Citation

Hirschler MM, Piansay T. Fire Mater. 2007; 31(6): 373-386.

Affiliation

GBH International, 2 Friar's Lane, Mill Valley, CA 94941, U.S.A

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1002/fam.943

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The flammability of apparel worn on a person has one of the highest ratios of fire fatalities per fire, and there are few statutory requirements. A series of evaluations was conducted on the flammability of 50 fabrics (both cellulosic and thermoplastic) using the (now withdrawn) NFPA 701 small-scale test. The fabrics covered a broad range of areal densities (weights) and many were not intended for apparel. A series of conclusions were reached. In particular, it is apparent that the following primary correlation exists between fabric weight and flammability: the heavier the fabric the better it behaves in a fire. Secondarily, however, the type of fabric also strongly affects this conclusion. This paper presents the results of the testing and offers an analysis.