ASTM D1230 – Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
Description:
Significance and Use
5.1 Test Method D1230 cannot be recommended for the acceptance testing of commercial shipments since Federal regulations require apparel fabrics to meet the criteria of 16 CFR Part 1610 and correlation of test results with actual performance has not been established. Although Test Method D1230 is not recommended for acceptance testing, it is useful because it provides a method to test general non-regulated textile fabrics.
5.1.1 In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using Test Method D1230 for testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier shall conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. At a minimum, the two parties shall take a group of test specimens which are as homogeneous as possible and which are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test specimens shall be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two laboratories shall be compared using a nonparametric test for unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the two parties before testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret future test results in light of the known bias.
5.2 All fabrics made of natural or regenerated cellulose, as well as many made from other natural or man-made fibers, are combustible. Some combustible fabrics when used for clothing are potentially dangerous to the wearer because of such factors as ease of ignition, burn time, amount of heat released, and design of the garment. This test measures two such factors: ease of ignition and burn time.
5.3 In order to place fabrics in one of the three flammability classes, arbitrary limits have been selected for time of application of the flame and for the burn time. These limits are based on extensive testing experience and are believed to be a useful guide in judging the relative flammability of apparel textiles. It must be understood, however, that no guarantee can be given and none is implied that garments made from a fabric or product falling into any one of the flammability classes will not be hazardous under some conditions.
5.3.1 Because of the sensitivity of fabrics to ambient atmospheric conditions, technique of specimen preparation, and inherent variability in the cloth itself, test results are not always closely reproducible either in the same laboratory or among several laboratories.
5.4 Finishes and fabric surface changes can exert a large effect on flammability. Therefore, fabrics are tested before as well as after one cycle of dry cleaning followed by laundering.
Scope
1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the flammability of textile fabrics as they reach the consumer for apparel. This test method sets forth a classification system for apparel textiles and identifies textiles which have burning characteristics that make them unsuitable for use in clothing, by using as the ignition source a 26-gauge hypodermic needle.
1.1.1 This test method shall be used for the flammability of specific categories of tight fitting children’s sleepwear in accordance with 16 CFR 1615 and 16 CFR 1616 which are accessed by the test procedure in 16 CFR 1610 (or ASTM D1230 equivalent).
1.1.2 This test method shall not be used for the evaluation of the flammability of textiles used in children’s sleepwear, to which 16 CFR 1615 and 16 CFR 1616 apply. These items are addressed in Test Method D6545.
1.1.3 This test method shall not be used for the evaluation of the flammability of decorative fabrics or of textiles not intended for use as apparel. Suitable test methods for such applications include Test Method D6413/D6413M or NFPA 701.
1.1.4 This test method shall not be used for the evaluation of the flammability of protective clothing, such as those worn by individuals in the fire service or in other occupations where exposure to heat, flame, or electric arc is likely. Suitable test methods for such applications have been developed by ASTM Committee F23, on Personal Protective Clothing and Equipment.
1.2 This test method 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.
1.3 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
NOTE 1: This test method is not identical to 16 CFR Part 1610, Flammability of Clothing Textiles. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations require that clothing fabrics introduced into commerce meet the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1610.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
ASTM D1229