The Burning Behaviour of Bedding in Assembly and Component Tests

Abstract

Bed assembly tests appear to be the only fair and realistic method of assess ing the burning behaviour of bed covers. Component tests can not simulate the many possible interactions between the bed components which can occur dur ing the ignition and spread of flame. In addition to the duration of combustion, total weight loss should also be included in the assessment of the burning behaviour of bed assemblies. Blankets which do not propagate flame but char, rather than melt, on exposure to flames, such as wool and Zirpro wool blankets, protect the more flammable bed sheet and mattress ticking, wadding and filling from flame propagation. A Zirpro wool fire blocking layer in the mattress significantly improved the flame-resistance of bed assemblies, by the formation of insulating char.

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