ULS. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology (formerly: National Bureau of Standards-NBS) Office of Standards Services Commercial Standard (CS) 191-53 of Clothing Textiles Commercial Standard CS191-53, Flammability of Clothing Textiles, was withdrawn by the U.S. Department of Commerce. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is the U.S. Federal regulatory ageney for the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 16, Parts 1000 through 1799 (some examples: Consumer Product Safety Act Regulations; Flammable Fabrics Act Regulations, Part 1610, Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles; Part 1610.61, Clarification of flammability standard for clothing textiles; Part 1630 Standard for the surface flammability of carpets and rugs (FF 1-70), Part 1631 Standard for the surface flammability of small carpets and rugs (FF 2-70), Part 1615, Standard for the Flammability of Children’s Sleepwear: Sizes 0 through 6X (FF3-71), Part 1616 Standard for the Flammability of Children’s Sleepwear: Sizes 7 through 14 (FF5-74), Part 1632, Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (FF4-72, amended, Part 1633, Standard for the flammability (open flame) of mattress sets). For additional information on standards, regulations and other requirements, contact: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Office of Compliance and Field Operations, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, MD 20814-4408, USA, Telephone: (301) 504-7626, Fax: (301) 504-0008, E-mail: info@epse.gov; hitp://www.cpse.gov For technical assistance, contact: Directorate of Engineering Sciences staff at (301) 504-7531, Fax: (301) 504-0533, Combustion and Fire Sciences Division at (301) 504-7530, Fax: (301) 504-0533, The CFR can be accessed, browsed and/or searched on-line at hutp:/iwww.gpoaceess.gov/nara/index.html or http://www,epoaccess.gov/nata. Contact: U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO), Washington, DC 20402, US. Telephone: (202) 512-1800, Fax: (202) 512-2250. ‘The following ASTM standards may also be of interest: ASTM D1230 Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles; ASTM D4391 Standard Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of Textiles; ASTM D123 Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles. ASTM standards are under the responsibility and jurisdiction of many ASTM Committees and Subcommittees For additional information, contact: | ASTM International (formerly: American Society for Testing and Materials-ASTM) 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2459, USA; Telephone: (610) 832- 9500/-9585, Fax: (610) 832-9555, http://www.astm.org (to search standards or technical committees, etc), 4108~WHAGAAWN Commercial Standard 1 9 1 253 i waenseo) re Flammability of Clothing Textiles A RECORDED VOLUNTARY STANDARD OF THEE TRADE COMMODITY STANDARDS Sirplied Practice Recorimendations ead Commercial Standards are developed by swarlacures, distributors, and veers in cooperation with the Commodity Standetde Division of the Ofice of Industry and Commerce, Bureau of Foreign and Dometio Com ‘bere and with the National Buren of Sendards, ‘The purpose of Simplified Practice Recommendation i to eliminate avoidable waste rough the etalishment of standards of pratce for wook shes and varieties of specif ‘commodities that currently ae in general production and demand. The purpose of Cow ial Standards is to establish standard methods of teat, rating, creation, and labeling of commodities, and to provide unifne base for alr comnpetition, ‘The adoption and use of « Siuplifed Practice Recommendation or » Commercial ‘Standard is voluntary. However, wheateleeace toa Comsoertal Sendard is made i, contracts, Inbels, invoices, or advertising Kterature, the proviions of the wandard are alorceable through val lgalchannela aa part ofthe sles contract. A Simpliied Practice Resouendatlon or « Commercial Standard originates with the proponent industry. The sponsor ray be manufacturers, distributor or users of the specific product. One of thas thee elements of Industry submits tothe Comanodity ‘Standards Divison the neceary data to be uoed as the bate for developing « sanderd fof practice. The Division, by meane of assembled cofereaces or later vefereade, of Doth nso the sponsor group in arvivig aa tenatve standard of practice and thereafter tefers it to the other elements of the sane industry for approvl or for constructive criiciam that will be helpful in making aay secesary adjustments. The regular procedure of the Division assures continaavs servicing of each elective Simpliied Prec tice Recommendation aad Commercial Standard, through review rad revision, whenever, Jn the opinion of the jadustry, changing conditions warrant toch action. Sieplifed Practice Recommendations and Commercial Standards are printed and made available | by the Department of Comanere through the Goverament Priating Oe and the Depert eet of Commerce Seldofoen UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Weeks, SecretaryU.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Sivctatn Weexs, Sooretary BUREAU OF FOREIGN AND DoMESTIC ‘COMMERCE Ofice of Iadustey and Commerce HL B. McCoy, Director 1x COOPERATION WITH, NATIONAL BUREAU OF STANDARDS ‘Ac ¥, ASTIN, DIRECTOR CHANGE IN THE FLAMMABLE FABRICS ACT (Act of August 5, 1954, Chapter 883, 68 Sta. 770 (Pablic La 629, 84 Congress}) In the Flammable Fabris Act, Congress edopted CS191-88 as the Commercial Standerd to be applibd under the law. ‘On August 28 1954, the Flammable Fabres Act was amended, changing the test forthe time of ame spread for plain-vurtaced fabrics, provided in paregraphs 3111 and 21.34, by reducing the burning time from 4 to 9% seconds For the purpoces of the administration of that act therefore, the 34f-second ‘burng tite for plainaurfeced fabrics is applicable. Trae by dn Sepniaet of Donan . 8 overeat Pang Ofc "Teli 5, D.C Pee SoeCommercial Standard 191-53 (Revised) Flammability of Clothing Textiles (Etlectve Date, January 30,1953 ee Aopendis pees 22, Harting inttat and purpose f Standing Coomltee cxarding Nore.—Alll fabrics of natural or regenerated cellulose, as well as certain types of finished and unfinished fabrics made, from other natural or synthetic fibers, are combustible. Some combustible fab- ries, when used for clothing, axe potentially dangerous to the wearer because of the speed and intensity of flame with which those fabrics burn and their exse of ignition, and because of the design of the gar- ment. ‘Two of these Zactors, the ease of ignition and the speed of flame spread, ean be measured with the instrument described herein. Teis suggested that measurement of these two fuctors, together with visual observation of fame intensity will permit the separation of ‘various fabrics into three, classes of flammability, thus assisting in a judgment of fabric suitability for clothing. 4. PURPOSE 11. The purpose of this standard ito reduoe danger of injury and Joss of life by providing, on a national basis, standard methods of testing and rating the Mimmebility of textiles and textile products for clothing use, thereby discouraging tho use of any dangerously flammable clothing textiles, 2 score 21, ‘The standard provides methods of testing the flammability of clothing and textiles intended to be used for clothing," establishes three classes of flammability, sete forth the requirements which tex- tiles shall meet to be so classified, and warns against the use of those textiles which have burning characteristies unsuitable for clothing. 2.2 Spesifc exceptions.—This standard shall not epply to— (a) Hats, gloves, and footwear (b) Intertfning fabries® 3. REQUIREMENTS 3.1 Flammability. 3.1 Normal flammability, Class 1—This class shall include tex- tiles which meet the minimom requirements set forth in 8.1.1.1 or 3112. Textiles meeting these requirements are generally accepted by the trade as having no unusual burning characteristics.B41 Textiles without nap, piles tufting, plock, or other type of raised-fber surface—Such textiles in. theie original state and/or after being dry-cleaned and washed as described in-4-4 and 43, when tested as described in section 4, shall be classified as Claas 1, normal nna when the rie of ie spend ied sond of wre 12 Napped, pile, tufted, flocked, on other textiles having a der ntvfacee—Suck teal in their origina! etate and/or «ter being dry-cleaned and washed ag described in 44 and 4.5, when tested as decclbed in section iy shall be clssifed a3: Classy normel Hammability, when the time of flame spread is more than 7 seconds, ‘or when they burn with a rapid surface flash (from 0 to 7 seconds), provided the intensity of the'flame is s0 low a8 net to ignite or fus¢ the base fabric. 3.1.2 Intermediate fammadility, Class 2—This class shall include textiles which meet the minimum requirements set forth in 31.241. Teatiles ineeting these requirements ave recognized by the teade as having flammability characteristics between normal and rapid and intense burning. Napped, pite, tujted, flocked, or other textiles, having a raised fiber surface—Such textiles in’ theit original sate and/or after being dry-cleaned and washed as described in 44 and 4.5, when tested a8 descfibed in section 4, shall be classified as Class 2,"inter- mediate flammability, when the time of flame spread is from 4 to 7 seconds, both inclusive, and the base fabric ignites or fuses, 3.1.3 Rapid and intense burning, Class 3.—This class shall include textiles which have burning characteristics as described in 3.1.3.1 and 8.13.2, Such textiles are considered dangerously flammable and recognized by the trade as being unsuitable for clothing because of te rapid and nen burning yon ether type of .LB.L Teatiles free from nap, pile, tufting, flock, or other type o} lee ber surfacecSuch tones n tet oegioal Yas and tek being dey-cleaned and washed as described in 44 and 4.5, when tested as described in gection 4, shall be classified as Clase, rapid and intense burning, when the time of flame spread is less than 4 seconds B1B2 Napped, pile, tufted, flocked, or other teatiles having a retsed- fiber surjace—Such textiles in their original tate and/or a! boing dry-cleaned and washed as described in 44 and 4.5, when tested ss described in section 4, shall be classified as Class 5, rapid and in- tense burning, when the time of flame spread is less than 4 seconds and when the intensity of flame is such as to ignite or fuse the base fabric. 4. METHODS OF TEST 41 Test epecimens, 4:11 Number and size of specimens required —Five specimens, each messuring 2 by 6 inches, ave required for each test 4.12 For textiles without a raised-fber surface the long dimension shail be that in which they burn most repfdly, and the more rapidl burning surface shall be tested. ‘To establish the long dimension an the surface, preliminary tests are made as desctibed in 47, with sped many gab went rich taon ted fab 13 For textiles Aaving a raited-fher surface, the divection of the lay of the surface fibers shail'be paraliel with the long dirmeusion of the specimens.» For this type of textiles with vaaying depths of pile, ‘See pare 2, "Ch fn the Flanale Pele bet."tufting, ete. the specimens are taken from dite part and tested on that attace whic ine the fastest mate of buna. “LL4 TE the specimens in the preliminary tex shen testo as de setibed In 4 dbwot ignite orale vety soe bushing. or ahowtd hit ‘inetd fila, avach ange enoul to provi ne specimens Teqoined forte teat with allomanes for shtankage in dey seeing sl nahin, abled © fe dry skanug 4nd wasag pre Avrepdescrtd in ut and 8. Thespeimens fhe fammablly tex seetbettan fem feo a, 10 The specimens required for testing, each 2 by @ inches, are marked out on the back (or underside) of each sample with the long dimension in the direction in which burning is most rapid, as estab- lied in tho preliminary tealy “The end of the spodmen toward which and on tne face of chich burning io most pds entiied 6p lacking staple toi "The specuuangare then ut out Frcume 1, Specimen showing staple, 42 Flainmability testerA—Tho flammability tester consists of a Araft-proof ventilated chamber enclosing a standardized ignition medium, sample rack, and automatic timing device. 42.1 Draft-proof chamber with vented top (4, fig. 2) —This metal chamber prevents air circulation around the specimen trek and flame, but permits free ventilation for rapid oxidation, ‘The chamber ig 1434 inches wide, 44 inches deep, and If inches high. ‘There aro 12 half inc ols aud tant long ke at of tapout A went lating strip is provided at the base of the sliding glass door in tho TURE speotten ask (2, fg. 2) ~The provid 429 Specimen radk (2, fg. #).—The specimen rack provides sup- ports for the frames in which the specimens are mounted. ‘The engle Fintintion 64°, “Avo que pra projecting downwind from ta Genter of tho base of the rack travel in slots provided in the floor of the chamber so thet adjustment can be made for the thickness of the specimen in relation to the fame front. A stop is provided in the base of the chamber to assist ir adjusting the position of the rack, 42.3 Specimen holder (0, fig. #).—The specimen holder consists of,tre Hine matched maa plates wih clampr moaned song the sides, between which the specimen is fixed. ‘The plates are slotte and loosely pinned for alinement, The” two plates of tho holder cover all but 14 inches of the width of the specimen for its full length The specimen holder is supported in the draft-proof chamber on Gc rc aan eng ots-“Ee paien holders ae provided. 424 Indicating finger (D, fi. 2)-eThe forepast of this Anger ‘oucies the sposimén when the rack is adjtsted.’ By means of this finger the thielness of the specimen is compensated for in the throw of the gas nozzle, TARE RE a ateFrovne 2 Plammaditity tester. 42.5 Control knobs (not shown). —There ave two of these knobs sehich hotd the rack in test position, ‘The lobs can be reached under the stage of the cabinet and permit forward and backward move: ments ofthe rack srhen loosene (28 Lenin medium (8, 2)—The ignition medium consis of spring-motor-driven gas jt formed around 1 96-gnge hypodermic Seedie, "A trigger located in the front of the apparatus serves to rind the spring-motor when the machine is placed in operation. -'The {gas jet is protected by a copper shield. 42 Stop cord (0, fg. 2)-~This eord, strotched from the spool (P, fig.2) through suitable chread guides provided on the specimen fram and chamber walls, permits the Iaeing of the eovd in the proper posi= 6tion exactly 5 inches from the point where the center of the ignition flame impinges ou the test epecinien, ‘Tho stop cord consis of Nov 30 mercerized sewing thveed and mesure. Oris and spread of the damne from tho test Specimen. 41908 Pulley or eve (H1f9. 2)-—The pulley or eye is the support and guide for the stop cord. ‘489 Stop weight (I, fig. 2).—‘The weight, attached by means of a cup fe pcre dae actus soap motion P20 Slide door control (J, fig. 2)--'This knob moves the catch mechanism used to hold the sliding door in an open position for inser- PEST Sha door (8 2) —A, ass door in its normal post : oor (Ey, 2).—A glass door in its normal postion slides in the grooves at the front of the cabinet. 4.2.12 Fue eons ‘valve {2 f- fan ire consists ofa sent tive control dovice for regulating the foel supply at the tank. The falve ends in Yueh male connection for ettaznment tothe standard Ittano tank of Sbounds capecey 42.18 Flow meter (V, fg. 2), —A. flow meter is used to bring the fuel supply to test level by means of the control valve. ‘The flow eter consists of a U-shaped glass tube cut into the ges line ina manner to register the gas pressure delivered to the microburner. Attached to the exse wall behind the fow metor i movable metal neh vo tel orienta na ppty sae fo the dened ame length When the pressure is of, the plats isso regulated that the LiquigTevel in both ade of the U'shaped tube meets the lower Tine on the test is made the pressure isso adjusted that the higher liquid level in the U-shaped tube meets the upper line. UDit Bulanee,p, container” (Ml, f9.9) This fuel supply isa No 4 ginger of ep badane 22.15 Stop watch and timing mechanism (WN, fig. 2)—This wateh, by means of special attachments, is actuated to a start by connection with the gas jet (2, fig. 2), -A driving mechenism on rear of cabinet (S; fig, 3F moves the gas jel to ls most forward position and autor thsticely slants the thting at the moment of flame impact. ‘The fall- Ing eight (hg), win eauod fo nav by eeverence of cod (2, Hea} tops the Satch. ‘Timing to read divetl “LBY0 Suarting over (O, fg. 9) —'This lover fs operated from left to vghtin over gnd cas paper he genet GIT Cond supply (Ps fiz.#)-—tniscupply, copsiting of a spool No. a0 merceraed cation Sevang thread, is Tasened to the side of the chamber and can be withdrawn by relessing the thumbscrew holding sine i positon, £3.18 Cord leop (Q, fig. #)—At a point behind the stop cord (G, fig 3) on the reat pone tere fornstalled another loop to draw che cord away from directly over the flame. 4.2.19 Draft ventilator strip (R, fig. 2) iniplaced across the front opening, siliig the apace between the siding debr'nhen in lowered poston etd the Ease of which the geld rack tttachel. 45 Brushing device? ‘A draft ventilator strip stare may be cbtalned trom,4.3.1 ‘This device consists of a beseboard over which a smaller ear- riage is drawn, ‘This carriage runs on parallel tracks attached to the ‘edges of the upper surface of the becaboard. ‘The brush is hinged with pin hinges at the rear edge of the baseboard and rests on the carviage ‘ertically witha pressure of 150 granis. 43.2. ‘The brush consists of two rows of stiff nylon bristles mounted with the tufts in a staggered position. The bristles are 0.016 inch in diameter and 0,75 inch in length. There are 20 bristles per tuft and 4 tufts per inch. A clamp is aitached to tho forward edgo of the movable carriage to permit holding the specimen on the carriage during the brushing operation Frum 8 Brushing device 483 After the specimen has been put in place on the carriage and fastened by means of the clamp, tho brush is raised, the carriage ‘pued to the rea, and the bust fowered to the fey of the specimen ho cartiage is thea drawn forward by hand ate uniform rats £0 Dre Gaoning A era font och funy a mtigned in paragraph 46, shall be subjected to the fohowing dry-cleaning ‘$41 Apporatus.—Tho apparatus is a oylinder, preferably of metal, approximeloly 18 inches high and about 894 inches iy diastetor Coat Pasty 9 gallons). “The cpdes ie mound ina verial position og Enzi which is inlined $0" to the axis of the cylinder, and ts rotated abou an a Spend of 4 0 30 roolton erat. 42 Cleaning procedure. The apparatus ‘spproximately otha with pirchlorlylee to which i added sib ml of a. cleaning soup! "The swatches and suffelet suitable worsted cloth? {in pots of approzimataly 19 by 19 inches, to make a total dry load gf pond ace pieced in te appaton Ile operated for 28 muta ‘Tho solution is poured out, fue apparatus relied to approximately sxisgu curate staregs efor tna! Gaiiceareriteaaatal @ falta pee EPidoia tation tact cn (abrlet Tne, 88'Feu Dam St, New Pores Nee tS ny be obtained from Tet-one-third with fresh perchlorethylene without soap, and the appara- {us is opernted for ah additional 8 minutes. This’ last operation is ropeated thes times. ‘The swatches are then removed and the excess solvent removed from the swatches by any convenient means such a8 rolling them between two layers of turkish toweling or between twa layers of absorbent paper. ‘They are then permitted to dry at room temperature. 45. Washing procedure.—The swatches, after being subjected to the dry-cleaning procedure (par. 44), shall then be immersed and worked gently for 8 minutes ina bath Of soft water in which OS-percent Heutral chip soap has been dissolved. ‘The volume of the bath shall be 20 times the weight of the swatches and the temperature shall be between 95° and 100° F, “The swatches shall then be rinsed twice in water at 80° F-, extracted, and dried. ‘The individual specimens, exch 2 by 6 inches; are then et out rs deseribed in 4.1.5 and tested a discribe in 4.0 end ‘bach evi ‘40 Brushing and drying specimens.—Bach specimen having a ralsed-Aber surface, in its onjgitel condition or after dry cleaning snd washing, #8 placed’ on the brushing device ensriage (pan. 43)" and ran under the brush once against the lay of the raigod-fiber surface (see fig. 4). Other specimens do not require brushing. “Allg tens are clamped individually in the specimen holders of the Bam- ability tester (par, 423), with the staple on top and the stapled end at the closed end of the holder. They are then dried in a horl- zontal position in an oven for 80 minutes ae 221° F (108° C), removed from the oven, and placed over anhydrous ealefum chloride in a Aesiecator until cool, but for not less than 15 minutes. : ee Warm AP. AGAINST WAP oS esse mame Piooke 4. Ley of ner, ‘4.7 Procedure for testing flammability. 4.1.1, Adjust the position of the rack of the flammability tester imately § minutes for the ait to be drawn from the ful lines ogeite “L113 Remove the mounted specimen from the desiccator ana place Close the door of the apparatus. Conduct the test in a draft-freeLLB Bring the starting lever over to the extreme sight and release it. ‘Phis starts the timing mechanisin and applies the fame to the Specimen for @ petiod of 1 second, ‘This shoud be Gone within 48 seconds of the dine ths specimen was removed from the descent. ining auton, starting upon sppicntin of te fame ad end ing when the weight'is released by the burning of the top cord. {7.6 Record the time of flame spread (renling of step watch) of act speeimen and note whether the base of each spectnen having ‘rniseg-loer surface fs ignited or fused to a point where tie damage ‘blappatent from the bottom of the spesimen! Ae Rene, AULA Time of flame epread—The time of fame spread of the tex. tiles taken as an average time for 8 spesimens. Results of teste of specimens before and after dry cleaning and washing shall be recorded aund reported separately, Ifthe time of fame spread is les than seconds or if the specimens do not burn, test additional specimens. ‘The time of fame spread is then talento be the average tine for te 10 psig or fo many ofthe ag bam M12 Base. fabric tonition or fusing Base fabric ignition or fusing of textiles having raised-Alber surfaces shall be reported when the bese fabric of more than 1 of the 5 (or 9 of the 10) specimens tested ees or fe “LU8 Reporting resulta —Tho reported result shall be the flum- ability before or after dry cleaning and washing, whichever is the Jower; tnd, based on this result, the textile shall’be placed in the propet clasifeation as given in section 3. 5. NOTES 5.1 The methods of test and classifcations outlined herein agree with all essential requirements of the Standard Test Method for Flammability of Clothing Textiles, of the American Association of ‘Textile Chemists and Colorists, 6. EFFECTIVE DATE 6.1 ving bean posed through the regular procedur ofthe Com modity Standards Division, and approved by. the acceptors herein- after listed, this Commercial Stendard was issued by the United States Department of Commerce, effective from January 80, 1953, Eowme W. Evy, Chief, Commodity Standards Division HISTORY OF PROJECT ‘The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, on March 4, 1946, requested the cooperation of the Commodity Standards Division in the establishment of 2 Commercial Standard covering standard methods of testing end rating the flammability of textiles and textile products for clothing use. "The following month the Na- tional Retail Dey Goods Association voted to act as cosponsor with the AATCC on this project. ‘The purpose of the request was to reduce the danger of injury and loss of life by discouraging the use of any dan- gerously flammable clothing textiles. 10‘The American Association of Textile Chemists aul Colorists sub auitied i description, with operating instructions and test procedures, {ofan apparatus it had developed, known asthe ATCC Flammability Tester. "A proposes! Commereial Standard based on tis hummaability tester and case data was deatted by the funmability committee of the NATCC and representatives of the NRDGA, after several joint mest- ings, which were attended also bya representative of the Commodity Stinidards Division. On May 24, 1916, copies of this draft were f waded for comment fo all trade’ associations representing mantfac- tuners, distributors, aud users primarily concerned. As 4 result of tie suggestions submitted, the draft. was modified and redistributed ‘on November 3, 1946, Additional comments were received, and after further adjusbhent of the draft in agreement with the consensus of comment, a recommended Commereial Standard (TS-4350) was re- ferred to the teade for written acceptance on March 12, 1047. Te was the general feeling of the cotton interests that the req mes gf TS-Fis0regtited te se of some cation fabrics fos wotring iippavel which have been in use for years and have not proved danger ofdiy flammable. On Slay 48, 1047 at a conference with representa tives of the cotton industry, the NRDGA, and the AATCC, it was voted to have the sanding’ gonmtteo appbint «representative tech ical committee to review the recommended Commercial Standard and submit a method of test and evaluation of test results which would overcome these dificuties. ‘Ata meeting of the standing committee on May 28, 1047, the tech- nical committee was organized, consisting of not more than five mem~ bers each from tH coon textile industry, the rayon indostey, the retail trade, and the wholesale trade, and ole member each front the AATCC, the American Society for Testing Materials, the American ssocintlon of Textile Technologists, and the American Council of Commercial Laboratories “dbwough th "At the request of the technical committee, and through the eoopera- tion of the flammability committee of the AATTCG, twvo complete in vestigations on « large number of samples of fabrics were eonducted by soven laboratories representing manufacturers, distributors, con- sumers, and the National Bureau of Standards, As a result of these tests, modifications were made in the flammability tester and in the method of testing and rating flammability. ‘Arua draft (TS-8131) embodying thy recommendation of the AATCC, the technical committee, and the standing committee, was referred to the trade for written acceptance on April 7, 1952. ‘This Grait had been approved by these committees, and thus reflected the composite opinion a eadinated by the AATCC and the ASTM, of f group representing cotton and rayon producers, fabric manufactur- Sef fishers, contests, testing iabortories, wholesalers, retailers, ‘and consumers. i “Acceptances in writing estimated to represent a satisfactory ma jority having been reeeived, an announcement sas isgued on Decem. rer 80, 1952, that the standatd would become effective for new produe- tion on January 80, 1958, Project Manager: H. A. Ehrman, Commodity Standards Division, O@ice of Tn astey aud Coramerce, pecbnical Advisor: We D. Appel, Organle and Fibrous Materials Division, Na- tional Boreau of Standards nuSTANDING COMMITTEE ‘The following individuals comprise the membership of the standing committee, which is to review, prior to eiveulation for acceptance, retisions proposed to keep the’ staicard abreast of progress. Com: ment concerning the stantard ad suggestions for revision may be addressed to any nieniber of the eommitice or to the Commodity Stand- ands Division, Office of Technical Services, U.S. Departinent of Commneroes which gets as secretary for the eomnittes. ©.W. Doss, Chatrman Daxen C. A, United Slates Testing Co. 1415 Park Avenue, Hoboken, N. J. ‘eprerantlng Aueriean Cowheil of Covnsercial Laboratories; also Aseria octets for esting Materials) boxer, Fazvesec, Auerlean Viscose Corp, Barcus Hook, Po. (representing “dayon Fern Pretuaers Group) Beez. Gea. S, Natioudl Cotton Counell of Awerica, 1812 M Street NW ‘Wasnington 6 D.C, Daxtet, Mag BH, Broad Branch and Grant Roads NW., Weshington, D. ©. ‘representing General Federation ot Water's Clobs) oat Cus. W, 1. C- Peones Coy Tue, 830 West Sith Stteot, New York 1, N. ¥. “representing” Awerlena etait Federation aod National’ Retail Dry “Goods Association). Exeaun, Bow! G,, Cranston Print Works, 40 Worth Street, Now York 13, N. ¥. “representing National Association of lalahers of Tewtile Fables) Fagsouar, E, RH Macy € Co, 8(th Street aud Broadveay, New York 2, N. ‘represcatiag Amerious Assoeietion of Textlle Technologists) GGolnueee, By 11 West dod Street, New York, NY. (representin Federation of Textiles, Tae). urscen, H. B, General Dveatait Corp, 485, Hudson Straot, New York 14, N. ¥. (Gepvesayeing Auerican Association of Textile Cuomsts and Calolat ugitano, V Dy Canon Alls, Kannapolis, N.C. (ropreseating Ampere Manufacturers Tectiute, toe.) ‘biton, J. By Cone bls, in, G8 Worth Street, New York 18, N. ¥. (represeotiog ‘Pestle Fabrics Assoclation). rin A. F, Undertertars Laborstorles, ne, 161 Sixth Avanue, Now York, N. ¥- Steir, ¥. W., Cove Mile, foe, 60 Worth Steoet, New York £3, N.Y. (epee ‘eating Association of Cotion Texte Merchants of New York). ‘Dgouras, FA, Tuomas, Field & Co, Charleston 21, W. Ve. (represeating Whole ‘ele Diy Goods fastitute). Subsequently appointed: ‘Da, Donorits Sree, Hunter College, 05 Park Avenue, New York, N. T. (repre: Tenting National Cousell ef Womea ef tbe United Seates) nor a, Gunsem, Undovwetelnstitte,9 Park Aveoue, New York 36, N. ¥ OA Atanarrai, B. B- Goodrich Co, Plastica Division, Mlariesta, OO (seP: ‘vasenting Plastic Coatings & Pla) ASsoelation) National ‘CottonAPPENDIX Statement of the Standing Committee for CS401-G3 1a regard to the intent of the ‘Cominitico aud the purpose of several paragraphect the standard It has been brought to the attention of the Commodity Standards Division of the Oiice of ‘Technical Services, and to the standing committee, for Commercial Standard 191-83, that cartain provisions of the standard are not entirely clear. In'a mumber of eases to ‘or, moro interpretations are possible. ‘The standing committee met, in Now York on December 11, 1953, to consider these provision and after a thorough diseussion drew up this appendix. A. copy of it was sent to the Federal Trade Com- mission on December 15, 1953, for their information in interpret the standard. Since such an explanation might also prove beneficial to all segments of the trade concerned with meeting th legal requi ments of the Flammable Febries Act, the Commodity Standards Dic vision is.releasing the full toxt of the appendix to the trade and to all acceptors, ‘The appendix lists the paragraphs of the standard ‘which have been questioned and contains statements which clarify the intent of those who originally prepared the standard. ZL. Panoraras 8.1.1.1, 8.112, 812.1, 8.1.8.1, ano 3.1.32 In each of the above peragraphs, the following statement appears: “Such textiles in their ginal stato and/or after being dry cleaned and washed... ..” “As written this statement requires that either the subject textiles shall be tested both in their original state and after being dry-cloaned and washed, o indeate that there is an option es to whether ssid textiles shall be tested in their original state or after being dry-cleaned end washed, ‘This was not the purpose of the standing committee in developing the above requirements, ‘The intent was that all fabries should be tested in their original state, and in that state mest the requirements sat forth. The dry-cleaning and washing provision was provided for Use whenever a fire-retardant finish might be present it the subject textile, in which case, after dry-cleaning and washing, the famma- bility might. be greater than in the original state, Conversely, when the testing is carried out by the fabric manufacturer, who Lnows that no fire-retardant finish is present, and that no other condition would make the material more flammable after diy-cleening and ‘washing, it was mot intended that the expensive dry-cleaning and ‘washing operation should be earried out, ‘In summary, the textiles to which these paragraphs refer would alway be tei in hee orignal sate as deecbed tn action In the absence of proof that a fre retardant fnish has not been applied, they would also be tested after dry-cleaning and washing as descr in paragraphs 4 and 45, 3IL, Pansonavuts 9.1.12,3.12.1, ano 31.32 ‘The terminal elause in each of these three paragraphs is related to flame intensity, one of te factors recognized as bearing diveotly fon possible or potential hazard in 2 combustible textile. fabric. ‘Through ay overight this elas in paragraph 8.10 renin the same as in the April 3, 1952, draft of the Commercial Standard, then identified as'TS-5131, In paragraph 3.1.82 this clause was chan, from «the base fabric ts ignited or fused” to “and when the in- tensity'of ‘lame is such as to tgnite or fuse the base fabric.” ‘This brought that terminal clause into agreement with the like statement in 8.12 which read, “provided the intensity of the fame is s0 low 85 not to ignite or fuso the base fabric.” ‘The intent ofthe standing commitiee to have 8.1.1 conform in the above respect with 8.1.52 should be understood. However, even the trode Sentences de not fully clarify th purpose ofthese feferences to fame intensity. A’ brief description of the manner in which the soecedZaricg Bar will mak Ge commie inte cla, Vhien o fabric having a napped, pile, tufted, or other raised-fiber surface burns, two things may oosut: (1) A flame may move across the raised fers, generally rapidly, and (2) the base fabri itself may be ignited, if the flaming of the'raised bors is of sufleient intensity to causs that eifeot. However, in some eases, the igniting flame ftselt nay set fire to the base material, causing it to burn rather slowly after the surface flashing of the material has terminated. In such & cass there exists combinatin of to tee of During which aro ges erally considered to constitute no unusual hazard. There is a non hazardous surface flash which has not enough intensity to ignite the bbase fabric itself, and there isa rather slow burning, oF normal com- bustion of the fabric resulting from ignition by the flame of the tester, The real danger from a fabric with a raised-tiber surface re- sults from a rapidly spreading flame which has suficient intensity to cause the fabris to ignite the base structure over a wide area. ‘This latter effect, can easily be abserved in the tester, and should not be confused with ogcasional freak ignitions of the base fabric as de- scribed above, where the surface flash may have little volume or intensity. ‘The intent can be seen in paragraph 8.1.1.2, where the final clause reads “provided the intensity of the flaine is so low . . .°; a8 well as in the similar clause in paragraph 8.13.2. ‘Therefore, in testing fabrics ‘as directed in paragraphs 3.1.1.2, 8.12.1, end 3.1.82, tho observation of flame intensity should be to establish the fact of whether or not the flaming of the raised-Aber surface causes the base fabrie to ignite TIT. Panacrarit 41.4 ‘This paragraph directs that when specimens “do net ignite orate sory see burp or sbgud have retarding Briana Speximens shall Bcaried through the dey alanity und ashing ore cedure and then retested. % er There are many fabrics which, in their untreated state, will not ignite in the Flammability Tester, or if ignited, will burn slowly. Evan noe the purpose of tts paragtaph to tequne hatch materds be carried through a dry-cleaning and washing procedure, Instead, 4{hg intent was to vequive that any falnie which mig have receteed A fieretandant treatinent be envied thvough the diy-leanhng and seashing proceditve as an assuranes that mich fini would ot be reailly removed in service, In other words, this is tnother case of the dey-clenning aud washing provision being incorporated as a safe siard against fugitive Breretardant finishes; with no intent that the dry cleaning and washing should be a testing requirement if ie is ioiguo that the fabric has not been given a Aee-retarduut treatment Tn summary, this section has the same intent ag seetion 3 which wag viewed above, “Alltesties willbe ested n te orga tte, tnd testing after dey cleaning and washing wil only be cstried out in {He absence of proof that'afresetardant fish bas not been applied TV. Paraorari 4.7.6 As noted, the intensity or volume of flame in a burning textile fabric yas recognized by the standing eommitiee to be one of the important Factors relating the manser in which the fabrie burns to its patente! hazard when used as a garment. It was felt thet a flame which had insufficient intensity or volume to ignite the base material itself would not transmit sufficient heat or flame through the fabric to the body. ‘Therefore, the committee provided that, to be considered hazardous, «# fabric must not only exhibit rapid flame spread, but glso must show suflicient intensity or volume of flame so that the basic fabric structure itgelf will be ignited by that fiame. ‘Paragraph £7.6 shows how base fabric ignition is to be observed. ‘The purpose here was to examine the fabric on the reverse side from the face to which the testing flame was applied. Any evidence of scorching or fusing of fibers on the opposite face to that, which was Jgnited ‘Would be considered evidence of base fabric ignition, ‘The term “bottom of the specimen” is confusing; the term “back for reverse side” would be preferable since the 45° mounting of the Specimen permits another interpretation of “bottom.” In summary, the purpose of 4.7.6 is to require the notation of whether the fabric is ignited or fused by the spreading surface lame toa point where the damage is apparent on the surface of the specimen opposite to that which was ignited, V. Parsonarn 47.01 ‘This paragraph requires that where the time of flame spread is less than 4 seconds? or where the specimens do not burn, 5 additional specimens shall be tested. ‘There are two parts of this requirement, and since the intent was different for each part, they will be ex: plained soparataly. ‘The basic purpose of this paragraph is to provide for the testing of additionel specimens in ease of doubt as to the proper classification of the fabric. It is expected that very few fabrics will be hazardous and burn in less time than 4 seconds * Because manufacturers will avoid such constructions.» When such an unusual fabric is encountered, how- ever, it was deemod advisable that an additional 6 specimens be tested to provide a better basis from which an average time of burning could beobtained. Furthermore, sometimes fabries whieh burn with a rapid "see yace 2, "Change neue Flame Fabre ct" 35surface fash will show a freao iguition of the bse fabric, If such igo mare in gnly 12 of thy spine, th sang 8 Businengave provided for to show whether or nat seh base fabtie inition is indged a characteristic of the fabric Te sceond part of the raquitement in TT states that Sif the speripens do sot burn, tet 8 addtional spasimens2” "This was not FReenged to mppy to ang fabric phigh nove of the specimens burned. ‘here aren Base many fabrics which will not bucw in the Flamm: Bigg Peste’ant thers is no point in esting 10 scrips when none of the frst s burns. "Thi provision wae intended for those cams tx Which fof of the fra 5 strips burn. In many eases a velable tresage burning time cannot be obtained, s9 an additional 8 strips tre taken fo provide the basis for more satefectory average. ‘Tits mace clos the end of the paragraph in the statement, “The tint of flame spread is then taken to be the average time for the 10 Spesimensor for ap any of them as born” sive fet sentence in paragraph £44 indicates that the standard numberof specimens renuped feet 8. ‘hie ain poled Gut in perapraph 4141 hich states that 8 specimens are requie for each test, Pive additional specimens are only required where the presence of a fre rtatdant fnish is suspected, where some Dut Mot Mi of the frst § specimens bura, and were the burning time 1s fess than seconde "Po summaries, then, bvo conditions call forthe testing of an eddie apctayrurmarzn then, to gonaitons cl or the tenting of an ea than seconds with 1 of 2 strips showing base fabric Sgriton; sex ond, if some but not el ofthe fie trip Ben, and sen th bueaing {ims of tho strip that do burn se clos fo the 4aecond li, so that fi additionel 6 strips twotld be desirable ss the basis for's more reliable average ‘The testing of fabrics under Commercial Standard 191-58 and under the Flammable Fabries Act will necessarily be an expensive operation for certain textile manufacturers. A misunderstanding of the Com- mercial Standard, which would require testing 10 or 20 specimens instead of the.5 which were deemed adequate in many cases, would impose an unjustified burden and expense on such inanufecturers. ‘Therefore, it i important that the intent of the standing committee, in formulating the paragraphs of the standard listed above, end of the industry in approving the standard, bo clearly understood. ‘The standing committee for Commerciel Standard 191-68 agrees that the above statements aro in accordance with its intent, and pur- poses in formulating the standard. Members of the standing com- Inittee, whose names appear below, request that this document of clarification be made an official supplement to Commercial Standard 191-58, and that it be brought to the attention of the Federal Trade Commission for use in reference to the Flammable Fabries Act. Representing janet of Commercial Laboratories and society for eating Material. flonal Cottos Counell of America, Se page 2 "Chang in he Flammable Pabres Act 16Nutoual Astociation of Fiaiahest of Textile (eau Assoclation of Textile Technologists and ‘tion Hetall Dry Goode association. ational Federation oe Nextiles Tne Auerican Association of ‘ertle” Chemists and Colorist, American Gotton Manutacturers Institute; Tae Natiouat Counell of Women of the United States ‘Wholesale Dry Goods Institute ‘Textile Fabrics Association. Gndeetritera Laboratories, Tae, < Afgoclation of Cotton Textile Merchants of New ‘York. Geoerat Federation of Women's Clubs ‘American Retall Bederation and Nt ‘Deg Goods Association, Ceansercarios or “Nore” ox Paow 8 ‘At a subsequent meeting of the standing committee, in an effort farther to clarify the standard and ie purposes, the committee de- che he son pag 3 whe eves 0 « premble to the Standard, fe and was intended to bo an intogral part of the standard, {es purpose was to serve in the interpretation of the Dammability of those fabrics which otherwise give uncertain or questionable te- sults in tho testa, ‘The note suggests that visual observation of tensity be used to supplement the determination of the burning class feation of nape il ted o Hoke snr type of fbsis ‘wherein there may contetimes occur two safe types of burning. To illustrate: A raised-fer type of fabric may have « surtace flash of low intensity and, at the sume time, localized base fabric ignition, followed by’ « relatively slow rate of burning. In such cases the intention was not toclessty ie ase hazardous fabtic. "The committe further wishes it to be understood thet this use of visual observation of fame intensity is'a temporary expedient efec- tive until the results of investigations now in progress produce n more scientific and definite test procedure aACCEPTORS ‘tue organieations listed below have tndividually gccepted thls standard for use ta far as practicable in assuring the manufacture and sale of ooly (hose Slotog textiles that are not dangerously Caminable. ‘The organizations are ‘rectly concerted aa “abrie manufacturers, clothing manofecturore, testing Itboradocies, dietrtbutors, and uoers, To accepting tbe etaodard they reserved the righs to'depare from te as (hey individually Geom edvleable, but only those ttiicigs which netually comply with the stebdard ta ait respects can be repre: {ented as conformiog thereto Associations Geceral Support Armerjas, auction of, Texte Chemist | Nagene otton Cocnelt of merce, Mew: detiog, Joliet tU, | NeQlotal Peferation of Textiles, tne, New Sister fae Aa Mii | New Boch Chtblog Mapotactarere Mchacee, ay at neg age | “AE Ree ga nt af OE | dG MAE oan, ner SE CUPSP GES Utne | gl Hite tect, ae Ser SST et, a | AP iat ae Meise Hse Viste Ci, wor nuns Go Hound Bek, He boatad Besa tae, SP eg te cuten 8 ‘cope Mitt Corp, Cltelde Otis ‘am Se ir Rs olttng Bradfoig Breed hewciaon (O44 af 5 ditto Mil Tne, Brennan, Tex. | Diener alsiog ERSG Sima tneaaumhey tee | Bresua aSAtgeeg abece por tg, see Tar 8 | EERE TOE SON ELS te, rate ia bepeteas elas "Bet EO oma 8BRete balan ee fe sein tli BSE HEATH Diente, it Cooperative Seckty, Cembride, fee ioe a es Cae ie ee eg KL een Nagingree Marateturiog Cou New Tork ‘pnittey ries caer 5-6, ae fe * Erase 19Ge cettes Pabis Bivstoe ye Youn, 8 UONITED STATES GOVERNNDS? acl U. 8 Deparment of, Wahine Stings "teewte "E, custow. Sf aihipats ano ceo cae easly oF to ‘Bade of barat gold Se ie came oat ororia lpg (tube ee)2, ‘supe ot "a vehicle fatter ct orn, and edvnd tt sect ee Bias + ee AS a ALP ata © ato (excusing ot work ag, roel isd terenter fein envmeled un se wonton be 280 the ot Female foetie sing of ire ae Sere Set fnalcaes an emergency Commercial Standisd aFe esnyaucy sipee-cettonettes cet | $84. Stet fgoe oogtceld ng, ise a8 Be eg a at oe ‘Ges a Mloteaued” sdch ae era TESTE ieiteeas es falc 5 ae corict~Goples of Commercial Standards may be purchased from the Super Imlendent of Documents, Goveroment Printing Ofce, Washington 25, D.C. A rice list may He, obaiged from the Compodiy Staadarée Division, Oice of Sinleai Services, C- & Department of Commieree, Washingtoncsia1-s3 ACCEPTANCE OF COMMERCIAL STANDARD it acceptance bas not previously been Sled, chls sheet property illed a, sisted Geil eturued will provide for the recording of Jour érganteation as a SeeSptor of tate Commercial Stanaare Date Commodity Standards Division, Office of Technical Services, U.S, Department of Commerce, | Washington 25, D.C. Gentlemen: We believe that this Commercial Standard constitutes a useful standard of practice, and we individually plan to utilize it as far | Ge practicable to. ingure the manufacture and alo of only those Gtotmwe sextices that are not dangerously flammable. We are ‘iveotly concerned as a 1D Fabric manufacturer Gy Distributor ® 1 Clothing manufacturer * 1 Purchaser CG) Testing laboratory * | lg gterve the right to depart from the standard as wo diem We understand, of course, that only those articles which actually comply with the standard in all respects can be represented as conforming thereto. Signature of authorized officer. diy typemste or pile te folowing Mase) Name and title of above officer -..Yo THE AccePTOR ‘The following statements answer the usual questions arising in connection with the acceptance and its significance: 1. Enjorezment—Commersial Standards are commodity specifics. ions voluntarily established by mutual consent of those concerned, ‘They present a common basis of understanding between the producer, distributor, and consumer and should not be confused with any plan of governmental regulation ox control.” ‘The United States Depert ment of Commerce has no regulatory power in the enforcement of their provisions, but since they represent the will of the interested guns as awhile, their provisions theough usage soon become etab- ished as trade customs, and are made effective through incorporation into sales contracts by means of labels, invoices, and the lke. 2 The acceptors responsibility "The. purpose of Commercial Standards is to establish, for specitc commodities, nationally nized grades or consumer criteria, and the benefts therefrom wil measurable in direct proportion’ to their general recognition and actual use, Instances will gccur when it may be necasary to deviate from tho standard and the signing of an acceptance does tot preclude Such dopartures; however, such signature indicates an intention to Fellow the standard; where practicable, in the production, distibacios, or consumption ofthe article in question, 3. The Department's responsiblity The major function performed by the Department of Commerce in the voluntary establishraent of Commercial Standards on a Nation-wide basis is fourfold: firs, to act. 46 an unbiased coordinator to bring all interested parties together for tho mutually satisfactory adjustment of trade standards; second, to supply such assistance and advice as past experience with similer programs may suggest; third, to canvass and record the extent of Aceeptance and adherence to the standard on the part of presuce distributors, and users; and, fourth, after acceptasice, to publish an promulgate the standard for the information and guidance of buyers nt “nnouncemend nd promtion—When the standard has be innouncement and prom: —When the standard has been sgiotsed by a saisactory majotty of production or consumption in the absence of tive valid oppostion, the sees of the project announced. “If, however, in the opinion of the standing commits $F of the Depattment of Commerce, the support of any standard ip Inedequate, the right ie reserved to withild. promdlgation tnd publication,