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ASTM F3809-26
Standard Test Method for Assessment of Fire Behavior of Mattresses in Detention and Correctional Facilities by Mass Loss
Standard Test Method for Assessment of Fire Behavior of Mattresses in Detention and Correctional Facilities by Mass Loss
F3809-26
ASTM|F3809-26|en-US
Standard Test Method for Assessment of Fire Behavior of Mattresses in Detention and Correctional Facilities by Mass Loss
Standard
F3809 Standard Test Method for Assessment of Fire Behavior of Mattresses in Detention and Correctional Facilities by Mass Loss>
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BOS Vol. 15.08 Committee F33
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ASTM International
Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a means for evaluating materials, products, or assemblies, for the mass loss, and fire behavior (and, optionally, smoke obscuration) they exhibit under specified exposure conditions.
5.2 Results of this test method depend on the actual specimen tested, in the form and thickness tested, and are not inherent properties of a mattress or mattress insert. Thus, test results are likely to be affected by factors such as variations in test specimen thickness or density, as well as by other changes, such as the mattress ticking material, if used, and the placement of the newspaper during the test.
5.3 In terms of fire testing, a screening test is a test method capable of preliminarily characterizing fire behavior according to a certain fire property. Under this concept, the present test method is a fire screening test based on the mass loss following ignition. The results included in Annex A2 and Appendix X2, and other work (1-7)7 show that the Michigan roll-up test is clearly capable of differentiating between mattresses of various degrees of fire performance.
5.4 This test method is capable of subdividing mattresses (or mattress inserts) into several categories depending on their response to the ignition source applied: some mattresses (or mattress inserts) will burn up completely, while some others will lose small fractions of the initial mass, with a series of intermediate fire-test responses also likely.
5.5 Guide F1870 explains that during evaluation of mattresses used in detention facilities with regard to fire hazard it is important to take into account the potential for vandalism on the fire performance of the mattress. Therefore, a mattress insert, without a ticking or covering, is often used to investigate the abuse or vandalism encountered in that environment. The use of a mattress insert also provides a direct comparison of products without the potentially confusing effect of the ticking.
5.6 It is unlikely that the present test method will be a good predictor for the results of Test Method E1590 (or of the very similar CA TB 129 test method). However, this test method is likely to be able to adequately predict whether mattresses have adequate fire performance for detention environments.
Note 1: The results presented in Appendix X2 indicate that it is possible for mattresses constructed with fire retarded cushioning, expected to yield good results in Test Method E1590, to lose more than half their mass with this test method. However, Test Method E1590 has been described in some publications as unsuitable for the detention environment (see, for example, Guide F1870 and Refs. (8, 9)), but suitable for other lower risk environments.
Scope
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.
1.2 This test method covers a means of measuring mass loss and fire behavior (and, optionally, smoke obscuration), from mattresses intended for detention or correctional facilities, by igniting the mattress, or mattress insert, with sheets of newspaper.
1.3 This test method is intended for use by those interested in assessing the fire properties of the mattresses and their component materials or composites, within cells and other areas (such as isolation lounges) of detention and correctional occupancies.
1.4 Use the SI system of units in referee decisions associated with this test method; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. This test method has the potential to involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment.
1.6 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this test method.
1.7 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.