The Flammability Aspects of Decorative Trimmings: Part 1-Flammability of Trimmings Used on Upholstered Furniture

Abstract

Fundamental studies have been carried out on the flammability aspects of decorative trimmings used on upholstered furniture. In addition to the trimmings being tested in isolation, tests were also carried out to assess their flammability in conjunction with flammable upholstery foam as well as with a variety of fabric/foam composites. The flammability has been assessed by ignition to a smouldering cigarette and by a match-equivalent butane flame on a BS 5852 rig. A test method has been proposed which is a modification of the US-UFAC test to include the assessment of trimming ignitability to a simulated match flame. The effect of live flame was found to be different from the effect of a smouldering cigarette. In live flame tests the pass/fail boundary was found to be dependent on the type of fabric covering the foam.

Keywords

decorative trimmings flammability upholstered furniture UK flammability standards UK fire statistics UFAC flammability test procedure isolation tests composite tests.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Horrocks, A.R. 1986. "Flame Retardant Finishing of Textiles," Rev. Prog. Colouration, 16:62-101.

BS 5852: Part 1: 1979. Methods of Test for the Ignitability by Smokers Materials of Upholstered Composites for Seating.

(a) BS 5438: 1976. Methods of Test for Flammability of Vertically Oriented Textile Fabrics and Fabric Assemblies Subjected to a Small Igniting Flame;

(b) BS 5438: 1989. Methods for the Test for Flammability of Vertically Oriented Textile Fabrics and Fabric Assemblies Subjected to a Small Igniting Flame.

D'Silva, A.P. and N. Sorensen. "Flammability Aspect of Decorative Trimmings Part 2, Decorative Trimmings Used on Soft Furnishings," J. of Fire Sciences.

Fire Statistics, United Kingdom. 1991. Research and Statistics Dept., Home Office, Queen Anne's Gate, London.

1993. UFAC Standard Test Method for Decorative Trims, Edging and Brush Fringes. Upholstered Furniture Action Council , High Point, NC.

BS 5867: 1980. Specification for Fabrics for Curtain and Drapes, Part 2: Flammability Requirements.

BS 6249: 1982. Materials and Material Assemblies Used in Clothing for Protection against Heat and Flame: Part 1: Specification for Flammability Testing and Performance.

10.

BS 5722: 1984. Specification for the Flammability Performance of Fabrics and Fabric Assemblies Used in Sleepwear and Dressing Gowns.

11.

BS 5651: 1978. Cleansing and Wetting Procedures for Use in the Assessment of Cleansing and Wetting on the Flammability of Textile Fabrics and Fabric Assemblies.

12.

Consumer Protection. 1988 . S. I. No. 1324, Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

13.

BS 5852: Part 2: 1982. Methods of Test for the Ignitability of Upholstered Composites for Seating by Flaming Sources.