Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is suitable to assess the fabric burn rate of sleeping bag fabrics.
5.2 This test method is applicable to all sleeping bags.
5.3 This test method is technically equivalent to CPAI-75, which is used for the acceptance of commercial shipments of sleeping bags.
5.4 Most materials used to make sleeping bags are organic materials and are combustible (see 3.2.2). Sleeping bag materials can be combustible due to the inherent chemical composition of the material or due to the finishing processes used, or both.
5.5 When exposed to fire, combustible sleeping bag materials are potentially dangerous to the user because of their ease of ignition and because it is possible that they will exhibit a high burning rate.
5.5.1 If the sleeping bag material is noncombustible, it shall be deemed to meet the performance requirements of this test method. One way of demonstrating noncombustibility is by meeting the requirements of Test Method E136.
5.6 Changes in finishes or in fabric surface treatments can exert a large effect on the fabric flammability. Therefore, sleeping bags shall be tested both before and after cleaning or aging in accordance with one of the procedures in 7.3, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
5.7 In this procedure, 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 procedure.
5.8 It must be understood, moreover, that no guarantee can be given and none is implied that sleeping bags complying with the performance requirements of this test method will not be hazardous under certain conditions.
5.9 It is feasible that the fabric will pass the test requirements as received but fail the requirements after cleaning. In that case, the report shall indicate that the fabric is not suitable for cleaning or aging (as appropriate).
Scope
1.1 This fire-test response test method contains a method to assess the flammability, expressed as a burn rate, of sleeping bags which use various materials and constructions in their manufacture.
1.2 Sleeping bags that comply with the requirements in this test method shall be permitted to be labeled as complying with the appropriate requirements, to facilitate the identification of products conforming to this test method.
1.3 This test method is technically equivalent to the flammability standard CPAI-75, issued by the Industrial Fabrics Association International (see 2.2), and which has been in use as a flammability requirement for the sleeping bag industry in the U.S.
NOTE 1: CPAI-75 expresses burn rate in units of inches/minute while this test method expresses burn rate in units of centimetres/minute.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
1.7 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
1.8 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.
