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Anna Bergstrand
Enhetschef
Contact AnnaBS 5852: Part 1 - Fire testing of upholstered furniture in UK
BS 5852: Part 1:1979 - Methods of test for the ignitability by smokers' materials of upholstered composites for seating
Purpose
The standard is used to assess the ignitability of material combinations, such as covers and fillings used in upholstered seating, when subjected to a smouldering cigarette and a match flame equivalent as ignition source.
In United Kingdom all items of domestic upholstered furniture must meet the “Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988” with amendments 1989, 1993 and 2010. The regulations specify which technical fire methods to be used for a furniture or its components, the requirements, labelling and how often the tests should be performed. In some cases, the Act also makes requirements beyond what is stated in the test standards to which it refers.
Method
The tests are performed in a test cabinet with a calibrated air flow. The cover fabric and the filling are put in a test rig to create a small sofa with a 90º angle between seat and back. The ignition sources are located in the junction between seat and back.
During the cigarette test the test assembly is not allowed to smoulder after one hour from the beginning of the test. The test assembly is also not allowed to show evidence of charring more than 100 mm in any direction apart from upwards from the cigarette.
The test assembly is subjected to a to a match flame equivalent for 20 seconds. No flaming is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after removal of the burner tube.
Deliveries
A test report, in Swedish or English, is delivered with the test results after testing.
