Abstract

This performance specification covers the design characteristics and associated test methods that relate specifically to the flame resistance of textile materials used in the fabrication of basic protection level occupational apparel worn by electrical workers who are exposed to momentary electric arc and related thermal hazards such as exposure to open flame and radiant heat. When evaluated in accordance with the test procedures enlisted herein, knit fabrics and woven fabrics of different fabric weights shall conform to individually specified values of the following properties: colorfastness such as laundering shade change, dry-cleaning shade change, and dimensional change; initial flammability characteristics and flammability characteristics after 25 washes/dry-cleaning such as char length and afterflame time; and arc test rating. Knit fabrics shall additionally be tested and adhere accordingly to bursting strength characteristics. Conversely, woven fabrics shall also be tested and adhere accordingly to breaking load, tear resistance, and seam slippage characteristics.

This abstract is a brief summary of the referenced standard. It is informational only and not an official part of the standard; the full text of the standard itself must be referred to for its use and application. ASTM does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents of this abstract are accurate, complete or up to date.

1. Scope

1.1 This performance specification covers the flame resistance of textile materials to be used for wearing apparel for use by electrical workers exposed to momentary electric arc and related thermal hazards.

Note 1This performance specification does not cover coated fabrics commonly used in rainwear.

Note 2At present, a bench scale arc test for laboratory use is not available. It is the intent of the committee to continue the search for an acceptable laboratory test based on either an electric arc exposure or an acceptable alternative, which will form the basis of a modification of this performance specification.

1.2 Materials used for basic protection levels are covered.

1.3 Protective properties relate to thermal exposure from momentary arc and associated exposure to open flame and radiant heat. (See Appendix X1.)

1.4 This performance specification covers wearing apparel design characteristics that relate specifically to protection from exposure to momentary electric arc and that relate to the utility of the wearing apparel.

Note 3A number of other thermal test methods are under consideration and development and, when evaluated and proved effective by Committee F18, will be incorporated in either this performance specification or an appropriate alternative test method or specification.

1.5 This standard should be used to evaluate and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions. It should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions .

1.5.1 The results of this evaluation may be used as elements of a fire-risk assessment that takes into account all of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

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

1.7 The following precautionary caveat pertains only to the test methods portion, Section 7, of this performance specification: 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

AATCC Test Methods

ASTM Standards

D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles

D434 Test Method for Resistance to Slippage of Yarns in Woven Fabrics Using a Standard Seam

D1424 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Fabrics by Falling-Pendulum (Elmendorf-Type) Apparatus

D2262 Test Method for Tearing Strength of Woven Fabrics by the Tongue (Single Rip) Method (Constant-Rate-of-Traverse Tensile Testing Machine)

D2724 Test Methods for Bonded, Fused, and Laminated Apparel Fabrics

D3786 Test Method for Bursting Strength of Textile Fabrics--Diaphragm Bursting Strength Tester Method

D5034 Test Method for Breaking Strength and Elongation of Textile Fabrics (Grab Test)

D6413 Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test)

F1449 Guide for Industrial Laundering of Flame, Thermal, and Arc Resistant Clothing

F1959/F1959M Test Method for Determining the Arc Rating of Materials for Clothing

Keywords

Thermal hazards; Wearing apparel; Electrical protective equipment--specifications; Flame-resistant (FR) clothing/materials--specifications; Electrical arcs; Electrical insulating materials--specifications ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.260 (Protection against electric shock. Live working)

DOI: 10.1520/F1506-10A

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM F1506