This test method provides a procedure for identification of those finished textile floor covering materials that can be rated as flame-resistant under specific controlled laboratory conditions.

This test method does not specify the use of an underlay material. If an underlay material is used to assess the effect of a specific underlay in combination with a specific floor covering, such a variation in procedure must be noted in the report.

In this test, results are observed with the specimens in a horizontal plane. Different results are possible if the same material is tested or used in any other plane.

Test Method D 2859 for testing finished textile floor covering materials for flammability is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments since the method has been used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing. In cases of disagreement arising from differences in values reported by the purchaser and the seller when using this method for acceptance testing, the statistical bias, if any, between the laboratory of the purchaser and the laboratory of the seller shall be determined with each comparison being based on testing specimens randomly drawn from one sample of material of the type being evaluated.

The test procedures of this standard are part of the standards for the surface flammability of carpets and rugs of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission⁴ . The acceptance criterion of these standards requires that at least seven out of eight individual specimens of a given carpet or rug have passed the test, that is, the charred portion of a tested specimen shall not extend to within 25.4 mm [1.0 in.] of the edge of the hole in the flattening frame at any point.

1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes a test method for the determination of the flammability of finished textile floor covering materials when exposed to an ignition source under controlled laboratory conditions.

1.2 This test method is applicable to all types of textile floor coverings, regardless of the method of fabrication or whether they are made from natural or man-made fibers. It is possible to apply this test method to unfinished material; however, the results of such a test shall not be considered a satisfactory evaluation of a textile floor covering material for ultimate consumer use.

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in brackets are for information only.

1.4 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

1.5 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests

1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.