of sampling plans

that might be adopted In the event that a finding is made by the Secretary of Commerce that such an amendment to the standard (DOC FF 3-71) is needed

to adequately protect the public against unreasonable risk of the occurrence of

fire leading to death or personal injury, or significant property damage. Written comments or suggestions should be sub- mitted in at least four (4) copies to the

Assistant Secretary for Science and

Technology, Room 3862, U.S. Department

of Commerce, Washington, D.C. 20230, and should include any data or other in- formation pertinent to the subject.

The written comments received pur- suant to this notice will be available for public inspection at the Central Refer- ence and Records Inspection Facility of the Department of Commerce, Room

7046, Main Commerce Building, 14th

Street between E Street and Constitution Avenue NW„ Washington, DC 20230. Issued: August 10, 1971.

James H. Wakelin, Jr., Assistant Secretary for Science and Technology.

[FR Doc.71-11736 Filed 8-13-71;8:46 am]

58
Figure 1. Children's Sleepwear Test Cabinet.

59
Figure 2. Burner for Children's Sleepwear Test Cabinet.

60
Figure 3. Specimen Holders for Children's Sleepwear Test Method.

61
10

EFFECT OF HUMI DITY ON CHAR LENGTH

COTTON

8

i x

io

z

UJ

-i

or

\ L

PROBAN 5.2 or/yd2 WOVEN

SANIFLAME 4.2 oz/y<T WOVEN

FIREGARD 4.3 az/yd* WOVEN

PROBAN 4.2 oz/yd* WOVEN

20 40 60

RELATIVE HUMIDITY- %

80

Figure 4. Effect of RH on Char Length of Cotton.

62
EFFECT OF HUMIDITY ON CHAR LENGTH

PERMANENT FLAME RETAROANT RAYON

9

O

c

I I

e>z

UJ

-I<

z

o

/yd. WOVEN

oi /yd* KNIT _

02 /yd' WOVEN

OL 1 1

20 40 60

RELATIVE HUMIDITY -%

Figure 5. Effect of RH on Char Length of PFR Rayon.

63

80
10

8

EFFECT OF HUMIDITY ON CHAR LENGTH

POLYESTER 6.3oz/ydz

KNIT

-NYLON 2.6 oz/yd* KNIT

iO/40 NYLON/POLYESTER 3.6 02 /yd2 KNIT

-PVC8.6oz/y<r KNIT

1 1

20 40 60

RELATIVE HUMIDlTY-%

80

Figure 6. Effect of RH on Char Length of Nylon

and Polyester.

64
CO

CO<DuS

a;

<uo

J3

COco

<v

CDUawHOi

4-> CO

CD H

COCO

CDU

0)M

•H

65
Figure 8. Matress Test - Cigarette in Quilted Area,

Bare Mattress.

66 •
<D AWG

0)

fflvw

IDaHo

a;uau

4->CO

<u H

ai

01

CUDs

67
Figure 10. Blanket Test - Bare and Specimen Holder,

68
o

<u (X COo

<L> a

.—i

faH

+->0)

r-lU

•1-1

69
Figure 12. Interior View of Corridor. Fire Room at Right Rear,

Thermocouples on Walls in Center of Corridor,

Radiometers in Floor.

70
Figure 13. Interior View of Corridor Looking Toward Exit

Window. Side Doors are Closed During Test. Smoke

on Right Wall Beyond Door.

71
Figure 14. View in Corridor Fire Room Door Showing Wood

Cribs. Center Crib on Load Cell. Thermocouples

and Pilot Tubes in Doorway.

72
3UnjLVd3dW31

o

_L- o

CO

•

0) o

1—

1

CM .r4 N u

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<0 o o« 0) IO

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a

a

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ex U

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73
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75
5000

2000

1000

CALORIMETRIC NET HEAT

OF COMBUSTION

O -UNTREATED

A - 0.5% P - 1.0% P

V- l.5%P

O - 2.0 %P

® - POLYESTER/FIBERGLASS

BLEND

20 40 60

% COTTON

80 100

Figure 18. Heat of Combustion of Fire Retardant Treated Polyester/

Cotton Blends. Note that 100% Polyester (on 0% Cotton Ordinate)

Released about Half as much Heat as Polyester Blended with Glass

Fiber (also on 0% Cotton Ordinate), and the Latter Fell on the

Curve of Polyester /Untreated-Cotton Blends, Illustrating the Effect

of Support on the Flammability of Polyester.

76
40 60

% COTTON

Figure 19. Rate of Heat Release of Fire Retardant Treated

Polyester /Cotton Blends.

77
idoN

•Huoo• HI

•HW

0)Uugu

0) +»

0)

1—1O

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78
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;-(

79
FORM NBS-114A (1-71) 2. Gov't Accession No.

U.S. DEPT. OF COMM. BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA

SHEET

1. PUBLICATION OR REPORT NO. NBS TN-7493. Recipient's Accession No.

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

The Flammable Fabrics Program 1971

5. Publication Date December.

6. Performing Organization Code

7. AUTHOR(S)

OFF/IAT/NBS/AS-ST/Sec. Comm. (James V. Ryan contact)

8. Performing Organization

9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS 10. Project/Task/Work Unit No. NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20234

11. Contract/Grant No.

12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address

Secretary of Commerce

Washington, D.C. 20234

13. Type of Report & Period Covered

Interim 1971

14. Sponsoring Agency Code

15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

Publication of Annual Report to Congress required by Flammable Fabrics Act as amended.

16. ABSTRACT (A 200-word or less factual summary of most significant information. If document includes a significant

bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.) This Annual Report to the Congress, required by the Flammable Fabrics Act, covers calendar year 1971. Specific flammability standards outputs were standards

for children's sleepwear in sizes through 6X, a proposed standard for mattresses,

and a finding of possible need for amendment of the children's sleepwear standard

to add sampling plans for the periodic testing by manufacturers of subject garments

and materials. Research included studies, in-house and under contract, on subjects

such as the contribution of floor covering systems to fire spread along building

corridors and the parameters related to the burning of cotton/polyester blends and

of multilayer fabrics. Studies of the feasibility of reducing flammability included

the effects of treatments on combustion products and the effects of heavy metal ions on flammability. Test development, in addition to that basic to the standards developments already mentioned, included work on a blanket test, an upholstered furniture

test, and on a general apparel test. A series of formal training sessions was initiated to supplement the continuing informal training, presentations, etc. Extensive

cooperation was carried out with HEW, the public,, industry, and voluntary standards

groups.

17. KEY WORDS (Alphabetical order, separated by semicolons) AnnUcil report tO CongTeSS \ blahketS J children's sleepwear; flammability; flammability reduction; mattresses; research;

sampling plans; standards; test development; upholstered furniture

18. AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

L UNLIMITED.

I I FOR OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTION. DO NOT RELEASE

TO NTIS.

19. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS REPORT)

UNCLASSIFIED

20. SECURITY CLASS

(THIS PAGE)

UNCLASSIFIED

21. NO. OF PAGES

92

22. Price

$1.50

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