Description

1.1 This practice deals with methods to construct, calibrate, and use full scale oxygen consumption calorimeters to help minimize testing result discrepancies between laboratories.

1.2 The methodology described herein is used in a number of ASTM test methods, in a variety of unstandardized test methods, and for research purposes. This practice will facilitate coordination of generic requirements, which are not specific to the item under test.

1.3 The principal fire-test-response characteristics obtained from the test methods using this technique are those associated with heat release from the specimens tested, as a function of time. Other fire-test-response characteristics also are determined.

1.4 This practice is intended to apply to the conduction of different types of tests, including both some in which the objective is to assess the comparative fire performance of products releasing low amounts of heat or smoke and some in which the objective is to assess whether flashover will occur.

1.5 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool, nor does it describe a test method for any material or product.

1.6 For use of the SI system of units in referee decisions, see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are provided for information only.

1.7 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.

Note 1–This is the standard caveat described in section F2.2.2.1 of the Form and Style for ASTM Standards manual for fire-test-response standards. In actual fact, this practice does not provide quantitative measures.

1.8 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. See also Section 7.

1.9 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.