BRITISH STANDARD BS 6575:1985

Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Specification for

Fire blankets

UDC 614.845.91
BS 6575:1985

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Fire Standard
Committee (FSM/-) to Technical Committee FSM/2, upon which the following
bodies were represented:

British Aerosol Manufacturers’ Fire Extinguishing Trades Association

Association
British Fire Services’ Association
Chemical Industries Association
Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers’
Association
Confederation of British Industry
Consumer Standards Advisory Committee
of BSI
Consumers’ Association
Department of the Environment (Property
Services Agency)
Department of Trade and Industry
(Chemicals, Textiles, Paper and
Miscellaneous Division)
Department of Transport (Marine
Directorate)
Engineering Equipment and Materials
Users’ Association
Fire Insurers’ Research and Testing
Organization (Firto)
Fire Offices Committee
Fire Protection Association
Greater London Council
Health and Safety Executive
Home Office
Industrial Fire Protection Association of GB
Institute of Petroleum
Institution of Fire Engineers
London Transport Executive
Metal Packaging Manufacturers’
Association
Ministry of Defence
National Coal Board
Society of Chemical Industry
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
Limited

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

Asbestos Information Centre Ltd. British Medical Association

British Leather Federation Department of the Environment, Building
British Leather Manufacturers’ Research Research Establishment (Fire Research Station)
Association Coopted members

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Fire Standards
Committee, was published
under the authority of the Board
of BSI and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
28 June 1985

© BSI 04-1999
Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

8938 December 1995 Indicated by a sideline in the margin

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference FSM/2
Draft for comment 84/36631 DC

ISBN 0 580 14318 X

 BS 6575:1985

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Classification 1
4 Size and shape 1
5 Mass 1
6 Hand holding devices 1
7 Appearance and bi-lateral use 1
8 Resistance to fraying 1
9 Flexibility 1
10 Ease of removal and unpacking 1
11 Test conditions and preparation of samples 1
12 Thermal insulation (heavy duty fire blankets only) 2
13 Resistance to the effects of hot cutting
(heavy duty fire blankets only) 2
14 Electrical insulation 2
15 Reusability 2
16 Fire performance tests 2
17 Marking 2
Appendix A Preparation of samples, conditioning, storage
and sequence of testing 4
Appendix B Thermal insulation test 4
Appendix C Hot cutting test 5
Appendix D Electrical resistance test 5
Appendix E Volatile liquid test fires 5
Appendix F Cooking oil test fires 6
Figure 1 — Sample holder in 8 mm × 8 mm steel bar 7
Figure 2 — Typical arrangement for hot cutting test 8
Figure 3 — Arrangement of test specimen and cutting bar 9
Figure 4 — Typical arrangement for electrical test 10
Figure 5 — Typical arrangement for volatile liquid test fire 11
Figure 6 — Typical arrangement for cooking oil test 12
Table 1 — Tray dimensions and quantity of fuel 5
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 04-1999 i
BS 6575:1985

Foreword

This British Standard has been prepared under the direction of the Fire
Standards Committee. It gives practical performance tests of the effectiveness of
fire blankets in the two principal applications, the extinction of small fires and
resistance to heat transmission and penetration by hot objects or sparks.
Fire blankets which meet the requirements of the fire tests only are considered
suitable for use in domestic or other kitchens or wherever there may be a need to
extinguish fires in small containers or fires in clothing worn by persons.
Consideration should be given to the provision of other methods of fire fighting
including portable extinguishers, hose reels, sprinkler systems, and other
automatic extinguishing systems.
Fire blankets which meet the requirements of both types of performance test are
considered suitable for industrial or fire service use to provide protection to
persons or equipment from sparks, molten metal or plastics droplets during
emergency cutting operations etc.
Some materials used for fire blankets may be degraded or even burn on prolonged
contact with flame, but the committee consider that this should not restrict the
use, for the purposes described here, of materials which meet the heat and fire
resistance requirements of this British Standard.
Materials used for the construction of fire blankets should be generally
recognized as non-toxic to humans in storage and in use.
Traditionally many fire blankets have been made from asbestos. It has been
suggested, but no evidence has been presented, to the committee that asbestos
fire blankets represent a health hazard to users. Nevertheless the committee
decided not to include asbestos fire blankets in this British Standard until
suitable tests are devised to assess any health hazard.
In addition to the performance requirements specified in this standard, it is
recommended that fire blankets be suitably treated where necessary to give
adequate resistance to attack by micro-organisms and insects throughout the
design life. For reusable fire blankets such treatment should be capable of
withstanding the recommended washing or cleaning process.
Certification. Attention is drawn to the certification facilities described on the
inside back cover.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 04-1999

1 Scope
This British Standard specifies requirements for
fire blankets intended for use by one person. Fire
blankets are classified as either light duty or heavy
duty, with correspondingly different suggested
applications.
This standard does not apply to fire blankets that:
a) are made from asbestos;
b) have sides of differing appearance, finish or
colour;
c) have a performance that differs according to
which side is used;
d) are of metallic sandwich construction.
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover.
2 Definitions
For the purposes of this British Standard, the
following definitions apply.
2.1
fire blanket
a flexible sheet of material intended to be used to
extinguish small fires by smothering, or as a
protection against radiant heat or small hot objects
2.2
reusable fire blanket
a fire blanket that is suitable for reuse after
cleaning or washing
3 Classification
Fire blankets are classified as follows.
a) Light duty: for extinguishing small fires in
containers of cooking fat or oils and fires in
clothing worn by persons.
b) Heavy duty: for industrial applications with
the ability to resist penetration by molten metals
ejected from cutting and similar processes and
any conducted or radiant heat transfer when
used for insulation purposes in addition to the
uses mentioned for the light duty blankets.
4 Size and shape
Fire blankets shall be rectangular or square, with
no edge longer than 1.8 m. Light duty fire blankets
shall have no edge less than 0.9 m. Heavy duty fire
blankets shall have no edge less than 1.2 m.
5 Mass
Fire blankets shall have a maximum mass of 10 kg.
© BSI 04-1999
BS 6575:1985
6 Hand holding devices
Hand holding devices if provided shall not comprise
loops or pockets and shall not become detached from
the blanket during testing for compliance with
clauses 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
NOTE It is recommended that careful attention be paid to the
design of any holding device to ensure ease of handling and hand
release.
7 Appearance and bi-lateral use
The two sides of a fire blanket shall be of similar
appearance, finish or colour and shall give the same
results when tested for compliance with
clauses 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
NOTE It is important not only that either side of the fire
blanket can be exposed to the fire, or other hazard, with equal
effectiveness but also that no doubt be created in the mind of the
user at the moment of emergency use as to which side of the fire
blanket to apply to the hazard.
8 Resistance to fraying
The edges of fire blankets shall not fray or tear
during testing for compliance with
clauses 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16.
9 Flexibility
Blankets shall be capable of being rolled without
permanent deformation and along any axis
completely around a 50 mm diameter bar.
10 Ease of removal and unpacking
Fire blankets shall be stowed or packed, in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, in
such a way that they can be taken from the stowage
position, unfolded and held ready for use in not more
than 4 s. The force required to remove the fire
blanket from its container (if used) shall not
exceed 80 N.
NOTE Fire blankets may conveniently be installed for use by
mounting containers on wall brackets at about eye level.
11 Test conditions and preparation of
samples
Except where otherwise specified tests shall be
carried out at 20 ± 10 °C using fire blankets
conditioned as described in Appendix A. Fire
blankets which contain a seam shall be tested both
on and off the seam and, where the seam is tested,
in the most unfavourable condition. Tests shall be
carried out using a single thickness of the fire
blankets.
NOTE Lap joints may trap hot particles in the cutting test if
facing upwards.
1
BS 6575:1985
12 Thermal insulation (heavy duty fire
blankets only)
There shall be no damage, including smoothing or
modification of the embossing on the surface, to the
PVC simulated skin, or ignition of the fire blanket
when heavy duty fire blankets are tested for
thermal insulation by the method described in
Appendix B. One fire blanket shall be tested at three
points (two on one side and one on the other side)
and all three tests shall be successful.
13 Resistance to the effects of hot
cutting (heavy duty fire blankets only)
There shall be no damage, including smoothing or
modification of the embossing on the surface, to the
PVC simulated skin, or ignition of the fire blanket
when heavy duty fire blankets are tested for
resistance to the effects of hot cutting by the method
described in Appendix C. One fire blanket shall be
tested at three points (two on one side and one on
the other side) and all three tests shall be successful.
14 Electrical insulation
The electrical resistance of the fire blanket material
shall not be less than 1 M7 at any point when
measured by the method described in Appendix D.
Three fire blankets shall be tested.
15 Reusability
After having been cleaned according to the
manufacturer’s instructions, blankets to be marked
as reusable [see 17.1 b)] shall be capable of
extinguishing the volatile liquid fire described in
Appendix E.
Test three fire blankets by using each once on the
test fire, cleaning or washing each once according to
the manufacturer’s instructions, subjecting each
to 10 cycles of a) folding, b) repacking into its
container or original form, c) unpacking before
reusing the fire blanket on a second test fire. When
testing any fire blanket use the same part to cover
both fires (before and after cleaning). All three fire
blankets shall extinguish both fires.
1)
Marking BS 6575:1985 on or in relation to a product is a claim by the manufacturer that the product has been manufactured to
the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of such a claim is therefore solely the manufacturer’s responsibility. Enquiries as
to the availability of third party certification to support such claims should be addressed to the director, Quality Assurance
Division, BSI, PO Box 375, Milton Keynes MK14 6LO for certification marks administered by BSI or to the appropriate
authority for other certification marks.
2 © BSI 04-1999
16 Fire performance tests
16.1 Light duty fire blankets
16.1.1 Light duty fire blankets shall be capable of
extinguishing the smaller volatile liquid fire
described in Appendix E. Test three fire blankets
each once. All three tests shall be successful and the
fire blanket shall remain whole and not ignite
during the test.
16.1.2 Light duty fire blankets shall be capable of
extinguishing the smaller cooking oil fire described
in Appendix F. Test three blankets each once. All
three tests shall be successful and the fire blanket
shall remain whole and not ignite during the test.
16.2 Heavy duty fire blankets
16.2.1 Heavy duty fire blankets shall be capable of
extinguishing the larger volatile liquid fire
described in Appendix E. Test three fire blankets
each once. All three tests shall be successful and the
fire blanket shall remain whole and not ignite
during the test.
16.2.2 Heavy duty fire blankets shall be capable of
extinguishing the larger cooking oil fire described in
Appendix F. Test three blankets each once. All three
tests shall be successful and the fire blanket shall
remain whole and not ignite during the test.
17 Marking
17.1 Blanket
Each fire blanket shall be marked with the
following:
a) the words “fire blanket”;
b) the words “heavy duty” or “light duty” and
“reusable” as appropriate;
c) the manufacturer’s or vendor’s name and
address;
d) the information specified in 17.3 or wording
which relates the fire blanket to the container
and/or the instruction sheet;
e) the number and date of this British Standard,
i.e. BS 6575:19851).
 BS 6575:1985

17.2 Container d) the manufacturer’s or vendor’s name and

Each container, if used, shall be marked with the address;
words “fire blanket”, in white letters not less e) the model or other identification of the fire
than 15 mm high on a rectangular red background. blanket;
The letter style used shall be Helvetica Medium. f) the size of the fire blanket, in metres times
NOTE This requirement is in general agreement with the metres;
requirements for information signs in BS 5499-1 “Fire safety
signs, notices and graphic symbols”. Where containers are not g) wording to indicate whether the fire blanket is
used it is recommended that either the fire blanket be marked in reusable or should be discarded after use;
this way, or an information sign complying with BS 5499 be
supplied with each fire blanket, so that its stowage position can
h) washing or cleaning instructions (reusable fire
be indicated. blankets only);
17.3 Container or instruction sheet i) checking, maintenance and servicing
instructions including when to discard if
Each container, or instruction sheet for fixing near
damaged or contaminated;
to the stowage position of the fire blanket, shall be
marked with the following: j) the number and date of this British Standard,
i.e. BS 6575:19852).
a) the words “fire blanket” on the front;
b) the words “heavy duty” or “light duty” as
appropriate;
c) instructions for use preferably incorporating
pictograms on the front;

2)
Marking BS 6575:1985 on or in relation to a product is a claim by the manufacturer that the product has been manufactured to
the requirements of the standard. The accuracy of such a claim is therefore solely the manufacturer’s responsibility. Enquiries as
to the availability of third party certification to support such claims should be addressed to the director, Quality Assurance
Division, BSI, PO Box 375, Milton Keynes MK14 6LO for certification marks administered by BSI or to the appropriate
authority for other certification marks.

© BSI 04-1999 3
BS 6575:1985
Appendix A Preparation of samples,
conditioning, storage and sequence of
testing
A.1 Identification
A minimum of six (light duty) or seven (heavy duty)
fire blankets are required.3)
Identify and mark the fire blankets as nos. 1 to 6
or 7 and the two sides as a) and b).
A.2 Conditioning and storage
Condition fire blankets for testing for conformity
with the requirements of clause 14 for 48 h so that
they are in equilibrium with air at 20 ± 5 °C and at
a relative humidity of 50 % to 70 %. After
conditioning do not expose the blanket to air at
different temperature or relative humidity for
longer than 5 min before testing. Keep the fire
blanket in a sealed plastics bag or other
conditioning container until testing if it is necessary
to transport it any distance to the test site.
Store fire blankets for testing in their containers, or
in the recommended stowage condition for 24 h
immediately prior to the testing for conformity with
the requirements of clauses 10, 15 and 16.
A.3 Sequence of testing
Use any fire blanket as required for the
non-destructive examinations required in
clauses 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
Use fire blanket no. 7 for testing to clauses 12
and 13.
Use fire blankets nos. 1, 2 and 3 for testing to
clause 14 and subsequently to 16.1.1 or 16.2.1 in
the sequence 1 a); 2 b); 3 a). Test reusable blankets
only to clause 15 in the sequence 1 a); 2 b); 3 a);
then 1 b); 2 b); 3 a).
Use fire blankets nos. 4, 5 and 6 for testing to 16.1.2
or 16.2.2.
Appendix B Thermal insulation test
B.1 Principle
The extent of heat transfer through the fire blanket
material is assessed by placing a PVC skin simulant
directly beneath the test specimen, applying a
heated metal nut to the upper surface, and noting
damage to the skin.
3)
Where fire blankets are tested for compliance with clauses 12 and 13, manufacturers should submit one fire blanket, within their
size range, for testing. For testing in accordance with 16.1.2 or 16.2.2 manufacturers should submit their smallest size fire blanket.
Other fire blankets of larger size, but otherwise identical and within the limiting size and mass of clauses 4 and 5, from the same
manufacturer are accepted as complying with this standard if the fire blanket submitted meets the specified requirements.
4 © BSI 04-1999
B.2 Apparatus
B.2.1 Template, in the form of a rigid
rectangle 450 mm square with 16 holes, 2 mm
diameter arranged as shown in Figure 1.
B.2.2 PVC skin simulant, as described in BS 6357.
B.2.3 Sample holder, consisting of a 400 mm square
metal frame made from 8 mm square steel with 16
pins, 15 mm long and 2 mm diameter arranged as
in Figure 1.
B.2.4 Mounting means to hold the sample holder
horizontal on a non-combustible board.
B.2.5 Hexagonal nut, of mass 30 ± 2 g of dimensions
M16 to BS 3692 and made from stainless steel 18/9,
grade 304S15 or 303S31 to BS 970-1.
B.2.6 Muffle furnace, capable of heating the nut
to 500 °C.
B.2.7 Tongs, not more than 500 mm long.
B.3 Preparation of specimen
Lay out the fire blanket without tension but free
from wrinkles or creases on a flat smooth surface.
Using the template (B.2.1) mark out and cut test
specimens as required, and mark the position of the
pins on the material. Prepare the same number of
pieces of PVC skin simulant (B.2.2).
NOTE Alternatively prepare a 220 mm × 170 mm test
specimen, using the template and sample holder described in
Appendix A of BS 6249-1:1982.
B.4 Setting up the frame
Fit the PVC skin simulant to the sample
holder (B.2.3), pushing the pins through with the
embossed side uppermost. Fit the test specimen in
the same manner ensuring that it is in intimate
contact with the PVC skin simulant.
B.5 Positioning the frame
Position the sample holder in a mounting (B.2.4) on
a non-combustible board so that the test specimen is
horizontal.
B.6 Heating the nut
Heat the nut (B.2.5) in the muffle furnace (B.2.6), to
a temperature of 450 ± 25 °C. The temperature
monitoring device shall be as close as possible to the
nut, so as to negate the effects of temperature
variation within the furnace.
 BS 6575:1985

B.7 Procedure Appendix D Electrical resistance test

Using the tongs (B.2.7), remove the nut from the
furnace and place it centrally on the test specimen D.1 Principle
within 4 s. Remove the tongs from contact with the The electrical resistance of the fire blanket is
nut, and leave it on the test specimen for 15 s and measured between a negative electrode formed by a
then remove it. Examine the upper surface of the steel or aluminium topped table and a flat
PVC skin simulant and the test specimen. rectangular conducting positive electrode.
D.2 Apparatus
Appendix C Hot cutting test
D.2.1 Table, with a steel or aluminium top.
CAUTION. Observe the standard precautions for D.2.2 Megohmeter, 500 V d.c.
the use of oxyacetylene equipment when carrying D.2.3 Flat rectangular conducting positive
out this test. Shield gas bottles and supply pipes as electrode, 450 mm × 150 mm of total mass 5 kg.
well as nearby combustible material from stray D.3 Procedure
sparks, and check the area after testing. Provide an
extraction system to remove fumes and gloves and Arrange the apparatus as shown in Figure 4. Lay
tongs for removal of cut metal. the fire blanket flat on the (D.2.1) and operate the
megohmeter (D.2.2) in accordance with the
Do not view the cutting operation for long
manufacturer’s instructions. Move the instrument
periods without eye protection. and the fire blanket as necessary then check the
C.1 Principle whole surface area of the blanket.
Sparks and other hot material from an oxyacetylene
cut in a steel bar are allowed to fall on the fire Appendix E Volatile liquid test fires
blanket material. Physical and heat penetration is
assessed by examination of the PVC skin simulant. E.1 Fuel
C.2 Apparatus The fuel shall be an aliphatic hydrocarbon of initial
boiling point not less than 88 °C and final boiling
C.2.1 Profile cutter4), with 1.19 mm nozzle and
point not more than 105 °C. It is not necessary to
suitable oxygen and acetylene supply.
use fresh fuel for each test provided that the initial
C.2.2 Cutting bar, 75 mm × 12 mm × 1 200 mm fuel temperature is 20 ± 5 °C.
long of bright mild steel (070M20 of BS 970-1).
E.2 Tray dimensions and quantity of fuel
C.2.3 PVC skin simulant and 400 mm square test
The dimensions of the welded 2 mm sheet steel
specimen, prepared and set up as in
circular cylindrical trays are given in Table 1. Use
Appendix B.
the smaller for testing light duty fire blankets, the
C.2.4 Mounting means, to hold the specimen holder larger trays for testing heavy duty fire blankets.
at 45° to the horizontal.
Table 1 — Tray dimensions and
C.2.5 Test cutting rig, as shown in Figure 2. quantity of fuel
C.3 Procedure Approximate
Fuel Tray Tray
Position the profile cutter (C.2.1) and motorized Designation volume surface area
diameter depth
of fire
carriage so that the cut will be along the centreline
of the bar (C.2.2), with the nozzle tip 7 mm from the L mm mm m2
bar. Adjust the acetylene gauge pressure Light duty 3 346 ± 5 100 ± 5 0.094
to 0.207 bar, and the oxygen gauge pressure fire
to 2.07 bar. Set the motorized carriage to give a blankets
cutting speed of 400 ± 20 mm/min. Check that the
Heavy 5 447 ± 5 100 ± 5 0.157
jets in the nozzle are clear of soot and metal spatter.
duty fire
Referring to Figure 3, commence cutting at the end
blankets
A of the bar with the shield in position preventing
sparks or debris falling onto the test specimen.
When the cut reaches B remove the shield. Stop the
cut at C. Examine the PVC skin simulant (C.2.3)
and the test specimen for damage.

4) Forinformation on availability of a profile cutter, apply to Enquiry Section (London), British Standards Institution, enclosing
a stamped addressed envelope for reply.

© BSI 04-1999 5
BS 6575:1985
E.3 Siting
Position the test tray on a 0.8 m high horizontal
metal table, not smaller than the fire blanket to be
tested and between 1.45 m and 1.8 m square,
equidistant from two opposite sides and so that the
distance from one of the other two sides (side A) to
the far edge of the tray is 900 ± 5 mm (see Figure 5).
Place the table in a room free from draughts, with
sufficient ventilation to allow the fire to develop
freely and to remove products of combustion.
Ensure that the ambient temperature is
between 0 °C and 30 °C.
E.4 Procedure
Place in the tray sufficient water (half the fuel
volume) to give an average depth of 15 mm. This is
to counter any irregularities in the base. Place the
fuel in the tray, after ignition allow the fire to burn
freely for 1 min, then apply the fire blanket under
test as symmetrically as possible to the fire from
side A of the table. Subsequently adjust the position
of the fire blanket as seems necessary from any side
of the table.
The fire is considered to be extinguished if no flames
are visible 3 min after ignition. Some fuel shall
remain at the end of the test, that is the fire shall be
extinguished not merely starved of fuel.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the necessity for taking
precautions to safeguard the health of personnel conducting the
tests against the risk of fire and inhalation of smoke or any toxic
products of combustion.
Appendix F Cooking oil test fires
F.1 Fuel
The fuel shall be an edible cooking oil with an auto
ignition temperature in the range 350 °C to 370 °C.
Fresh fuel shall be used for each test.
NOTE Edible soya bean oil which complies with CODEX
STAN 20-19815) or a rapeseed oil which complies with CODEX
STAN 24-19815) will meet this requirement.
F.2 Tray dimensions and quantity of fuel
As defined in E.2 and Table 1.
5) Published by the Joint Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations/World Health Organization, Codex
Alimentarius Commission, Via del Terme di Caracalla 1-00100 Roma, Italy.
6 © BSI 04-1999
F.3 Tray support stand
The tray support stand shall be of square
four-legged form, constructed of 25 mm × 25 mm
metal angle. The height shall be 140 ± 5 mm. The
square side shall be 240 ± 5 mm or 310 ± 5 mm for
the smaller and larger tray respectively, but the
diagonal dimension shall not exceed the diameter of
the tray used.
F.4 Siting
Position the test tray centrally on the supporting
stand shown in Figure 3, on a 0.8 m high horizontal
metal table, not smaller than the blanket to be
tested and between 1.45 m and 1.8 m square,
equidistant from two opposite sides and so that the
distance from one of the other sides (side A) to the
far edge of the tray is 750 ± 5 mm (see Figure 6).
Place the table in a room free from draughts, with
sufficient ventilation to allow the fire to develop
freely and to remove products of combustion. The
ambient temperature shall be between 0 °C
and 30 °C.
F.5 Procedure
Place the fuel in the tray, free of residue from
previous tests, and, using a gas burner centrally
positioned under the tray, heat the oil so that its
temperature, measured centrally, increases at
about 10 °C per minute and self-ignites
within 25 min to 35 min. Turn off the gas supply.
Allow the fire to burn freely for 2 min after ignition,
and then apply the blanket under test as
symmetrically as possible to the fire from side A of
the table.
Subsequently adjust the position of the blanket as
seems necessary from any side of the table.
The fire is considered to be extinguished if there are
no visible flames 17 min after ignition. Some fuel
shall remain at the end of the test, i.e. the fire shall
be extinguished and not merely starved of fuel.
NOTE Attention is drawn to the necessity for taking
precautions to safeguard the health of personnel conducting the
tests against the risk of fire, spillage of the hot oil and the
inhalation of smoke or toxic products of combustion.
 BS 6575:1985

NOTE The cutting template is 450 mm square with holes corresponding to the pin positions.
All dimensions are in millimetres.
Figure 1 — Sample holder in 8 mm × 8 mm steel bar

© BSI 04-1999 7
BS 6575:1985

Figure 2 — Typical arrangement for hot cutting test

8 © BSI 04-1999
 BS 6575:1985

Figure 3 — Arrangement of test specimen and cutting bar

© BSI 04-1999 9
BS 6575:1985

Figure 4 — Typical arrangement for the electrical test

10 © BSI 04-1999
 BS 6575:1985

Figure 5 — Typical arrangement for volatile liquid test fire

© BSI 04-1999 11
BS 6575:1985

Figure 6 — Typical arrangement for cooking oil test

12 © BSI 04-1999
 BS 6575:1985

Publications referred to

BS 970, Specification for wrought steels for mechanical and allied engineering purposes.
BS 970-1, General inspection and testing procedures and specific requirements for carbon, carbon
manganese, alloy and stainless steels.
BS 3692, ISO metric precision hexagon bolts, screws and nuts.
BS 5499, Fire safety signs, notices and graphic symbols.
BS 5499-1, Specification for fire safety signs.
BS 6249, Materials and material assemblies used in clothing for protection against heat and flame.
BS 6249-1, Specification for flammability testing and performance.
BS 6357, Method for assessment of resistance of materials used in protective clothing to molten metal splash.
CAC/RS 20:1969, Edible soyabean oil.

BSI certification marks

A licence to use the Kitemark or “Safety Mark” on or in relation to a product will be granted to any
manufacturer or producer who demonstrates that he can and will be able consistently to make that
product to the requirements specified in the British Standard product specification. His capability of
doing so is initially established by assessment of his production process, quality control organization and
test facilities against the required Part of BS 5750 “Quality systems”, and by testing the product against
all the criteria of the relevant standard. The licensee is required to document for BSI the Quality Plan
setting out his specific quality practices, resources and activities relevant to achieving compliance with
the product standard. BSI carries out unannounced inspection visits to the manufacturer’s works and
audit testing of the product, and may withdraw the licence for any failure of the manufacturer to comply
with the relevant standard. The presence of the mark on or in relation to a product is an assurance that
the goods have been produced under an independently assessed quality system and have been subject to
testing and the periodical inspection of the manufacturer’s works in accordance with the certification
trade mark regulations of BSI.

© BSI 04-1999
BS 6575:1985

BSI — British Standards Institution

BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing

British Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.

Revisions

British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of

British Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.

It is the constant aim of BSI to improve the quality of our products and services.
We would be grateful if anyone finding an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using
this British Standard would inform the Secretary of the technical committee
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