This guide is giving an overview to BS5852 and which part of the standard is required for who.

 

Information on the Code BS5852

BS 5852:2006 describes best practice methods to assess the ignitability of single material combinations, such as covers and fillings used in upholstered seating, or complete items of seating. These tests determine the effects of a smouldering cigarette, or other flaming ignition sources such as burning matches or a four-sheet full-size newspaper. This standard can be used to establish the potential ignitability of components in conjunction with other specified materials.

Source 0: smoldering cigarette

A cigarette is put along the crevice of the test rig and allowed to burn over its entire length. If no flaming or progressive smoldering is observed on both cover and interior material, the test is recorded as no ignition and the material passes the test.BS5852 - Part 1 - Simulated Match - Passed

Source 1: simulated match

A burner is lit, held along the crevice of the test rig for 20 seconds and then removed. If no flaming or progressive smoldering is observed on both cover and interior material, the test is recorded as no ignition and the material passes the test.

 

Source 5: wooden crib 5

A crib is composed of wooden planks, glued together. Lint is attached to the bottom. After adding propane-diol the crib is placed on the test rig and ignited with a match. If no flaming or progressive smoldering is observed on both cover and interior material, the test is recorded as no ignition and the material passes the test.

 

Where BS5852 Fabrics are Used

When working

 

The BS 5852 requirements specify that:

  • For Smoldering ignition:
    • any test specimen that produces externally detectable amounts of smoke, heat or glowing 60 min after ignition of the crib,
    • any test specimen that, on final examination, shows evidence charring within the filling more than 100 mm in any direction, apart from upwards, from the nearest part of the original position of the source.

 

  • For Flaming ignition:
    • any test specimen that continues to flame for more than 10 min after ignition of the crib,
    • any test specimen on which any flame front reaches the extremities of the specimen other than the top of the vertical part of the test specimen or passes through the full thickness of the specimen within the duration of the test.

 

Table 2: seven ignition sources of the BS 5852

 

Hazard Level Low Medium High
BS 5852 for upholstered furniture
Ignition source 0 and 1 Crib  5 Crib 7
Applications
  Domestic
Schools
Offices		 Public places
Public halls
Theatres
Restaurants
Cinemas		 Hospitals
Hostels
Sleeping accommodation

 

 

Pass & Fail Criteria: There are two principle areas considered here, progressive smouldering and flaming ignition. The pass/fail criteria vary depending on which ignition source is used, for this account only those relating to source 5 are described. Considering progressive smouldering first, the fail criteria are;

  • any specimen that displays escalating smouldering combustion so that it is unsafe to continue testing and requires forcible extinction.
  • any specimen that smoulders until it is consumed or that smoulders to the extremities of the specimen.
  • any specimen that produces externally detectable amounts of heat smoke or glowing 60 minutes after igniting the crib

Considering flaming ignition, the fail criteria are;

  • escalating flaming combustion where it becomes unsafe to continue testing and requires forcible extinction.
  • any specimen which burns until it is consumed within the test duration.
  • any specimen where the flame front reaches the specimen extremities (other than the top of the vertical part) or passes through the full thickness of the composite.
  • any specimen that continues to flame 10 minutes after igniting the crib.
  • debris falling from the test specimen causes an isolated floor fire which burns for more than 10 minutes after igniting the crib

 

 

References

https://www.fira.co.uk/images/FIRA-Flammability-Guide-PDF-with-links.pdf

https://search.ukas.com/#/tabbed/search?q=bs%205867

 

Where can I get my products tested for BS5852

When choosing a testing house the most important fact is that the certificate given is genuine and from a reputable testing facilty.

So step 1 is to ensure that the test is performed by a UCAS accredited site.

https://search.ukas.com/#/tabbed/search?q=bs%205867