New York Codes, Rules and Regulations › Title 12 - DEPARTMENT OF LABOR › Appendices › Appendix F-7

Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 28, July 10, 2024
MATTRESSES
Flammability Standard for Mattresses
(DOC FF 4-72, issued by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.)
.1 Definitions.
.2 Scope and application.
.3 General requirements.
.4 Test procedure.
.5 Mattress pads.
.6 Glossary of terms.
.1 Definitions. In addition to the definitions 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, October 1, 1968), the following definitions apply for the purpose
				of this standard:
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(b) "Ticking" means the outermost layer of fabric or related
				material that encloses the mattress core and upholstery materials.
(c) "Core" means the main support system that may be present in
				a mattress, such as springs, foam, or hair block.
(d) "Upholstery material" means all material, either loose or
				attached, between the ticking or between the ticking and the core of the
				mattress, if a core is present.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(f) "Quilted" means stitched through the ticking and one or
				more layers of upholstery material.
(g) "Tufted" means buttoned or laced through the ticking and
				upholstery materials and/or core.
(h) "Mattress prototype" means mattresses of a particular
				design, sharing all materials (excluding differences in metallic core
				materials) and methods of assembly, but excluding differences in mattress
				size.
(i) "Mattress type" means mattresses -sharing a method of
				assembly such as tufted, multineedle continuous quilt, deep panel quilt, and
				smooth top, and all materials affecting cigarette ignition, but excluding
				differences in mattress size. More than one mattress prototype may be included
				in a single mattress type, provided each protoype has the same method of
				assembly.
(j) "Production unit" (unit) means a quantity of mattresses of
				one mattress type. This quantity is predetermined by the mattress manufacturer
				subject to the maximum number specified in the applicable parts of.4(b)
				Specimens and sampling. No mattress completed while other mattresses of the
				same type are in production shall be excluded from the production unit to which
				such other mattresses are assigned.
(k) "Surface" means one side of a mattress which is intended
				for sleeping upon and which can be tested.
.2 Scope and application.
(a) This standard provides a test method to determine the
				ignition resistance of a mattress when exposed to a lighted cigarette.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(d) One-of-a-kind mattress, such as nonstandard sizes or
				shapes, may be excluded from testing under this standard pursuant to rules and
				regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.
.3 General requirements--
(a) Summary of test method.-- The method involves the exposure
				of the mattress surface to lighted cigarettes as the standard igniting source
				in a draft-protected environment and the measurement of the ignition resistance
				of the mattress. These exposures include smooth, tape edge, and quilted or
				tufted locations, if they exist on the mattress surface. Two-sheet tests are
				also conducted on similar surface locations. In the latter test, the burning
				cigarette is placed between the sheets.
(b) Test criterion. Testing the mattress surface in accordance
				with the testing procedure set forth in.4 Test procedure, individual cigarette
				test locations pass the test if the char length on the mattress surface is not
				more than 5.1 cm. (2 in.) In any direction from the nearest point of the
				cigarette. (In the interest of safety, the test operator should discontinue the
				test and record a failure before reaching the 2-inch char length if, in his
				opinion, an obvious ignition has occurred.)
.4 Test procedure--
(a) Apparatus--
(1) Test room. The test room shall be large enough to
				accommodate a full-scale mattress in a horizontal position and to allow for
				free movement of personnel and air around the test mattress. The room shall be
				equipped with a support system (platform, bench, etc.) upon which a mattress
				may be placed flat in a horizontal position at a reasonable height for making
				observations. For thin, flexible mattresses and mattress pads, the top surface
				of the support system shall be nonmetallic. The test area shall be draft
				protected and equipped with a suitable system for exhausting smoke and/or
				noxious gases produced by testing. The test room atmospheric 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 natural tobacco, 85 +- 2 mm. long with a tobacco
				packing density of 0.270 +- 0.020 g./cm.3 and a total weight of 1.1 +- 0.1
				gm.
(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, 0.1 inch,
				or 1/16-inch divisions shall be used to measure char length.
(6) Other apparatus. In addition to the above, a thermometer, a
				relative humidity measuring instrument, a knife or scissors, and tongs are
				required to carry out the testing.
(b) Specimens and sampling--
(1) General. The test criterion of.3(b) shall be used in
				conjunction with the following mattress sampling plan, or any other approved by
				the Department of Commerce that provides at least the equivalent level of fire
				safety to the consumer. Alternate sampling plans submitted for approval shall
				have operating characteristics such that the probability of unit acceptance at
				any percentage defective does not exceed the corresponding probability of unit
				acceptance of the following sampling plan in the region of the latter's
				operating characteristic curves that lies between 5 and 95 percent acceptance
				probability.
(2) Mattress sampling. The basic mattress sampling plan is made
				up of two parts:
(1) Prototype qualification, and
(2) production testing. In addition, a batch sampling plan is
				given which may be used for small production quantities when shipping
				requirements prohibit the use of the basic plan, or for other reasons at the
				discretion of the manufacturer.
a. Basic sampling plan. A production unit in the basic sampling
				plan shall consist of not more than 500 mattresses of a mattress type or the
				quantity produced in 3 consecutive calendar months, whichever is smaller. This
				unit size may be increased to the quantity produced in 3 consecutive calendar
				months or less: Provided, That it is either documented that each of the
				materials contributing to the cigarette ignition characteristics of all the
				mattresses in the unit came from a single manufacturing lot of such material or
				50 consecutive production units, at least 20,000 mattresses, have all been
				accepted in production testing as set forth in.4(b)(2)a2.
1. Prototype qualification. For prototype qualification, the
				term "manufacturer" shall mean (a) with respect to a company having one
				manufacturing facility, that company, (b) with respect to a company having two
				or more manufacturing facilities, either that company or one or more of its
				manufacturing facilities as it elects, and (c) with respect to a company that
				is part of a group of companies that normally sell mattresses under a group
				name, either that group of companies or a portion of that group or (a) or (b)
				above, as that company elects.
Select enough mattress prototypes from preproduction or current
				production to provide six surfaces for test (three mattresses if both sides can
				be tested or six mattresses if only one side can be tested). Test each of the
				six surfaces according to.4(d) testing. If all the cigarette test locations on
				all six surfaces satisfy the test criterion of.3(b), accept the mattress
				prototype. If one or more of the cigarette test locations on the six surfaces
				fall the test criterion of.3(b), reject the mattress prototype.
Mattress prototype qualification may be repeated after the
				manufacturer has taken action to improve the resistance of the mattress
				prototype to ignition by cigarettes-through mattress design, production, or
				materials selection,
Each mattress prototype must be accepted in prototype
				qualification prior to shipping any mattresses to customers and prior to
				producing significant quantities of mattresses. The first production unit not
				to exceed 500 mattresses, manufactured immediately after successful prototype
				qualification or the production unit from which the mattresses were selected
				for the successful prototype qualification may be accepted and shipped to
				customers without further testing if all mattresses in the production unit are
				the same as the prototype except for size.
2. Production testing. For production testing, the term
				"manufacturer" shall mean each remanufacturing facility. Random selection for
				production testing shall be accomplished by use of random number tables or
				equivalent means as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. If it is
				desired to use only mattresses of a specified size (e.g., "twin") for testing,
				the drawing may be repeated until sufficient mattresses of that size have been
				selected.
A production unit, except for the first production unit
				following successful prototype qualification as specified in.4 (b)(2)a1, is
				either accepted or rejected according to the following plan:
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
Unit rejection shall include all mattresses in the particular
				unit under test. Unit rejection also results in the loss of prototype
				qualification for all prototypes included in the unit under test.
(b) Reduced sampling. The level of sampling required for
				mattress production acceptance may be reduced provided the preceding 15
				consecutive units of mattresses, at least 500 mattresses, have all been
				accepted using the normal sampling plan. In this case, the production quantity
				for reduced sampling may be increased to up to two units, still not to exceed
				the production of 3 consecutive calendar months.
From this production quantity, randomly select enough
				mattresses to provide two surfaces for test. Test each of the two surfaces
				according to.4(d) testing. If all the cigarette test locations on both surfaces
				meet the test criterion of.3(b), accept this production quantity. If two or
				more individual cigarette test locations fail the test criterion of.3(b),
				reject this production quantity. If only one individual cigarette test location
				fails the test criterion of.3(b), accept this production quantity.
Rejection shall include all mattresses in the production
				quantity under test. Rejection also results in the loss of prototype
				qualification for all prototypes included in the production quantity under
				test. Testing after the new type qualification shall be according to the normal
				sampling plan.
b. Batch sampling plan. For the batch sampling plan, the term
				"manufacturer" shall mean each manufacturing facility.
A production unit in the batch sampling plan shall consist of
				not more than 250 mattresses or the quantity produced in one period of 30
				consecutive calendar days, whichever is smaller.
1. Batch unit qualification and acceptance. Select enough
				mattresses from the initial production of the unit to provide four surfaces for
				test (two mattresses if both sides can be tested or four mattresses if only one
				side can be tested). Test each of the four surfaces according to.4(d) testing,
				if all the cigarette test locations on the four surfaces meet the test
				criterion of.3(b), accept the unit. If one or more of the cigarette test
				locations on the four surfaces fail the test criterion of.3(b). reject the
				unit.
After rejection, unit qualification and acceptance under this
				batch sampling plan may be repeated after the resistance of the mattress to
				ignition by cigarettes is improved by the manufacturer taking corrective action
				in mattress design, production, or materials selection.
Acceptance of any production unit under this hatch sampling
				plan shall not have any effect on prototype qualification or unit acceptance of
				any other production unit.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(4) Records. Records of all unit sizes, test results, and the
				disposition of rejected units shall be maintained by the manufacturer, in
				accordance with rules and regulations established by the Federal Trade
				Commission.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(7) Sheet preparation. The sheets shall be laundered once
				before use in an automatic home washer using the hot water setting and longest
				normal cycle with the manufacturer's recommended quantity of a commercial
				detergent, and dried in an automatic home tumble dryer. The sheet shall be cut
				across the width into two equal parts after washing.
(8) Cigarettes. Unopened packages of cigarettes shall be
				selected for each series of tests.
(c) Conditioning. The mattresses, washed 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
				mattresses, washed sheets and cigarettes shall be removed from any packaging
				and supported in a suitable manner to permit free movement of air around them
				during conditioning. The mattress meets this conditioning requirement if the
				mattress and/or all its component materials have been exposed only to the above
				temperature and humidity conditions for at least 48 hours prior to testing the
				mattress.
(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 ignition is not likely, the number of cigarettes which may be lighted and
				placed on the mattress at one time is left to the test operator's judgment. The
				number of cigarettes must be carefully considered because a smoldering or
				burning mattress is extremely hazardous and difficult to extinguish.) 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. Each cigarette used as an
				ignition source shall be well lighted but not burned more than 4 mm. (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 must be repeated with a freshly lit cigarette on a different portion
				of the same type of location on the mattress surface until either (a) the
				number of cigarettes specified in.4(d)(1)c have burned their full lengths, (b)
				the number of cigarettes specified have extinguished before burning their full
				lengths, or (c) the number of cigarettes specified have resulted in failures
				according to.3(b) test criterion.
c. At least 18 cigarettes shall be burned on each mattress test
				surface, nine in the bare mattress tests and nine in the two-sheet tests. If
				three or more mattress surface locations (smooth surface, tape edge, quilted,
				or tufted areas) exist in the particular mattress surface under test, three
				cigarettes shall be burned on each different surface location. If only two
				mattress surface locations exist in the particular mattress surface under test
				(tape edge and smooth surface), four cigarettes shall be burned on the smooth
				surface and five cigarettes shall be burned on the tape edge.
(2) Bare mattress tests--
a. Smooth surfaces. Each burning cigarette shall be placed
				directly on a smooth surface location on the test surface 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 its possible to burn on smooth surfaces. Report results
				for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the test criterion.
CAUTION: 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
				(from water bottle), cut around the burning material with a knife or scissors
				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 burning cigarette 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 surface reserved for bare mattress tests. If
				there is no depression at the edge, support 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 burning end, 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 pass or fall as defined in the test
				criterion.
c. Quilted location. If quilting exists on the test surface,
				each burning cigarette shall be placed on quilted locations of the test
				surface. The cigarettes shall be positioned directly over the thread in the
				depression created by the quilting process on the half of the test surface
				reserved for bare mattress tests. if the quilt design is such that the
				cigarettes can-not burn their full lengths over the thread, then the cigarettes
				shall be positioned in a manner which will allow as much of the butt ends as
				possible to burn on the thread. Report results for each cigarette as pass or
				fail as defined in the test criterion.
d. Tufted location. If tufting exists on the test surface, each
				burning cigarette shall be placed on tufted locations of the test surface. 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 surface reserved
				or bare mattress tests. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fail as
				defined in the test criterion.
(3) Two-sheet tests. Spread a section of sheet smoothly over
				the mattress surface and tuck under the mattress on the second half of the test
				surface, which has been reserved for the two-sheet test. Care must be taken
				that hems or any other portion of the sheet which is more than one fabric
				thickness, is neither directly under nor directly over the test cigarette in
				the two-sheet test.
a. Smooth surfaces. Each burning cigarette shall be placed
				directly 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 or until
				the cigarette has burned out. (The extinguishment of the cigarette may be
				determined by holding the hand near the surface of the top sheet over the test
				location. If neither heat is felt or smoke observed, the cigarette has burned
				out.) If ignition occurs, immediately remove the sheets and cigarette and
				follow the cautionary procedures outlined in the bare mattress test. Report
				results for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the test
				criterion.
b. Tape edge. Each burning cigarette 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. It is important that the air space be
				eliminated, as much as possible, between the mattress and the bottom sheet at
				the test location before testing. Depress the bottom sheet into the depression
				using a thin rod or other suitable instrument. In most cases, the cigarettes
				will remain in place throughout the test; however, if the cigarettes 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 burning
				end, 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 pass or fail as defined in the test criterion.
c. Quilted locations. If quilting exists on the test surface,
				each burning cigarette shall be placed in a depression caused by quilting,
				directly over the thread and on the bottom sheet, and immediately covered with
				the ton sheet. It is important that the air space be eliminated, as much as
				possible, between the mattress and the bottom sheet at the test location before
				testing. Depress the bottom sheet into the depression using a thin rod or other
				suitable instrument. 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 allow as much of the butt tends as possible
				to burn on the thread. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fall as
				defined in the test criterion.
d. Tufted locations. If tufting exists on the test surface,
				each burning cigarette 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. It is important that the air space be eliminated, as much as
				possible, between the mattress and the bottom sheet at the test location before
				testing. Depress the bottom sheet into the depression using a thin rod or other
				suitable instrument. 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 pass or fail as defined in the acceptance criterion.
.5 Mattress pads--
(a) Testing. Mattress pads shall be tested in the same manner
				as mattresses according to.4 test procedure except for laundering.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2). ° +- 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.
				Alternately, 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 mattress pads which are not
				intended to be laundered, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission.
Mattress pads which are not susceptible to being laundered and
				are labeled "dry-clean only" shall be dry-cleaned by a procedure which has
				previously been found acceptable by the Federal Trade Commission.
(c) Labeling--
(1) Treatment label. If a mattress pad has had a chemical fire
				retardant treatment or 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.
(2) Care label. All mattress pads which have had a chemical
				fire retardant treatment or contain any fire retardant treated components shall
				be labeled with precautionary instructions to protect the pads from agents or
				treatments which are known to cause deterioration of their flame resistance.
				Such labels shall be permanent and otherwise in accordance with rules and
				regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.
.6 Glossary of terms--
(a) Basket pad. Cushion for use in an infant basket.
(b) Box spring. A bedspring that consists of springs attached
				to a foundation and enclosed in a cloth covered, upholstered frame.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(d) Car bed. Portable bed used to carry a baby in an
				automobile.
(e) Carriage pad. Cushion to go into a baby carriage.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(i) Crib bumper. Padded cushion which goes around three or four
				sides inside a crib to protect the baby. Can also be used in a playpen.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(k) Dressing table pad. Pad to cushion a baby on top of a
				dressing table.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(n) Infant Carrier and lounge pad. Pad to cushion a baby in an
				infant carrier.
(o) Mattress foundation. Consists of any surface upon which a
				mattress is placed to lend it support for use in sleeping upon.
(p) Mattress pads. A thin, fat mat or cushion for use on top of
				a mattress.
(q) Pillows. Cloth bag filled with resilient material such as
				feathers, down, sponge rubber, urethane, or fiber used as the support for the
				head of a person.
(r) Playpen pad. Cushion used on the bottom of a
				playpen.
(s) Portable crib. Smaller size than a conventional crib. Can
				usually be converted into a playpen.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(v) Roll-away beds. Portable bed which has frame which folds in
				half with the mattress for compact storage.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(x) Stroller pad. Cushion used in a baby stroller.
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part
				of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).
Image