COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
COM(92) 201 final - SYN 417 
Brussels, 14 May 1992 
Proposal for a 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States 
relating to the burning behaviour of materials used in 
interior construction of certain categories of motor vehicle 
(presented by the Commission) 
z 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
This proposal for a directive concerns the approximation of the laws of the 
Member states relating to the fire behaviour of materials used in interior 
construction of certain categories of motor vehicles. 
The historical background, justification and contents of this proposal are set 
out below. 
I. Historical Background 
1. The framework procedure governing the EEC type approval of motor vehicles 
and trailers at Community level, which is dealt with in Council Directive 
70/156/EEC of 6 February 19701) includes, inter alia, a point on special 
provisions for public transport vehicles (point 12.2 of Annex II). 
It requires the adoption of one or more separate Directives in which 
technical requirements and test methods will be determined which, in 
particular, buses and coaches must fulfil in respect of their construction 
and equipment if EEC approval for these aspects or for these types of 
vehicle is applied for. 
2. In 1985, the Commission invited its Working Group on Elimination of 
Technical Barriers to Trade - Motor Vehicles to study inter alia the scope 
for new Community measures to eliminate existing technical barriers while 
at the same time improving road safety. An ad-hoc group was formed with 
the mandate to draft relevant proposals : ERGA - safety. 
1) Q.J. L42, 23.2.1970, p.l 
Rua da la Loi 200, H - 1049 Brussals. 
Talapliona: dir.ct lina 21 standard 2 J S 11 11 Talax: CuHEU f» 21B77 Ta leq i aplu e addraus: CONCUR Hmoit li 
dacra/KB/DIRECT/«081-9 0anl 
This group presented its final report on September 1st, 1989 (Doc. 
111/4257/89, ERGA s/190 final). It included the technical Annexes which 
have been used to draft the present proposal for a directive. 
3. European Parliament has repeatedly urged the commission to improve the 
safety of buses and coaches, inter alia after a number of severe accidents 
where coaches caught fire and passengers were killed, in various Member 
states. 
4. While some Member States already operate relevant requirements, others 
notified the Commission of plans to introduce them, under Directive 
83/189/EEC. Consequently, the Commission announced to submit a proposal 
for a Directive to the Council, which is annexed. 
II Justification 
The presently existing directives relating to motor vehicles do not cover 
the fire behaviour of materials used inside the body work of buses and 
coaches. Studies show that in accidents where the crash severity is rather 
limited and not generally life threatening, the risk of fire in the 
interior may be nevertheless important. This is especially a cause of 
concern in buses and coaches where the number of passengers may cause 
relatively long escape times. 
Apart from requirements on the number and size of doors and their 
accessability, with which the Commission intends to deal in a forthcoming 
proposal, the fire behaviour of the materials used for seat upholstery, 
roof linings, floor cover etc. need to be governed in order to allow for 
sufficient escape time for passengers. 
7 
The experts concluded that such requirements are essentially needed for 
larger buses and coaches which can carry more than 16 passengers while not 
being designed for standing passengers (urban use); urban buses are 
required to allow proper evacuation by their lay-out. 
III. Contents of the Proposal 
1. Enacting Terms. 
The enacting terms basically follow the same lines which are included in 
similar directives adopted for this sector. 
The only exception is in articles 5 and 6. Here, having regard to the 
provisions of the Single Act which provide for a delegation of powers to 
the Commission in order to proceed with the task of adaption to technical 
progress, the proposal thus retains the Advisory Committee procedure and 
not that of the Regulatory Committee. 
2. Technical Annexes. 
The annexes to the proposed directive are designed to cover all materials 
used inside the bodywork of buses and coaches as far as their fire 
behaviour is concerned (i.e. ignitability, behaviour, horizontal or 
vertical burning rate). The proposal is largely based on existing 
requirements and standards, including well known test procedures, notably 
stemming from France, the F.R. of Germany and the United Kingdom, but 
including proposals coming from other Member states. 
-X 
Although article 1 refers to all "M3" vehicles (buses and coaches with more 
than 8 passenger seats and a GVW over 5 tonnes), the scope in Annex I 
limits the application of the annexes to vehicles for more than 16 
passengers, and excludes vehicles designed for standing passengers. The 
reason for this exclusion is in the comparitively high escape rate (or 
short evacuation time) and thus limited risk to occupants, proven by 
accident statistics. 
Three Annexes IV, V and VI outline different teste to be performed as 
prescribed in paragraph 5 of Annex I, depending on the typical use of the 
material (e.g. roof lining, seat upholstery, curtains). Annex II gives a 
model for an EEC certificate, to become part of the vehicle type approval 
certificate provided for in Directive 70/156/EEC. 
PROPOSAL FOR A 
COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 
on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the 
burning behaviour of materials used In interior construction of 
of certain categories of motor vehicle. 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in 
particular Article 100 A thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,1) 
in cooperation with the European Parliament,2) 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee3), 
Whereas it is important to adopt measures with the aim of progressively 
establishing the internal market over a period expiring on 31 December 1992; 
Whereas the internal market shall comprise an area without internal frontiers in 
which the free movement of goods, persons, services and capital is ensured; 
Whereas the technical requirements which certain vehicle categories must satisfy 
pursuant to national law relate, inter alia, to the burning behaviour of s 
materials used in interior construction of certain categories of motor vehicle; 
Whereas these requirements differ from one Member State to another; 
1) 0J N° C... 
2) 0J N° ... 
3) 0J N° ... 
? 
Whereas it is therefore necessary that all Member States adopt the same 
requirements either in addition to or in place of their existing rules in order, 
In particular, to allow the EEC type-approval procedure which was the subject of 
the Council Directive 70/156/EEC of 6 February 1970 on the approximation of the 
laws of the Member States relating to the type-approval of motor vehicles and 
their trailers4), as last amended by Directive 87/403/EEC, to be introduced in 
respect of each type of vehicle; 
Whereas, with a view to ensuring occupant and road safety, it is important that 
the materials used in the cnstruction of the inside of bus - and coach -
bodywork satisfy minimum requirements in order to avoid or at least retard 
development of flames such that it allows occupants to evacuate the vehicle in 
case of fire; 
Whereas, for practical reasons, it is felt necessary to provide for different 
periods of application for new type-approvals and for all new vehicles; 
Whereas the approximation of national laws relating to motor vehicles entails 
the mutual recognition by Member States of the inspections carried out by each 
of them on the basis of common requirements, 
4) 0J N° L 42, 23.2.1970, p. 1 
3 
HAS ADOPTED THIS DIRECTIVE 
Article 1 
For the purposes of this Directive "vehicle" means any motor vehicle in category 
M3, as defined in Annex I to Directive 70/156/EEC, designed for use on the 
road and with a maximum design speed exceeding 25 km/h. 
Article 2 
No Member State may refuse to grant EEC type-approval or national type-approval 
in respect of a vehicle, or refuse or prohibit its sale, registration, entry 
into service or use on grounds relating to the burning behaviour of materials 
used in interior construction of its bodywork if it satisfies the requirements 
set out in Annexes I, IV, V and VI. 
Article 3 
1. With effect from 1 October 1993 Member States : 
- may no longer issue the document provided for in Article 10 (1), third 
indent, of Directive 70/156/EEC in respect of a type of vehicle which does 
not meet the requirements of this Directive, 
- may refuse to grant national type-approval in respect of a type of vehicle 
which does not comply with the provisions of this Directive. 
2. With effect from 1 October 1994 Member States may prohibit the first entry 
into service of vehicles which do not comply with the provisions of this 
Direct ive. 
3 
Article 4 
A Member State which has granted EEC type-approval shall take the measures 
necessary to ensure that it is informed of any modification to a part or 
characteristic referred to In the Annexes. The competent authorities of that 
Member State shall determine whether fresh tests should be carried out on the 
modified type and a fresh report drawn up. Where such tests reveal that the 
requirements of this Directive have not been complied with, the modification 
shall not be authorized. 
Article 5 
Any amendments necessary in order to adapt the requirements of the Annexes to 
this Directive so as to take account of technical progress shall be adopted by 
the Commission in accordance wih the procedure laid down in Article 6. 
Article 6 
The Commission shall be assisted by the committee established under Article 12 
of Directive 70/156/EEC. 
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the committee a draft of 
the measures to be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft 
within a time-limit which the chairman may lay down according to the urgency of 
the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. 
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, each Member State 
shall have the right to ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 
The Commission shall take the utmost account of the opinion delivered by the 
committee. It shall inform the committee of the manner in which its opinion has 
been taken into account. 
-7o 
Article 7 
1. Member States shall bring into force the laws, regulations and 
administrative provisions necessary to comply with this Directive not later 
than 1 October 1992. They shall forthwith inform the Commission thereof. 
2. When Member States adopt these provisions, these shall contain a reference 
to this Directive or shall be accompanied by such reference at the time of 
their official publication. The procedure for such reference shall be 
adopted by Member States. 
Article 8 
This Directive is addressed to the Member States. 
Done at 
For the CounciI 
The President 
1A 
Contents 
Annex I: SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, APPLICATION FOR EEC APPROVAL. 
EEC CERTIFICATE, SPECIFICATIONS. TESTS. 
CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION. 
1. Scope 
2. Definitions 
3. Application for EEC approval 
4. EEC certificate 
5. Specifications 
6. Modification of the vehicle type 
7. Conformity of production 
8. Penalties for non-conformity of production 
Annex II : Information Document 
Annex III MODEL EEC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE 
Annex IV TEST TO DETERMINE THE HORIZONTAL BURNING RATE 
OF MATERIALS 
1. Principle 
2. Apparatus 
3. Samples 
4. Procedure 
5. Calculation 
Annex V : TEST TO DETERMINE THE MELTING BEHAVIOUR OF MATERIALS 
1. Principle 
2. Apparatus 
3. Samples 
A. Procedure 
5. Results 
Annex VILEST TO DETERMINE THE VERTICAL BURNING RATE OF 
MATERIALS 
1. Principle 
2. Apparatus 
3. Samples 
A. Procedure 
5. Results 
Annex I 
SCOPE, DEFINITIONS, APPLICATION FOR EEC APPROVAL, EEC APPROVAL, 
SPECIFICATIONS, TESTS, CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION. 
1. SCOPE 
This Directive applies to the burning behaviour (ignitability and burning 
rate) of interior materials used in vehicles of category M-j having more 
than 16 passengers, not being either designed for standing passengers or 
intended for urban use. 
2. DEFINITIONS 
For the purpose of this Directive; 
2.1. . "Approval of a vehicle" means the approval of a vehicle type with regard 
to the burning behaviour of the interior materials used in the passenger 
compartment. 
2.2. "Vehicle type" means a category of power-driven vehicles which do not 
differ in such essential respects as: 
2.2.1. The interior materials used in the passenger compartment. 
2.2.2. The mass of the interior materials used, in so far as they have an 
effect on the performance prescribed in this Directive. 
2.2.3. The optional arrangements or fittings in so far as they have no detrimen­
tal effect on the performance prescribed in this Directive. 
2.3. "Passenger compartment" means the space for occupant accommodation 
(including bar, kitchen, toilet, etc.), bounded by: 
- the roof, 
- the floor, 
- the sidewalls, 
- the doors, 
- the outside glazing, 
- the rear compartment bulkhead, or the plane of the rear seatback 
support, 
- at the driver's side of the longitudinal vertical median plane of the 
vehicle, the vertical transversal plane through the driver's 
R-point *), 
— at the near side of the longitudinal vertical plane of the vehicle, the 
front bulkhead. 
2-4- "Seat** means a structure which may or may not be integral with the 
vehicle structure complete with trim, intended to seat one adult person. 
The term covers both an individual seat or part of a bench seat intended 
to seat one adult person. 
2.5- "Group of seats'* means either a bench-type seat, or seats which are 
separate but side by side (i.e. with the foremost anchorages of one seat 
in line with or forward of the rearmost anchorages and in line with or 
behind the foremost anchorages of another seat) and which accommodate one 
or more seated adult persons. 
2-6- "Bench seat" means a structure complete with trim, intended to seat more 
than one adult person. 
2-7- "Burning rate" The quotient of the burnt distance measured according to 
annex III (or V) to this Directive and the time taken to burn this 
distance. It is expressed in millimetres per minute. 
2-8- "Composite material" A material composed of several layers of similar or 
different materials intimately held together at their surfaces by 
cementing, bonding, cladding, welding, etc. 
When different materials are connected together intermittently (for 
example, by sewing, high-frequency welding, riveting), 6uch materials 
shall not be considered as composite materials. 
2.9- "Exposed face" The side of a material which Is facing towards the passen­
ger compartment when the material is mounted in the vehicle. 
2.10. "Upholstery" The combination of Interior padding and surface, finish mate­
rial which together constitute the cushioning of the seat frame. 
2.11- "Interior lining(s)" Material(s) that (together) constitute(s) the sur­
face finish and substrate of a roof, wall or floor. 
|J ) See Annex IV of 74/60/EEC, AS O.\^{U^\<L\. 
i 
A^f 
3. APPLICATION FOR EEC APPROVAL 
3.1. The application for EEC approval of the vehicle type with regard to the 
burning behaviour of the materials used in the passenger compartment 
shall be submitted by the vehicle manufacturer or by his duly accredited 
representative. 
3.2. It shall be accompanied by the undermentioned documents in triplicate 
and the following particular.*: 
3.2.1. A detailed description, including at least a colour photography, of each 
interior material used in the passenger compartment of the vehicle type 
with respect to its location in the vehicle, to its composition and to 
its colour, if applicable, each component being separately described. 
3.3. From the interior materials used in the vehicle, which is representative 
of the type to be approved, samples shall be submitted to the technical 
service responsible for conducting the approval tests. 
4. EEC CERTIFICATE 
4.1. A vehicle shall be type approved if the interior materials used in the 
passenger compartment of the vehicle, as mentioned in paragraphs 5.2, 
5.3, and 5.4 to this annex, meet the requirements respectively mentioned 
in paragraphs 5.2.1, 5.3.1, and 5.4.1 to this annex. 
1s 
5. SPECIFICATIONS 
5.1. The interior materials of the passenger compartment used In the 
vehicle to be type approved shall be submitted to one or more of the 
tests mentioned in annexes JV, V and VI to this Directive. 
5.2. From the following material(s) 5 samples in the case of an isotropic 
material or 10 samples In the case of a non-isotropic material (5 for 
each direction), shall be submitted to the test described in Annex iv 
to this Directive: 
- aaterial(s) used for the upholstery of any seat and its accessories 
(including the driver's seat); 
- material(s) used for the interior lining of the roof; 
- material(s) used for the interior lining of the side and rear vails, 
including separation walls; 
- materials with thermal and/or acoustic function; 
- material(s) used for the interior lining of the floor; 
- material(s) used for the interior lining of luggage - racks, heating 
and ventilation pipes; 
- material(s) used for the luminaries. 
Furthermore, one sample shall be submitted to the competent authority 
for future reference purposes. 
5.2.1. The result of the test shall be considered satisfactory if, taking the 
worst test results into account, the horizontal burning rate is not 
more than 100 mm/min or if the flame extinguishes before reaching the 
last measuring point. 
5.3. From the following material(s) 4 samples, for both faces (If they are 
not identical), shall be submitted to the test described in Annex IV 
to this Directive: 
- material(s) used for the interior lining of the roof; 
- material(s) used for the interior lining of the luggage-racks, heating 
and ventilation pipes situated in the roof; 
- material(s) used for the luminaries situated in the luggage-racks 
and/or roof. 
Furthermore, one sample shall be submitted to the competent authority 
for future reference purposes. 
1G 
5.3.1. The result of the test, described in Annex IV to this Directive, shall 
be considered satisfactory if, taking the worst test results into ac­
count, no drop is formed which ignites the cotton wool. 
5.4- 3 samples in the case of an Isotropic material, or 6 samples in the case 
of a non-isotropic material, of the material(s) used for the curtains 
and blinds (and/or other hanging materials) shall be submitted to the 
test described in annex V to this Directive. 
Furthermore, one sample shall be submitted to the competent authority 
for future reference purposes. 
5-4.1. The result of the test, described in annex V to this Directive, shall 
be considered satisfactory if, taking the worst test results Into 
account, the vertical burning rate is not more than 100 mm/min. 
5-5- Materials which are not to be submitted to the test described in the 
annexes IV to VI ire: 
5-5-1. parts made of metal or glass; 
5-5-2- each individual seat accessory with a mass of non metallic material 
less than 200 g. If the total mass of these accessories exceeds 400 g 
of non metallic material per seat, then each material must be tested; 
5.5.3. elements of which the surface area or the volume does not exceed 
respectively: 
2 3 
5.5.3-1- 100 cm or 40 cm for the elements which are connected to an indivi­
dual seating place; 
2 3 
5.5.3.2. 300 cm or 120 cm per seat row and, at a maximum, per linear metre of 
the interior of the passenger compartment for these elements which are 
distributed in the vehicle and which are not connected to an individual 
seating place; 
5-5.4. electric cables; 
5.5.5. elements for which it Is not possible to extract a sample in. the 
prescribed dimensions as specified in par. 3.1 of Annex IV , par. 3 of 
Annex V and par. 3-1 of AnnexVI. 
6. MODIFICATION OF THE VEHICLE TYPE 
6.1. Any modification to the materials used within the Interior of the pas­
senger compartment shall be brought to the notice of the administrative 
department granting approval. The department may then either: 
6-1.1. Consider that the modifications made are unlikely to have an 
appreciable adverse effect and that in any case the vehicle still 
complies with the requirements; or 
6-1-2. Require the technical service responsible for conducting the tests 
to submit the new materials to the test(s), which is/are applicable 
described in the annexes to this Directive. 
6.2- Confirmation or refusal of approval, specifying the alterations, 
shall be communicated to the Member States, by the form specified 
in annex III. 
7. CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION 
7.1. Every vehicle prescribed under this Directive shall conform to the 
approved vehicle type, more particularly as regards features 
affecting the burning behaviour of Interior materials, and shall 
meet the requirements of paragraph 5 of this annex. 
7-2- The manufacturer shall carry out production inspections, tests or 
any checks which he deems necessary on components or pieces of 
equipment so as to ensure the conformity required in paragraph 7.1. 
above. 
7.2.1. The results of these checks and tests shall be kept at the disposal 
of the administrative department which granted the approval. In case 
of doubt, the department may: 
7.2.1.1. Require the repetition of 6ome of the tests or checks already 
carried out by the' manufacturer; or 
7.2-1.2. Require the carrying out of: 
7.2-1.2-1. a test, depending on the application of the Interior material, in 
comformity with annexes IV, V and VI. 
^£ 
7.2-1-2-2- a test defined by the technical service on one or several components 
or pieces of equipment. 
7-2.2- If after the above checks It still appears that conformity is not 
certain, the administrative department may require a complete test, 
as required for approval of the vehicle type, to be carried out. 
8- PENALTIES FOR NON-CONFORMITY OF PRODUCTION 
8.1- The approval granted in respect of a vehicle type pursuant to this 
Directive may be withdrawn if the requirement laid down in paragraph 
7-1- above is not complied with or if the vehicle or vehicles selec­
ted have failed to pass the checks prescribed in paragraph 7.2. 
above. 
8.2- If a Member State withdraws an approval it has previously granted, 
it shall forthwith so notify the other Member States, by means of 
a copy of the approval form bearing at the end in large letters the 
signed and dated statement "APPROVAL WITHDRAWN". 
1 <3) 
Annex 11 
Informat ion document No 
pursuant to Annex I of Council Directive 70/156/EEC 
relating to EEC type Approval of a vehicle with respect to the 
burning behaviour of materials used in interior construction of coaches 
0. GENERAL 
0.1 Make (trade name of manufacturer): 
0.2 Type and commercial description(s): 
0.3 Means of identification of type, if marked on the vehicle^) 
0.4 Category of vehicle (see Annex II of 70/156/EEC): 
0.5 Name and address of manufacturer: 
1. GENERAL CONSTRUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE VEHICLE 
1.1 Photographs and/or drawings of a representative vehicle 
1.1.1 Photographs of the interior equipment and materials used in coaches 
2.8 Technically permissible maximum laden mass stated by the manufacturer 
(max. and min. for each version): 
2.8.1 Distribution of this mass among the axles and, in the case of a semi­
trailer, load on the fifth wheel coupling pin (max. and min. for each 
version): 
2o 
13. Burning behaviour of materials used in interior construction of coaches 
13.1 Material(s) used for the interior lining of the roof 
Type, marking and colour : 
Composite/single1* material, number of layers *1* 
Type of coat Ing*1*: 
Maximum/minimum thickness mm 
13.2 Material(s) used for the rear and side walls 
Type, marking and colour : 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coat Ing*1* 
Maximum/minimum thickness mm 
13.3 Material(s) used for the floor 
Type, marking and colour : 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coating*1* 
Maximum/minimum thickness mm 
13.4 Material(s) used for the upholstery of the seats 
Type, marking and colour : 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coating*1* 
Max imum/minimum thickness mm 
13.5 Materia I(s) used for luggage racks, heating and ventilation pipes 
Type, marking and colour : 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coat ing*1* 
Max imum/minimum thickness mm 
Date, File 
1) if applicable 
e ANNEX III 
MODEL 
(maximum format: A4 (210 x 297)) 
EEC TYPE-APPROVAL CERTIFICATE 
Communication concerning the 
- type-approval(1) 
- extension of type-approval(1) 
- refusal of type-approval0} 
- withdrawal of type approval(1> 
of a type of a vehicle with regard to Directive 
Type-approval number (2) 
Reason for extension: 
SECTION I 
0.1 Make (trade name of manufacturer): 
0.2 Type and commercial description(s): 
0.3 Means of identification of type if marked on the 
vehicle (3): 
0.3.1 Location of that marking: 
0.4 Category of vehicle: 
0.5 Name and address of manufacturer: 
SECTION II 
1. Additional information (where applicable) : See 
Appendix I 
2. Technical service responsible for carrying out the 
tests: 
3. Date of test report: 
4. Number of test report: 
5. Remarks (if any): See Appendix I 
6. Place: 
7. Date: 
8. Signature: 
9. The index to the information package lodged with the 
competent authority that has granted type approval, 
which may be obtained on request, is attached. 
c1> Delete where not applicable 
2e 
(2} In the case of components the EEC type-approval number 
appearing on this document shall consist of all sections 
outlined in Annex VII to Directive 70/156/EEC, as last 
amended by Directive .../.../EEC. The component itself shall 
be marked as prescribed in the relevant separate Directive. 
(3) If the means of identification of type contains characters 
not relevant to describe the vehicle, component or separate 
technical unit types covered by this information document/ 
type-approval certificate such characters shall be 
represented in the documentation by the symbol: 
"?" (e.g. ABC??123??) . 
<?3 
Append i x I 
to EEC type-approval certificate no 
concerning the type approval of a vehicle with regard to 
Directive .../...EEC 
1. Additional information 
1.1. Burning behaviour of materials used In interior construction of coaches 
1.2. Material(s) used for the interior lining of the roof 
Type, mark i ng and coIour : 
Composite/single1* material, number of layers *1* 
Type of coat ing*1*: 
Max imum/minimum th ickness mm 
Burning rate : mm/min 
1.3. Materia I(s) used for the rear and side walls 
Type, mark i ng and coIour 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coat ing*1*: 
Max imum/minimum thickness mm 
Burning rate : mm/min 
1.4. Material(s) used for the floor 
Type, mark ing and coIour 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coating*1* 
Max imum/m i n i mum th i ckness mm 
Burning rate : mm/min 
1.5. Material(s) used for the upholstery of the seats 
Type, marking and colour 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coat ing*1* 
Maximum/minimum thickness mm 
Burning rate : mm/min 
1) if applIcable 
w7 
1.6. Material(s) used for luggage racks, heating and ventilation pipes 
Type, marking and colour 
Composite/single*1* material, number of layers*1* 
Type of coat Ing*1* 
Maximum/minimum thickness 
Burning rate : mm/min 
1.7. Maximum authorized mass, of the vehicle : t 
1.8. Number of passenger seats : 
5. Remarks : 
^s 
Annex IV 
TEST TO DETERMINE THE HORIZONTAL BURNING RATE OF MATERIALS 
1. PRINCIPLE 
A sample Is held horizontally In a U-shaped holder and Is exposed to 
the action of a defined low-energy flame for 15 s. in a combustion 
chamber, the flame acting on the free end of the sample. The test 
determines if and when the flame extinguishes or the time in which 
the flame passes a measured distance. 
2. APPARATUS 
2.1. Combustion chamber (figure 1), preferably of stainless steel and 
having the dimensions given in figure 2. The front of the chamber 
contains a flame-resistant observation window, which may cover the 
front and which can be constructed as an access panel. 
The bottom of the chamber has vent holes, and the top has a vent 
slot all around. The combustion chamber is placed on four feet, 
10 mm high. 
The chamber may have a hole at one end for the introduction of the 
sample holder containing the sample; in the opposite end, a hole is 
provided for the gas line. Melted material is caught in a pan (see 
figure 3) which is placed on the bottom of the chamber between vent 
holes without covering any vent hole area. 
^ 
M 
^ 
2.2. Sample holder, consisting of two U-shaped metal plates or frames of 
corrosion-proof material. Dimensions are given in figure 4. 
The lower plate is equipped with pins, the upper one with corres­
ponding holes in order to ensure a consistent holding of the sample. 
The pins also serve as the measuring points at the beginning and end 
of the burning distance. 
A support shall be provided in the form of 0.25 mm diameter heat 
resistant wires spanning the frame at 25 mm intervals over the 
bottom U-shaped frame (see figure 5). 
The plane of the lower side of samples shall be 178 mm above the 
floor plate. The distance of the front edge of the sample holder 
from the end of the chamber shall be 22 mm; the distance of the 
longitudinal sides of the sample holder from the sides of the 
chamber shall be 50 mm (all inside dimensions). 
(See figures 1 and 2). 
first measuring 
point 
s 8 A \ n 
1 ' ' 
38 JL 
jaa. 
^ 
127 ± o.a last measuring 
point 
254 1 0.2 
(356) 
361 Ol»*«*«w<oni In mflllmatra* 
S * 45* /- Cow plata 
FIGU*£4-taamalia*i 
^3 
3 
2.3. Gas burner. The small ignition source is provided by a Bunsen burner 
having an inside diameter of 9.5 + 0.5 mm. It is located in the 
test cabinet so that the centre of its nozzle is 19 mm below the 
centre of the bottom edge of the open end of the sample (see figure 
2). 
2.4. Test gas. The gas supplied to the burner shall have a calorific 
value near 38 MJ/m^ (for example natural gas). 
2.5. Metal comb, at least 110 mm in length, with seven to eight smooth 
rounded teeth per 25 mm. 
2.6. Stop-watch, accurate to 0.5 s. 
2.7. Fume cupboard. The combustion chamber may be placed in a fume cup­
board assembly provided that the internal volume is at least 20 
times, but not more than 110 times, greater than the volume of the 
combustion chamber and provided that no single height, width, or 
length dimension of the fume cupboard is greater than 2 1/2 times 
either of the other two dimensions. 
Before the test, the vertical velocity of the air through the fume 
cupboard shall be measured 100 mm in front of and behind the final 
position where the combustion chamber will be located. It shall be 
between 0.10 and 0.30 m/s in order to avoid possible discomfort, by 
combustion products, to the operator. It is possible to use a fume 
cupboard with a natural ventilation and an appropriate air velocity. 
SAMPLES 
3.1. Shape and dimensions 
3.1.1. The shape and dimensions of samples are given in figure 6. 
The thickness of the sample corresponds to the thickness of the 
product to be tested. It shall not be more than 13 mm. When taking 
the sample permits, the sample shall have a constant section over 
its entire length. 
31 
Dimamlont In mUMmatrat 
o 
£ 38 
-J k 
4-127 254 
h • 1 " 
-4-
3S6 -4- -." 
O 
s 
FIGURE 0 -
3.1.2. If the shape and dimensions of a product do not permit taking a 
sample of the given size, the following minimum dimensions shall be 
maintained: 
a) For samples having a width of 3 to 60 mm, the length shall be 
356 mm. In this case the material is tested in the product's 
width. 
b) For samples having a width of 60 to 100 mm, the length shall be 
at least 138 mm. In this case the potential burning distance 
corresponds to the length of the sample, the measurement starting 
at the first measuring point. 
3^ 
3.2- Sampling 
The samples shall be taken from the material under test. 
In materials having different burning rates in different material 
directions, each direction has to be tested. The samples are to be 
taken and placed in the test apparatus so that the highest burning 
rate will be measured. 
When the material is supplied in widths, a length of at least 500 mm 
shall be cut covering the entire width. From this the samples shall 
be taken so as to be at least 100 mm from the material edge and 
equidistant from each other. 
Samples shall be taken in the same way from finished products, when 
the shape of the product permits. When the thickness of the product 
is more than 13 mm, it shall be reduced to 13 mm by a mechanical 
process applied to the side which does not face the occupant 
compartment. If it is Impossible, the test shall be carried out, in 
accordance with the Technical Service, on the initial width of the 
material which shall be mentioned in the test report. 
Composite materials (see 2.8. of annex 1) shall be tested as if they 
were of uniform construction. 
In the case of materials made of superimposed layers of different 
composition which are not composite materials, all the layers of 
material included within a depth of 13 mm from the surface facing 
towards the passenger compartment shall be tested individually. 
3.3* Conditioning 
The samples shall be conditioned for at least 24 h but not more than 
7 days at a temperature of 23 + 2°C and a relative, humidity of 
50 + 5Z and shall be maintained under these conditions until 
Immediately prior to testing. 
4. PROCEDURE 
4.1. Place samples with napped or tufted surfaces on a flat surface and 
comb twice against the nap using the comb (2.5.)* 
2a 
4.2. Place the sample in the sample holder (2.2.) so that the exposed 
side will be downwards to the flame. 
4.3. Adjust the gas flame to a height of 38 mm using the mark in the 
chamber, the air intake of the burner being closed. Before starting 
the first test, the flame shall burn at least for 1 min for stabi­
lization. 
4.4. Push the sample-holder into the combustion chamber so that the end 
of the sample is exposed to the flame, and after 15 s cut off the 
gas flow. 
4.5. The measurement of the burning time starts at the moment when the 
foot of the flame passes the first measuring point. Observe the 
flame propagation on the side burning faster than the other 
(upper or lower side). 
4.6. Measurement of burning time is completed when the flame has come to 
the last measuring point or when the flame extinguishes before 
coming to the last measuring point. If the flame does not reach the 
last measuring point, measure the burnt distance up to the point 
where the flame extinguished. Burnt distance is the decomposed part 
of the sample, which is destroyed on its surface or in the interior 
by burning. 
4.7. In so far as the sample does not ignite or does not continue burning 
after the burner has been extinguished, or when the flame extingui­
shes before reaching the first measuring point, so that no burning 
time is measured note in the test report that the burning rate is 
0 mm/min. 
4.8. When running a series of tests or repeat tests, ensure that the 
combustion chamber and sample holder have a maximum temperature of 
30*C before starting the next test. 
2V 
CALCULATION 
The burning rate, B*t in millimetres per minute, is given by the 
formula. 
s 
B - - x 60 
t 
where 
s is the burnt distance, in millimetres; 
t is the time, in seconds, to burn distance s 
* The burning rate (B) for each sample is only calculated in the case 
where the flame reaches the last measuring point or the end of the 
sample 
Annex V 
TEST TO DETERMINE THE MELTING BEHAVIOUR OF MATERIALS 
PRINCIPLE. 
A sample Is placed in a horizontal position and Is exposed to an 
electric radiator. A receptacle is positioned under the specimen 
to collect the resultant drops. 
Some cotton wool is put in this receptacle in order to verify if 
ar.y drop is flaming. 
APPARATUS. 
The apparatus shall consist of (figure 1) 
a) an electric radiator 
b) a support for the sample with grill 
c) a receptacle (for resultant drops) 
d) a support (for the apparatus) 
2.1. The source of heat is an electric radiator with a useful output of 
500 W. The radiating surface must be made of a transparent quartz 
plate with a diameter of 100 + 5 mm. 
The radiated heat from the apparatus, measured on a surface which is 
situated parallel to the surface of the radiator at a distance of 
30 mm, shall be 3 W/cm^. 
2.2. Calibration. 
For calibration of the radiator, a heat flux meter (radiometer) of 
the Gardon (foil) type with a design range not exceeding 10 W/cra^ 
shall be used. 
The target receiving radiation, and possibly to a small extent 
convection, shall be flat, circular, not more than 10 mm In diameter 
and coated with a durable matt black finish. The target shall be 
contained within a watercooled body the front face of which shall be 
of highly polished metal, flat, coinciding with the plane of the 
target and circular, with a diameter of about 25 mm. 
3C 
Radiation shall not pass through any window before reaching the 
target. The instrument shall be robust, simple to set up and use, 
insensitive to draughts, and stable in calibration. The instrument 
shall have an accuracy of within + 3 % and a repeatability within 
0.5 %. 
The calibration of the heat flux meter shall be checked whenever a 
recalibration of the radiator is carried out, by comparison with an 
instrument held as a reference standard and not used for any other 
purpose. The reference standard instrument shall be fully calibrated 
at yearly Intervals in accordance with a national standard. 
2.2.1. Calibration check. 
The irradiance produced by the power input which the initial 
calibration has shown to correspond to an irradiance of 3 W/cm^ shall 
be frequently checked (at least once every 50 operating hours) and 
the apparatus shall be recalibrated if such a check reveals a 
deviation greater than 0.06 W/cm^. 
2.2.2. Calibration procedure. 
The apparatus shall be placed in an environment essentially free of 
air currents (not more than 0.2 m/s). 
Place the heat flux meter in the apparatus in the specimen position 
so that the target of the heat flux meter is located centrally within 
the radiator surface. 
Switch on the electricity supply and establish the power Input of the 
controller required to produce irradiance at the center of the 
radiator surface of 3 W/cm^. Adjustment to the power unit to record 
3 W/cm^ should be followed by a 5 min. period without further 
adjustment to ensure equilibrium. 
2} 
. 1). / 2.3- The support for the samples shall be a metallic ring (Fig 
On top of this support a grill, made of stainless steel-wire, is 
placed with the following dimensions: - interior diameter: 118 mm 
- dimension of the holes: 
2.10 mm square 
- diameter of the 6teel-wire 
0.70 mm 
2.4. The receptacle shall consist of a cylindrical tube with an interior 
diameter of 118 mm and a depth of 12 mm. 
The receptacle shall be filled with cotton wool. 
2.5- A vertical column shall support the items specified in paragraph 
2.1, 2.3 and 2.4. 
The radiator is placed on top of the support in a manner such that the 
radiating surface is horizontal and the radiation is downwards. 
A lever/pedal shall be provided in the column to lift the support of 
the radiator slowly. It shall also be provided with a catch in order 
to ensure that the radiator can be brought back in its normal posi­
tion. 
In their normal position, the axes of the radiator, the support 
for the sample and the receptacle must coincide. 
3. SAMPLES. 
The test samples shall measure: 70 mm x 70 mm. 
Samples shall be taken In the 6ame way from finished products, when 
the shape of the product permits. When the thickness of the product 
is more than 13 mm, it shall be reduced to 13 mm by a mechanical 
process applied to the side which does not face the occupant 
compartment. If It is impossible, the test shall be carried out, in 
accordance with the Technical Service, on the initial width of the 
material which shall be mentioned in the test report. 
Composite materials (see 2.8 of Annex 1) shall be tested as If they 
were of uniform contructlon. 
1 3 
In the case of materials made of superimposed layers of different 
composition which are not composite materials, all the layers of 
material included within a depth of 13 mm from the surface facing 
towards the passenger compartment shall be tested Individually. 
The total mass of the sample to be tested shall be at least 2 g. 
If the mass of one sample is less, a sufficient number of samples 
shall be added. 
If the two faces of the material differ, both faces must be tested, 
which means that 8 samples are to be tested. 
The samples and the cotton wool shall be conditioned for at least 
24 h at a temperature of 23+2 °C and a relative humidity of 
50 + 5% and shall be maintained under these conditions until 
immediately prior to testing. 
4. PROCEDURE 
The sample is placed on the support and the latter Is so positioned 
that the distance between the surface of the radiator and the 
upperside of the sample Is 30 mm. 
The receptacle, including the cotton wool, is placed beneath the 
grill of the support at a distance of 300 mm. 
The radiator is put aside, so that it can not radiate on the 
sample, and switched on. When it is on full capacity it is positio­
ned above the sample and timing is started. 
If the material melts or deforms, the height of the radiator is 
modified to maintain the distance of 30 mm. 
If the material ignites, the radiator is put aside 3 s. afterwards. 
It is brought back in position when the flame has extinguished and 
the same procedure is repeated as frequently as necessary during the 
first 5 minutes of the test. 
23 
After the fifth minute of the test: 
(1) If the sample has extinguished (whether or not it has ignited 
during the first 5 minutes of the test) leave the radiator in 
position even if the sample reignites. 
(ii) If the material is flaming, await extinction before bringing 
the radiator into position again. 
In either case, the test must be continued for an additional 
5 minutes. 
RESULTS. 
Observed phenomena shall be noted In the test-report, such as: 
- the fall of drops, If any, whether flaming or not, 
- if ignition of the cotton wool has taken place. 
M v3 
8 Dimensions in millimeters 
1 : Radiator 
2 : Sample 
3 : Grill (for the support of the sample) 
4 : Cotton wool 
5 : Receptacle 
Grill 
^ Mobile metallic ring 
Metallic ring j J ^ 
(fixed) i '.«— S> 
ii e • i 
T22_ - I 
oc 
Detail of the metallic rings for the 
support of the sample 
~7/ //////, / / / s / / / / / / ' •' / 
/ 
FIGURE 1 
Mi 
Annex VI 
TEST TO DETERMINE THE VERTICAL BURNING RATE OF MATERIALS 
PRINCIPLE 
This test consists of exposing samples, held in a vertical position, 
to a flame and determining the speed of propagation of the flame over 
the material to be tested. 
2. APPARATUS 
The apparatus shall consist of: 
a) a specimen holder 
b) a burner 
c) a ventilation system to extract gas and combustion products 
d) a template 
e) marker threads of white mercerized cotton threads having a maximum 
linear density of 50 tex. 
2.1. The specimen holder shall consist of a rectangular frame 560 mm high 
and shall have two rigidly connected parallel rods spaced 150 mm 
apart on which pins shall be fitted for mounting the test specimen 
which is located in a plane at least 20 mm from the frame. The 
mounting pins shall be not greater than 2 mm diameter and at least 
27 mm long. The pins shall be located on the parallel'rods at loca­
tions shown in figure 1. The frame shall be fitted onto a suitable 
support to maintain the rods in a vertical orientation during 
testing. (For the purpose of locating the specimen on the pins in a 
plane away from the frame, spacer stubs 2 mm diameter may be provi­
ded adjacent to the pins). 
2.2. The burner Is described in figure 3. 
The gas supplied to the burner can be either commercial propane gas 
or commercial butane gas. 
V u 
The burner shall be positioned in front of, but below, the specimen 
such that it lies In a plane passing through the vertical centreline 
of the specimen and perpendicular to its face (see figure 2), such 
that the longitudinal axis is inclined upwards at 30* to the vertical 
towards the lower edge of the specimen. The distance between the tip 
of the burner and the lower edge of the specimen shall be 20 mm. 
2.3. The test apparatus may be placed in a fume cupboard assembly provided 
that the internal volume is at least 20 times, but not more than 110 
times, greater than the volume of the test apparatus and provided 
that no single height, width, or length dimension of the fume cup­
board is greater than 2 1/2 times either of the other two dimensions. 
Before the test, the vertical velocity of the air through the fume 
cupboard shall be measured 100 mm in front of and behind the final 
position where the test apparatus will be located. It shall be 
between 0.10 and 0.30 m/s in order to avoid possible discomfort, by 
combustion products, to the operator. It is possible to use a fume 
cupboard with a natural ventilation and an appropriate air velocity. 
2.4. A flat rigid template made of suitable material and of a size corres­
ponding to the size of the specimen shall be used. Holes 
approximately 2 mm diameter shall be drilled in the template and 
positioned so that the distances between the centres of the holes 
correspond to the distances between the pins on the frames (see 
figure 1). The holes shall be located equidistant about the vertical 
centrelines of the template. 
3. SAMPLES 
3.1. The samples dimensions are: 560 x 170 mm. 
3.2. The samples shall be conditioned for at least 24h at a temperature 
of 23 + 2*C and a relative humidity of 50 + 5% and shall be 
maintained under these conditions until immediately prior to 
testing. 
4. PROCEDURE 13 
4.1. The test shall be carried out in an atmosphere having a temperature 
between 10° and 30° C and a relative humidity between 15% and 80Z. 
4.2. The burner shall be preheated for 2 min. The flame height 6hall be 
adjusted to 40 + 2 mm measured as the distance between the top of the 
burner tube and the tip of the yellow part of the flame when the bur­
ner is vertically oriented and the flame Is viewed in dim light. 
4.3* The specimen shall be placed on the pins of the test frame, making 
certain that the pins pass through the point6 marked off from the 
template and that the specimen is at least 20 mm removed from the 
frame. The frame shall be fitted on the support so that the specimen 
is vertical. 
4.4. The marker threads shall be attached horizontally in front of the 
specimen at the locations shown in figure 1. At each location, a loop 
of thread shall be mounted so that the two segments are spaced 1 mm 
and 5 mm from the plane of the front of the specimen. 
Each loop shall be attached to a suitable timing device. Sufficient 
tension shall be Imposed to the thread to maintain its position re­
lative to the specimen. 
4.5- The flame shall be applied to the specimen for 5s. Ignition shall be 
deemed to have occurred if flaming of the specimen continues for 5 s 
after removal of the Igniting flame. If ignition does not occur, the 
flame shall be applied for 15 s to another conditioned specimen. 
4.6. If any result in any set of three specimens exceeds the minimum 
result by 50Z, another set of three specimens shall be tested for 
that direction or face. If one or two specimens in any set of three 
specimens fail to burn to the top marker thread, another set of three 
specimens shall be tested for that direction or face. 
4.7. The following time6, in seconds, shall be measured: 
a) from the start of the application of the Igniting flame to the 
severance of the first marker thread (tl); 
b) from the start of the application of the igniting flame to the 
severance of the second marker thread (t2); 
c) from the start of the application of the igniting flame to the 
severance of the third marker thread (t3). 
V V 
RESULTS 
The observed phenomena shall be written down in the test-report, 
to include: - the durations of combustion: 
ti, to end to in seconds 
- the corresponding burnt distances: 
d-i , do and do in mm. 
The burning rate V\ and the rates V« and V3, if applicable, shall be 
calculated (for each sample if the flame reaches at least the first 
marker thread) as follows: 
di 
V^ - x 60 ( mm/min.) 
The highest burning rate of V^, V2 and V3 shall be taken into 
account. 
IS 
Dimensions in millimetres 
h 
±r 
4 * • 
150 1 5 y 
I 
* 
Figure 1 — Specimen holder 
% 
Burner* 
Edge ignition 
Figure 2 — Burner ignition location 
*H 
Dimensions in millimetres 
Gas jet-Fitted in 
during -a* 
assembly 
rM_Js 05 Burner tube 
7 
Choke tube •Notch 
a) Gas burner arrangement -Reme stabilizer 
- 10 ,, 
Sum i L I 
.0.8 
b) Gas Jet A-A 
c) Rama stabilizer 
) Pitch Circle Diameter: 4,4 mm 
0410,05^ 
65*0,05^ 
40 ir» 
d) Burner tuba 
Figure 3 — Gas burner i) 
1) The burner may be obtained from Dr.-Ing Georg Wazau, Mess- und Pruftechnik, 
Keplerstr. 12, D-1000 Berlin 10, Germany. 
v? 
IMPACT STATEMENT ON COMPETITIVENESS AND JOBS 
Proposal for a Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the 
Member states relating to the burning behaviour of materials used in interior 
construction of certain categories of motor vehicles 
I. What is the main justification of the measure? 
- Completion of the EEC type-approval procedure for coaches 
- Harmonization of national laws 
- Improvements to road safety. 
II. Characteristics of the companies involved 
More particularly: 
Do they include a large number of SME? : No 
- Are there any significant concentrations? : No 
- Are they eligible for regional aid from the MS? : No 
Are they eligible for aid from the ERDF? : No 
III. What obligations are imposed on those companies? 
Merely the obligation to comply with what the Directive lays down with 
regard to type approval of coaches. 
IV. What obligations are likely to be 'imposed indirectly upon those 
companies via the local authorities? 
No additional obligation. 
V. Do any special measures apply to SME? No 
What are they? 
VI. What is the foreseeable impact on: 
company productivity? No foreseeable impact. 
- jobs? No foreseeable impact. 
VII. Have both sides of industry been consulted? Yes 
Opinion of both sides of industry: no objections 
c)9 
ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(92) 201 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 07 06 
Catalogue number: CB-CO-92-215-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-44051-1 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg