6.6 KiB
| title | chunk | source | category | tags | date_saved | instance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combustibility and flammability | 2/3 | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combustibility_and_flammability | reference | science, encyclopedia | 2026-05-05T10:52:07.365620+00:00 | kb-cron |
=== Furniture flammability === Flammability of furniture is of concern as cigarettes and candle accidents can trigger domestic fires. In 1975, California began implementing Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117), which required that materials such as polyurethane foam used to fill furniture be able to withstand a small open flame, equivalent to a candle, for at least 12 seconds. In polyurethane foam, furniture manufacturers typically meet TB 117 with additive halogenated organic flame retardants. No other U.S. states had similar standards. California had such a large market, manufacturers meet TB 117 in products that they distribute across the United States. The proliferation of flame retardants, especially halogenated organic flame retardants, in furniture across the United States is strongly linked to TB 117. When it became apparent that the risk-benefit ratio of this approach was unfavorable and the industry had used falsified documentation (i.e. see David Heimbach) for the use of flame retardants, California modified TB 117 to require that fabric covering upholstered furniture meet a smolder test that replaced the open flame test. Governor Jerry Brown signed the modified TB117-2013, which became effective in 2014.
=== Fabric flammability === Lightweight textiles with porous surfaces are the most flammable fabrics. Wool is less flammable than cotton, linen, silk, or viscose (rayon). Polyester and nylon resist ignition and melt rather than catch fire. Acrylic is the most flammable synthetic fiber.
=== Testing === A fire test can be conducted to determine the degree of flammability. Test standards used to make this determination but are not limited to the following:
Underwriters Laboratories UL 94 Flammability Testing International Electrotechnical Commission IEC 60707, 60695-11-10 and 60695-11-20 International Organization for Standardization ISO 9772 and 9773. National Fire Protection Association NFPA 287 Standard Test Methods for Measurement of Flammability of Materials in Cleanrooms Using a Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA) NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films NFPA 850: Recommended Practice for Fire Protection for Electric Generating Plants and High Voltage Direct Current Converter Stations
== Combustibility == Combustibility is a measure of how easily a substance bursts into flame, through fire or combustion. This is an important property to consider when a substance is used for construction or is being stored. It is also important in processes that produce combustible substances as a by-product. Special precautions are usually required for substances that are easily combustible. These measures may include installation of fire sprinklers or storage remote from possible sources of ignition. Substances with low combustibility may be selected for construction where the fire risk must be reduced, such as apartment buildings, houses, or offices. If combustible resources are used there is greater chance of fire accidents and deaths. Fire resistant substances are preferred for building materials and furnishings.
=== Non-combustible material === A non-combustible material is a substance that does not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable vapors when subject to fire or heat. Any solid substance complying with either of two sets of passing criteria, listed in Section 8 of ASTM E 136 when the substance is tested in accordance with the procedure specified in ASTM E 136, is considered to be non-combustible.
=== Combustible dust ===
A number of industrial processes produce combustible dust as a by-product. The most common is wood dust. Combustible dust has been defined by OSHA as: a solid material composed of distinct particles or pieces, regardless of size, shape, or chemical composition, which presents a fire or deflagration hazard when suspended in air or some other oxidizing medium over a range of concentrations. In addition to wood, combustible dusts include metals, specifically magnesium, titanium, and aluminum, as well as other carbon-based dusts. There are at least 140 known substances that produce combustible dust. While the particles in a combustible dusts may be of any size, normally they have a diameter of less than 420 μm. As of 2012, the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration has yet to adopt a comprehensive set of rules on combustible dust. When suspended in air (or any oxidizing environment), the fine particles of combustible dust present a potential for explosions. Accumulated dust, even when not suspended in air, remains a fire hazard. The National Fire Protection Association (U.S.) specifically addresses the prevention of fires and dust explosions in agricultural and food products facilities in NFPA Code section 61, and other industries in NFPA Code sections 651–664. Collectors designed to reduce airborne dust account for more than 40 percent of all dust explosions. Other important processes are grinding and pulverizing, transporting powders, filing silos and containers (which produces powder), and the mixing and blending of powders. Investigation of 200 dust explosions and fires, between 1980 and 2005, indicated approximately 100 fatalities and 600 injuries. In January 2003, a polyethylene powder explosion and fire at the West Pharmaceutical Services plant in Kinston, North Carolina resulted in the deaths of six workers and injuries to 38 others. In February 2008, an explosion of sugar dust occurred at the Imperial Sugar Company's plant at Port Wentworth, Georgia, resulting in thirteen deaths.
== Important characteristics ==
=== Flash point === A material's flash point is a metric of how easy it is to ignite the vapor of the material as it evaporates into the atmosphere. It is defined as the lowest material temperature required for fuel oils in the materials to begin to give off flammable vapors in a quantity high enough to support a flash of fire when ignited by an external source. A lower flash point indicates higher flammability. Materials with flash points below 100 °F (38 °C) are regulated in the United States by OSHA as potential workplace hazards.
=== Flame point ===
The flame point of a material is a temperature value at which sustained flame can be supported on the material once ignited by an external source. Once the flame point of a material is reached, it produces enough fuel vapors or oils to support continuous burning.