Significance and Use
This test method can be used to measure and compare the thermal protection provided by different materials, garments, clothing ensembles, and systems.
This test method provides a measurement of garment and clothing ensemble performance on a stationary upright manikin.
This test method is not intended to be a quality assurance test.
The effects of body position and movement are not addressed in this test method.
The measurement of the thermal protection provided by clothing is complex and dependent on the apparatus and techniques used. It is not practical in a test method of this scope to establish details sufficient to cover all contingencies. Departures from the instructions in this test method may lead to significantly different test results. Technical knowledge concerning the theory of heat transfer and testing practices is needed to evaluate if, and which, departures from the instructions given in this test method are significant. Standardization of the test method reduces, but does not eliminate, the need for such technical knowledge. Any departures should be reported with the results.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers quantitative measurements and subjective observations that characterize the performance of single layer garments or protective clothing ensembles in a simulated flash fire environment having controlled heat flux, flame distribution, and duration. This test method is extremely complex and requires a high degree of technical expertise in both the test setup and operation.
1.1.1 Heat transmitted to each sensor location on the surface of an instrumented manikin is converted to show the corresponding predicted degree of burn injury to human tissue.
1.1.2 The sum of these values can then be converted to a percentage to show the total area of predicted burn injury.
1.1.2.1 Use of the predicted burn injury to evaluate the heat transferred to the manikin does not constitute a material's performance specification.
1.1.3 The visual and physical changes to the single layer garment or protective clothing ensemble are recorded to aid in understanding how the burn injury results can be interpreted.
1.2 The measurements obtained and observations noted can only apply to the particular garment(s) or ensemble(s) tested using the specified heat flux, duration, and flame distribution.
1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
1.4 This test method is a fire-test-response test method.
1.5 The values stated in customary units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
