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CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
Consumer Product Safety Commission
CFR Citation: 16 CFR Part 1610
NOTICE: RULES
DOCUMENT ACTION: Final rule.
SUBJECT CATEGORY: Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles
DATES: The rule is effective September 22, 2008. The incorporation by reference of the publication listed in this rule is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 22, 2008.
DOCUMENT SUMMARY: The Commission is amending its flammability standard for general wearing apparel, the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles, 16 CFR part 1610. The Standard, originally issued in 1953, has become outdated in several respects. The revisions better reflect current consumer practices and technologies and clarify several aspects of the Standard.
SUMMARY: Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles,
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
A. Background1. History of the Standard
The Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles, 16 CFR part 1610 (``the Standard'') dates back to the 1950s. Congress enacted the Flammable Fabrics Act (``FFA'') in 1953 (Pub. L. 8388, 67 Stat. 111). It specified a test, a voluntary commercial standard then called ``Flammability of Clothing Textiles, Commercial Standard (`CS') 191 53,'' to be used to determine if fabric or clothing is ``so highly flammable as to be dangerous when worn by individuals.''
When Congress established the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1972, it transferred to the Commission the authority the Secretary of Commerce had to issue and amend flammability standards under the FFA. 15 U.S.C. 2079(b). In 1975, the Commission published the FFA of 1953 at 16 CFR 1609 and codified the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles at 16 CFR 1610.
2. The Standard
The Commission's revisions to the Standard will update and clarify it. The Standard describes a test apparatus and the procedures for testing clothing and textiles intended to be used for clothing. It establishes three classes of flammability. The classes are based on measurement of burn time, along with visual observations of flame intensity. The classes are: Class 1 or normal flammability; Class 2 or intermediate flammability; and Class 3 or rapid and intense burning. Clothing and textiles that are categorized as Class 3 under the prescribed test method are considered dangerously flammable. 16 CFR 1610.4.
The Standard prescribes the method of testing to determine the appropriate classification. Five specimens are subjected to a flammability tester. This is a draftproof ventilated chamber containing an ignition medium, a sample rack and an automatic timing device. A swatch of each sample must be subjected to the dry cleaning and hand washing procedure prescribed by the Standard. To determine results, the average time of flame spread is taken for five specimens. However, if the time of flame spread is less than 4 seconds (3\1/2\ seconds for plainsurfaced fabrics), five additional specimens must be tested and the average time of flame spread for these ten specimens, or for as many of them as burn, must be taken. Classification is based on the reported results before and after dry cleaning and washing, whichever is lower.
3. The Products
The products regulated under the Standard are clothing and fabrics intended to be used for clothing. The Standard applies to all items of clothing, and fabrics used for such clothing, whether for adults or children, for daywear or nightwear. The Commission has other regulations governing the flammability of children's sleepwear, 16 CFR parts 1615 and 1616, that are more stringent than the general wearing apparel flammability standard. The revisions discussed in this notice would not affect the children's sleepwear standards.
4. The Risk of Injury
Fatalities where clothing was the first item ignited have declined from 311 fatalities in 1980 to 129 fatalities in 2004, the most recent year of available data. An average of 120 clothing firerelated fatalities occurred annually during 20022004. Population fatality rates increased with age. In addition, an estimated 3,947 nonfatal injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments annually (2003 2005). Among these nonfatal injuries, 25 percent were serious enough to require admission to a hospital (compared to 5 percent for all consumer products).
B. Statutory Provisions
Section 4 of the FFA sets forth the process by which the Commission can issue or amend a flammability standard. In accordance with that section, the Commission issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (``ANPR'') on September 12, 2002, 67 FR 57770. The Commission issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (``NPR'') on February 27, 2007 containing the text of the proposed rule along with alternatives the Commission has considered and a preliminary regulatory analysis. 72 FR 8844. Before issuing a final rule, the FFA requires the Commission to prepare a final regulatory analysis, and make certain findings concerning any relevant voluntary standard, the relationship between costs and benefits of the rule, and the burden imposed by the regulation. 15 U.S.C. 1193(j). In addition, the Commission must find that the Standard (1) is needed to adequately protect the public against the risk of the occurrence of fire leading to death, injury or significant property damage, (2) is reasonable, technologically practicable, and appropriate, (3) is limited to fabrics, related materials or products which present unreasonable risks, and (4) is stated in objective terms. Id. U.S.C. 1193(b).
C. Revisions
The changes to the Standard reflect changes in consumer garment care practices and will make the Standard easier to understand. These changes are discussed below.
Definitions. Some definitions have been revised and some new ones added to eliminate confusion. In particular, the meaning of the terms ``base burn'' and ``surface flash'' have caused confusion in interpreting and reporting test results for raised surface textile fabrics. These terms are now defined in the Standard. In addition, several other relevant terms and definitions have been added. These terms include burn time, dry cleaning, flammability, flame application time, ignition, interlining, laundering, long dimension, plain surface textile fabric, raised surface textile fabric, refurbishing, sample, specimen, and stop thread supply.
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Changes to the flammability tester. The test chamber prescribed in the current Standard uses a mechanical timing mechanism and is no longer available for purchase. Apparel manufacturers and testing laboratories currently use more modern flammability test chambers that incorporate electromechanical components to apply the ignition flame and measure burn time. (The Standard allows alternate procedures if they are as stringent as the specified procedure.) A variety of such testers are available from a number of manufacturers. The revision describes the critical parameters of a modern flammability test apparatus and provides diagrams. In 1982, CPSC staff conducted some work comparing the flame impingement time of the electrical test chamber to that of a chamber with the mechanical timing device and found that the electrical test chamber readings were comparable to and more consistent than the manual test chamber readings. The revisions expressly permit the use of electromechanical devices to control and apply the flame impingement.
Refurbishing methods. The Standard requires fabrics to be refurbished, that is, dry cleaned and laundered, one time before testing. The purpose of this requirement is to remove any nondurable solvent or water soluble treatment present on the fabric. It is not intended to replicate how the garment would be used or cared for by a consumer. Both the dry cleaning and laundering procedures prescribed by the current Standard are outdated. The Commission is revising these procedures to better reflect modern techniques for laundering and dry cleaning.
The method of dry cleaning that the current Standard prescribes uses perchloroethylene in an open vessel. However, perchloroethylene has been shown to cause cancer in animal tests, and use in this manner violates regulations issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Commission staff has not used this procedure since 1986. (The Standard allows alternate procedures if they are as stringent as the specified procedure.) Industry and independent laboratories have been using an alternative dry cleaning procedure provided in ASTM D1230, Standard Test Method for Apparel Flammability. This procedure uses perchloroethylene in a closed environment commercial dry cleaning machine for one cycle. The revision to the Standard prescribes a dry cleaning method based on the ASTM D1230 dry cleaning procedure.
The soap specified in the handwashing procedure in the current Standard is no longer available. Most detergents are now nonphosphate based due to environmental concerns. The revision sets forth laundering requirements based on those prescribed in American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (``AATCC'') 1242001, Appearance of Fabrics After Repeated Home Laundering. An earlier version of this test method was incorporated into other FFA standards in 2000. 65 FR 12924, 12929, and 12935 (March 10, 2000).
Test procedures. The revision reorganizes and rewrites the test procedure in a more logical stepbystep fashion to clarify the directions for selecting the surface or direction of the fabric to be tested, how to determine when testing five additional specimens is necessary, as well as how to conduct the flammability test.
Test result interpretation and reporting. The current Standard provides no codes to report complex test results consistently which can be a problem when classification is more complex. The revision clarifies the instructions for calculating burn times and establishing the occurrence of a base burn. By defining the terms ``base burn'' and ``surface flash'' in Sec. 1610.2, the revision provides further clarification for the reporting of test results for raised surface textile fabrics. The revision also specifies test result codes from CPSC's laboratory test manual. Uniform result codes will facilitate reporting accuracy and consistency, understanding of flammability performance, and resolution of test result differences among laboratories.
Subpart B and Subpart C. The Commission is also making changes to subparts B and C of the Standard. To reduce confusion, some provisions concerning procedures for conducting the tests that are currently in subparts B and C are moved into subpart A. This should provide a more cohesive and clearer standard. Subpart C is substantially the same, but some language has been clarified to make it more consistent with subparts A and B, and the section describing the history of the FFA and the Standard has been removed.
D. Response to Comments on the NPR
On February 27, 2007, the Commission published an NPR. 72 FR 8844. The Commission received eight written comments. These were mostly supportive and suggested minor editorial changes to the proposal. Specific issues raised by the comments are discussed below. 1. Laundering and Dry Cleaning
a. Comment. One commenter stated 60
Response. Staff reviewed the proposed water temperature for the
laundering portion of the section and agreed that the wash temperature
of 60
b. Comment. One commenter recommended allowing the use of a ``trial dry cleaner'' rather than a commercial dry cleaning machine.
Response. The dry cleaning procedure in the proposed rule is similar but not identical to the procedure specified in ASTM D1230 Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles, section 9.2.1, Option B. The ASTM D1230 refurbishing procedure was found by staff and ASTM Committee D13 (Textiles) to be as stringent as the procedure specified in 16 CFR Part 1610. Because the dry cleaning method specified in the current Standard is illegal to perform in the United States, the industry and the CPSC staff have been using the ASTM D1230 section 9.2.1, Option B for many years. Staff does not have any data to indicate whether the use of a ``trial dry cleaner'' would be as stringent as the refurbishing procedure in ASTM D1230. The amount of detergent to be used in the dry cleaning procedure will depend on the capacity of the machine; this information is provided with the machine manufacturer's instructions.
c. Comment. Three commenters disagreed with the specified ballast (80% wool fabric pieces and 20% polyester fabric pieces) in the proposal.
Response. Upon further consideration, the staff has decided to change the specified ballast to 80% wool and 20% cotton to be consistent with internationally recognized dry cleaning standards. [[Page 15638]]
d. Comment. Two commenters questioned the need to dry clean samples in a load that is 80% of the dry cleaning machine's capacity and suggested that the load should be 100% of the load's capacity.
Response. Staff concludes that the International Fabricare Institute's recommendation of 80% capacity is appropriate for proper dry cleaning.
2. Comments on Definitions
a. Comment. Several commenters made suggestions for changes to the definitions in the proposal. Three commenters requested clarification of ``base burn'' and one commenter suggested a change to the definition of ``long dimension.''
Response. Staff considers the proposed definition of ``base burn'' to be sufficiently clear. The definition includes specific burning characteristics that must be observed during and after each test in order to distinguish between a base burn at point of flame impingement and the type of base burn used to establish a Class 3 fabric, where the base burn starts at places on the specimen other than the point of flame impingement as a result of surface flash.
b. Comment. One commenter suggested changing the ``long dimension''
definition to ``the 150mm (6 inch) length of test specimen (cut with
the 6
Response. Staff does not agree because the long dimension is not always in the fastest burning direction of the fabric. For example, when preparing preliminary test specimens to determine the fastest burning direction of a plain surface textile fabric, the 6 inch length of each specimen will be in a different fabric direction.
c. Comment. One commenter requested that a definition for ``coated fabrics'' be added to section 1610.33(a)(2).
Response. Staff agrees and has added the definition for ``coated fabrics'' from ASTM D12303 Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles. 3. Comments on the Test Procedure
a. Comment. One commenter suggested that cotton fabrics, being hydrophilic, should be tested in standard humidity rather than be subject to the conditioning oven and dessicator at 0% humidity. The commenter notes the proposed conditions are more stringent than likely ``real world'' conditions and those specified in two international textile test methods.
Response. Staff realizes that cotton responds quickly to changes in humidity, but concludes that testing cotton and cotton containing fabrics under the more severe atmospheric conditions in the current standard provides a greater level of safety than testing under standard textile testing conditions. Therefore, the staff has not changed the conditioning requirements.
b. Comment. One commenter stated that the procedure for selecting test specimens in Sec. 1610.6(a)(3)(i), Raised surface textile fabrics(i) Preliminary trials is confusing.
Response. Staff has reviewed this language and concludes that this procedure is properly explained in the proposed rule; thus, the staff has not changed the language in the final rule. In addition, the commenter asked if there is a specific rate to be used when brushing raisedfiber surface textile fabrics. The Standard specifies only that the specimen be brushed at a uniform rate; no change was made in the proposal.
4. Comments on the Test Apparatus and Materials
a. Comment. Several comments were received on the test apparatus and materials. Several commenters on the ANPR discussed the need for testing laboratories to be allowed to use more modern versions of the flammability test chamber.
Response. In the proposed amendments the staff worked to achieve a balance between providing an appropriate description of the flammability test chamber, along with figures, without providing prescriptive requirements that would have limited the test chamber to a specific make and model.
b. Comment. In response to the NPR, one commenter asked that more detailed information on the flammability test cabinet be specified in the Standard.
Response. The final amendments provide additional details,
including manufacturing tolerances and descriptive language, which the
staff believes will be helpful but will not limit or discourage the use of modern equipment.
5. Comments on Exemptions, Reasonable and Representative Testing, and the Standard's Applicability to Specific Apparel Items
a. Comment. One commenter asked what the justification was for the 2.6 oz/yd\2\ exemption for all plain surface fabrics and asked for the historical information that formed the basis for the exemption. The commenter further requested that, if that information could not be provided, the exemption be lowered to 2.0 oz/yd\2\.
Response. This information can be found at 49 FR 242; December 14, 1984; 16 CFR part 1610 Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles; Requirements for Testing and Recordkeeping to Support Guaranties. No change has been made to the exemptions.
b. Comment. One commenter asked for clarification about the Standard's applicability to scarves.
Response. The proposed amendment, like the current 16 CFR part 1610, applies to scarves.
c. Comment. One commenter asked that the Standard provide further guidance on reasonable and representative testing.
Response. Guidance on developing a reasonable and representative
testing program was issued by the Commission in 1998 and can be found
at 63 FR 42697, August 11, 1998; Policy StatementReasonable and
Representative Testing to Assure Compliance with the Standard for the Flammability of Clothing Textiles.
E. Final Regulatory Analysis
Introduction
Section 4(j)(1) of the FFA requires that the Commission prepare a final regulatory analysis for a final regulation under the FFA and that it be published with the final rule. 15 U.S.C. 1193(j)(1). The following discussion, extracted from the staff's memorandum titled ``Final Regulatory Analysis of Amendment to the Flammability Standard for Clothing Textiles,'' addresses this requirement.
Potential Benefits and Costs
The clothing textiles Standard provides a minimum level of fire protection for articles of apparel worn by consumers. The amendments under consideration pertain to definitions and test methods, and are technical in nature. The amendments would not affect the substance or likely results of the performance tests in the Standard; the projected effectiveness of the Standard would neither increase nor decrease as a result. Thus, there would be no impact on the level or value of fire safety benefits (i.e., the reduced risk to the public of firerelated death, injury, or property damage) derived from the Standard.
The amendment to the Standard is not expected to increase costs to
manufacturers and importers of products that currently comply. These
firms have, for a number of years, been conducting compliance tests using
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methods and apparatus that would be allowed under the amendments.
Overall, the amendments, if issued on a final basis, would not likely
have any significant impact on apparel and fabric testing costs.
On balance, the technical amendments would have no significant impact on expected benefits or costs of the flammability standard for clothing textiles. The amendment would simplify testing requirements and allow existing practices among manufacturers and importers subject to the standard.
Alternatives
There is an existing U.S. voluntary standard for wearing apparel. This standard, ASTM D1230, ``Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles,'' contains performance tests that are virtually identical to those in the existing FFA standard, but that are presented in a standard ASTM format with somewhat different language on some elements. The Commission could opt to use the ASTM standard language instead of the language of the amendments. The language of the CPSC's amendments is, however, clearer and more complete than that of the ASTM standard. The ASTM alternative would have no significant economic effects.
An existing U.S. voluntary consensus standard for clothing textile washing procedures, AATCC Test Method 1242006, is incorporated by reference in the amended federal standard. An international standard (ISO) test method also exists for apparel dry cleaning procedures. The Commission could opt to incorporate the provisions of this international standard into the amended federal standard, but they are no more clear or comprehensive than CPSC's amendments. Again, this alternative would have no significant economic effects.
In summary, there are no readily available and technically feasible alternatives that would be significantly different from the Commission's amendments. Thus, no reasonable alternative would make the standard more effective or less costly.
F. Regulatory Flexibility Certification
As discussed in the NPR, this rulemaking will have little or no effect on small businesses in the textile and apparel industries because the revisions are largely technical, updating the FFA Standard to current industry practices. Therefore, the Commission concludes that the amendment will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
G. Environmental Considerations
Because the revision continues current industry practices, it is not expected to alter production processes or affect the amounts of materials used in manufacturing, packaging or labeling. Therefore, the Commission does not expect the revision to have any environmental impacts.
H. Executive Orders
Executive Order 12988 (February 5, 1996), requires agencies to state in clear language the preemptive effect, if any, to be given to a new regulation. The clothing standard amendment would modify a flammability standard issued under the FFA. The FFA provides, with certain exceptions which are not applicable in this instance, that no state or political subdivision of a state may enact or continue in effect ``a flammability standard or other regulation'' applicable to the same fabric or product covered by an FFA standard if the state or local flammability standard or other regulation is ``designed to protect against the same risk of the occurrence fire'' unless the state or local flammability standard or regulation ``is identical'' to the FFA standard. See section 16 of the FFA (15 U.S.C. 1203).
I. Effective Date
Section 4(b) of the FFA (15 U.S.C. 1193(b)) provides that an amendment of a flammability standard shall become effective one year from the date it is promulgated, unless the Commission finds for good cause that an earlier or later effective date is in the public interest, and publishes that finding. Section 4(b) also requires that an amendment of a flammability standard shall exempt products ``in inventory or with the trade'' on the date the amendment becomes effective, unless the Commission limits or withdraws that exemption because those products are so highly flammable that they are dangerous for use by consumers.
The Commission believes that a shorter effective date is in the public interest. The revisions reflect practices that industry and laboratories are currently following. Thus, the impact of the changes should be minimal. Moreover, making the clarifications in the revisions effective sooner than one year should be helpful to the public. Therefore, the revisions to the Standard become effective 180 days after publication in the Federal Register. As required by the FFA, products ``in inventory or with the trade'' would be exempt from the revised standard.
J. Findings
Section 1193(a) and (j)(2) of the FFA require the Commission to make certain findings when it issues or amends a flammability standard. The Commission must find that the standard or amendment: (1) Is needed to adequately protect the public against the risk of the occurrence of fire leading to death, injury or significant property damage; (2) is reasonable, technologically practicable, and appropriate; (3) is limited to fabrics, related materials or products which present unreasonable risks; and (4) is stated in objective terms. 15 U.S.C. 1193(b). In addition, the Commission must find that: (1) If an applicable voluntary standard has been adopted and implemented, that compliance with the voluntary standard is not likely to adequately reduce the risk of injury, or compliance with the voluntary standard is not likely to be substantial; (2) that benefits expected from the regulation bear a reasonable relationship to its costs; and (3) that the regulation imposes the least burdensome alternative that would adequately reduce the risk of injury. These findings are discussed below.
The amendment to the Standard is needed to adequately protect the public against unreasonable risk of the occurrence of fire. The Standard dates from 1953. In the past fifty years changes in technology and consumer practices have made some parts of the Standard obsolete. Through the years, some have found the Standard's terminology and organization confusing and difficult to follow. The amendment will better reflect the modern practices followed by industry and consumers, and modifications in the language and organization of the Standard will enhance its clarity.
The amendment to the Standard is reasonable, technologically practicable, and appropriate. The amendment essentially establishes in the Standard the practices currently followed by industry and testing laboratories. These changes should enhance the Standard's
reasonableness, practicability, and appropriateness.
The amendment to the Standard is limited to fabrics, related materials, and products that present an unreasonable risk. The amendment continues to apply to the same textiles as the existing Standard.
Voluntary standards. The Standard is similar to ASTM D1230 Standard
Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles in methods of testing
but significantly different in refurbishing procedures, terminology and criteria. The Commission believes that the
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amendment will provide better clarity to industry and testing
laboratories and therefore is likely to better address the risk of injury.
Relationship of benefits to costs. Because the amendment reflects current practices, both anticipated costs and benefits are likely to be negligible.
Least burdensome requirement. The amendment makes no substantive changes to the Standard, but only provides modifications that are necessary to update and clarify the Standard.
K. Conclusion
For the reasons discussed above, the Commission finds that amending the clothing textile flammability standard is needed to adequately protect the public against the unreasonable risk of the occurrence of fire leading to death, injury, and significant property damage. The Commission also finds that the amendment to the Standard is reasonable, technologically practicable, and appropriate. The Commission further finds that the amendment is limited to the fabrics, related materials and products which present such unreasonable risks.
List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 1610
Clothing, Consumer protection, Flammable materials, Incorporation
by reference, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Textiles, Warranties.
Therefore, the Commission amends Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations by revising part 1610 to read as follows:
PART 1610STANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY OF CLOTHING TEXTILES Subpart AThe Standard
Sec.
1610.1 Purpose, scope and applicability.
1610.2 Definitions.
1610.3 Summary of test method.
1610.4 Requirements for classifying textiles.
1610.5 Test apparatus and materials.
1610.6 Test procedure.
1610.7 Test sequence and classification criteria.
1610.8 Reporting results.
Subpart BRules and Regulations
1610.31 Definitions.
1610.32 General requirements.
1610.33 Test procedures for textile fabrics and film.
1610.34 Only uncovered or exposed parts of wearing apparel to be tested.
1610.35 Procedures for testing special types of textile fabrics under the standard.
1610.36 Application of Act to particular types of products.
1610.37 Reasonable and representative tests to support guaranties.
1610.38 Maintenance of records by those furnishing guaranties. 1610.39 Shipments under section 11(c) of the Act.
1610.40 Use of alternative apparatus, procedures, or criteria for tests for guaranty purposes.
Subpart CInterpretations and Policies
1610.61 Reasonable and representative testing to assure compliance with the standard for the clothing textiles.
FIGURE 1 TO PART 1610SKETCH OF FLAMMABILITY APPARATUS
FIGURE 2 TO PART 1610FLAMMABILITY APPARATUS VIEWS
FIGURE 3 TO PART 1610SPECIMEN HOLDER SUPPORTED IN SPECIMEN RACK
FIGURE 4 TO PART 1610AN EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL INDICATOR FINGER FIGURE 5 TO PART 1610AN EXAMPLE OF A TYPICAL GAS SHIELD
FIGURE 6 TO PART 1610IGNITER
FIGURE 7 TO PART 1610BRUSHING DEVICE
FIGURE 8 TO PART 1610BRUSH
FIGURE 9 TO PART 1610BRUSHING DEVICE TEMPLATE
Authority: 15 U.S.C. 11911204.
Subpart AThe Standard
Sec. 1610.1 Purpose, scope and applicability.
(a) Purpose. The purpose of this standard is to reduce danger of
injury and loss of life by providing, on a national basis, standard
methods of testing and rating the flammability of textiles and textile
products for clothing use, thereby prohibiting the use of any dangerously flammable clothing textiles.
(b) Scope. The Standard provides methods of testing the
flammability of clothing and textiles intended to be used for clothing,
establishes three classes of flammability, sets forth the requirements
which textiles shall meet to be classified, and warns against the use
of those textiles which have burning characteristics unsuitable for
clothing. Hereafter, ``clothing and textiles intended to be used for clothing'' shall be referred to as ``textiles.''
(c) Specific exceptions. This standard shall not apply to: (1)
Hats, provided they do not constitute or form part of a covering for the neck, face, or shoulders when worn by individuals;
(2) Gloves, provided they are not more than 14 inches in length and
are not affixed to or do not form an integral part of another garment;
(3) Footwear, provided it does not consist of hosiery in whole or
part and is not affixed to or does not form an integral part of another garment;
(4) Interlining fabrics, when intended or sold for use as a layer
between an outer shell and an inner lining in wearing apparel.
(d) Specific exemptions. Experience gained from years of testing in
accordance with the Standard demonstrates that certain fabrics
consistently yield acceptable results when tested in accordance with
the Standard. Therefore, persons and firms issuing an initial guaranty
of any of the following types of fabrics, or of products made entirely
from one or more of these fabrics, are exempt from any requirement for testing to support guaranties of those fabrics:
(1) Plain surface fabrics, regardless of fiber content, weighing 2.6 ounces per square yard or more; and
(2) All fabrics, both plain surface and raisedfiber surface
textiles, regardless of weight, made entirely from any of the following
fibers or entirely from combination of the following fibers: acrylic, modacrylic, nylon, olefin, polyester, wool.
(e) Applicability. The requirements of this part 1610 shall apply
to textile fabric or related material in a form or state ready for use
in an article of wearing apparel, including garments and costumes finished for consumer use.
Sec. 1610.2 Definitions.
In addition to the definitions given in Section 2 of the Flammable
Fabrics Act as amended (15 U.S.C. 1191), the following definitions apply for this part 1610.
(a) Base burn (also known as base fabric ignition or fusing) means
the point at which the flame burns the ground (base) fabric of a raised
surface textile fabric and provides a selfsustaining flame. Base
burns, used to establish a Class 3 fabric, are those burns resulting
from surface flash that occur on specimens in places other than the
point of impingement when the warp and fill yarns of a raised surface
textile fabric undergo combustion. Base burns can be identified by an
opacity change, scorching on the reverse side of the fabric, or when a physical hole is evident.
(b) Burn time means the time elapsed from ignition until the stop
thread is severed as measured by the timing mechanism of the test apparatus.
(c) Dry cleaning means the cleaning of samples in a commercial dry
cleaning machine under the conditions described in Sec. 1610.6.
(d) Film means any nonrigid, unsupported plastic, rubber or other
synthetic or natural film or sheeting, subject to the Act, or any
combination thereof, including transparent, translucent, and opaque
material, whether plain, embossed, molded, or otherwise surface treated, which is in a
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form or state ready for use in wearing apparel, and shall include film or sheeting of any thickness.
(e) Flammability means those characteristics of a material that
pertain to its relative ease of ignition and relative ability to sustain combustion.
(f) Flame application time means the 1 second during which the ignition flame is applied to the test specimen.
(g) Ignition means that there is a selfsustaining flame on the specimen after the test flame is removed.
(h) Interlining means any textile which is intended for
incorporation into an article of wearing apparel as a layer between an outer shell and an inner lining.
(i) Laundering means washing with an aqueous detergent solution and
includes rinsing, extraction and tumble drying as described in Sec. 1610.6.
(j) Long dimension means the 150 mm (6 in) length of test specimen.
(k) Plain surface textile fabric means any textile fabric which
does not have an intentionally raised fiber or yarn surface such as a
pile, nap, or tuft, but shall include those fabrics that have fancy woven, knitted or flockprinted surfaces.
(l) Raised surface textile fabric means any textile fabric with an
intentionally raised fiber or yarn surface, such as a pile, including flocked pile, nap, or tufting.
(m) Refurbishing means dry cleaning and laundering in accordance with Sec. 1610.6.
(n) Sample means a portion of a lot of material which is taken for testing or for record keeping purposes.
(o) Specimen means a 50 mm by 150 mm (2 in by 6 in) section of sample.
(p) Stop thread supply means No. 50, white, mercerized, 100% cotton sewing thread.
(q) Surface flash means a rapid burning of the pile fibers and
yarns on a raised fiber surface textile that may or may not result in base burning.
(r) Textile fabric means any coated or uncoated material subject to
the Act, except film and fabrics having a nitrocellulose fiber,
finish, or coating, which is woven, knitted, felted or otherwise
produced from any natural or manmade fiber, or substitute therefore, or
combination thereof, of 50 mm (2 in) or more in width, and which is in
a form or state ready for use in wearing apparel, including fabrics
which have undergone further processing, such as dyeing and finishing, in garment form, for consumer use.
Sec. 1610.3 Summary of test method.
The Standard provides methods of testing the flammability of
textiles from or intended to be used for apparel; establishes three
classes of flammability; sets forth the requirements for classifying
textiles; and prohibits the use of single or multilayer textile
fabrics that have burning characteristics that make them unsuitable for
apparel. All textiles shall be tested before and after refurbishing
according to Sec. 1610.6. Each specimen cut from the textile shall be
inserted in a frame, brushed if it has a raisedfiber surface, and held
in a special apparatus at an angle of 45[deg]. A standardized flame
shall be applied to the surface near the lower end of the specimen for
1 second, and the time required for the flame to proceed up the fabric
a distance of 127 mm (5 in) shall be recorded. A notation shall be made
as to whether the base of a raisedsurface textile fabric ignites or fuses.
Sec. 1610.4 Requirements for classifying textiles.
(a) Class 1, Normal Flammability. Class 1 textiles exhibit normal
flammability and are acceptable for use in clothing. This class shall
include textiles which meet the minimum requirements set forth in paragraph (a)(1) or paragraph (a)(2) of this section.
(1) Plain surface textile fabric. Such textiles in their original
state and/or after being refurbished as described in Sec. 1610.6(a)
and Sec. 1610.6(b), when tested as described in Sec. 1610.6 shall be
classified as Class 1, Normal flammability, when the burn time is 3.5 seconds or more.
(2) Raised surface textile fabric. Such textiles in their original
state and/or after being refurbished as described in Sec. 1610.6(a)
and Sec. 1610.6(b), when tested as described in Sec. 1610.6, shall be
classified as Class 1, Normal flammability, when the burn time is more
than 7 seconds, or when they burn with a rapid surface flash (0 to 7
seconds), provided the intensity of the flame is so low as not to ignite or fuse the base fabric.
(b) Class 2, Intermediate flammability. Class 2 fabrics, applicable
only to raisedfiber surface textiles, are considered to be of
intermediate flammability, but may be used for clothing. This class
shall include textiles which meet the minimum requirements set forth in paragraph (b)(2) of this section.
(1) Plain surface textile fabric. Class 2 is not applicable to plain surface textile fabrics.
(2) Raised surface textile fabric. Such textiles in their original
state and/or after being refurbished as described in Sec. 1610.6(a)
and Sec. 1610.6(b), when tested as described in Sec. 1610.6, shall be
classified as Class 2, Intermediate flammability, when the burn time is
from 4 through 7 seconds, both inclusive, and the base fabric ignites or fuses.
(c) Class 3, Rapid and intense burning. Class 3 textiles exhibit
rapid and intense burning, are dangerously flammable and shall not be
used for clothing. This class shall include textiles which have burning
characteristics as described in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this
section. Such textiles are considered dangerously flammable because of their rapid and intense burning.
(1) Plain surface textile fabric. Such textiles in their original
state and/or after refurbishing as described in Sec. 1610.6(a) and
Sec. 1610.6(b), when tested as described in Sec. 1610.6, shall be
classified as Class 3 Rapid and Intense Burning when the time of flame spread is less than 3.5 seconds.
(2) Raised surface textile fabric. Such textiles in their original
state and/or after refurbishing as described in Sec. 1610.6(a) and
Sec. 1610.6(b), when tested as described in Sec. 1610.6, shall be
classified as Class 3 Rapid and Intense Burning when the time of flame
spread is less than 4 seconds, and the base fabric starts burning at
places other than the point of impingement as a result of the surface flash (test result code SFBB).
Table 1 to Sec. 1610.4.Summary of Test Criteria for Specimen Classification
[see Sec. 1610.7]
Plain surface Raised surface
Class textile fabric textile fabric
1........................... Burn time is 3.5 (1) Burn time is
seconds or more greater than 7.0
ACCEPTABLE (3.5 sec seconds; or
is a pass). (2) Burn time is 07
seconds with no
base burns (SFBB).
Exhibits rapid
surface flash only.
ACCEPTABLE. [[Page 15642]]
2........................... Class 2 is not Burn time is 47
applicable to plain seconds (inclusive)
surface textile with base burn
fabrics. (SFBB).
ACCEPTABLE.
3........................... Burn time is less Burn time is less
than 3.5 seconds. than 4.0 seconds
NOT ACCEPTABLE. with base burn
(SFBB).
NOT ACCEPTABLE. Sec. 1610.5 Test apparatus and materials.
(a) Flammability apparatus. The flammability test apparatus
consists of a draftproof ventilated chamber enclosing a standardized
ignition mechanism, sample rack, and automatic timing mechanism. The
flammability apparatus shall meet the minimum requirements for testing as follows.
(1) Test chamber(i) Test chamber structure. The test chamber
shall be a metal, draftproof ventilated chamber. The test chamber
shall have inside dimensions of 35.3 cm high by 36.8 cm wide by 21.6 cm
deep (14 in by 14.5 in by 8.5 in). There shall be eleven or twelve 12.7
mm diameter (0.5 in) holes equidistant along the rear of the top
closure. The front of the chamber shall be a close fitting door with an
insert made of clear material (i.e., glass, plexiglass) to permit
observation of the entire test. A ventilating strip is provided at the
base of the door in the front of the apparatus. The test chamber to be
used in this test method is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 of this part.
(ii) Specimen rack. The specimen rack provides support for the
specimen holder (described in paragraph (a)(1)(iii) of this section) in
which the specimen is mounted for testing. The angle of inclination
shall be 45[deg]. Two guide pins projecting downward from the center of
the base of the rack travel in slots provided in the floor of the
chamber so that adjustment can be made for the thickness of the
specimen in relation to the test flame. A stop shall be provided in the
base of the chamber to assist in adjusting the position of the rack.
The specimen rack shall be constructed so that: It supports the
specimen holder in a way that does not obstruct air flow around the
bottom edge of the fabric specimen; and the fabric specimen is properly
aligned with the igniter tip during flame impingement. The specimen
rack to be used in this test method is illustrated in Figures 1 through
3 of this part. Movable rack: Refer to the manufacturers' instruction
in relation to the adjustment procedure to move the rack into the appropriate position for the indicator finger alignment.
(iii) Specimen holder. The specimen holder supports and holds the
fabric specimen. The specimen holder shall consist of two 2 mm (0.06
in) thick Ushaped matched metal plates. The plates are slotted and
loosely pinned for alignment. The specimen shall be firmly sandwiched
in between the metal plates with clamps mounted along the sides. The
two plates of the holder shall cover all but 3.8 cm (1.5 in) of the
width of the specimen for its full length. See Figures 1 and 3 of this
part. The specimen holder shall be supported in the draftproof chamber on the rack at an angle of 45[deg].
(iv) Indicator finger. The position of the specimen rack (described
in paragraph (a)(1)(ii) of this section) shall be adjusted, so the tip
of the indicator finger just touches the surface of the specimen. An
indicator finger is necessary to ensure that the tip of the test flame
will impinge on the specimen during testing. The indicator finger to be
used in this test method is illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 4 of this part.
(v) Ignition mechanism. The ignition mechanism shall consist of a
motor driven butane gas jet formed around a 26gauge hypodermic needle
and creates the test flame. The test flame shall be protected by a
shield. See Figure 5. The test flame is adjusted to 16 mm (0.625 in)
and applied to the specimen for 1 second. A trigger device is located
in the front of the apparatus, the pulling or pushing of which
activates the test flame impingement and timing device. Electro
mechanical devices (i.e., servomotors, solenoids, microswitches, and
electronic circuits, in addition to miscellaneous custom made cams and
rods, shock absorbing linkages, and various other mechanical
components) can be used to control and apply the flame impingement. See Figure 6 of this part.
(vi) Draft ventilator strip. A draft ventilator strip shall be
placed across the front opening, sealing the space between the sliding
door when in lowered position and the base on which the grid rack is attached. (See Figure 1 of this part.)
(vii) Stop weight. The weight, attached by means of a clip to the
stop thread, in dropping actuates the stop motion for the timing mechanism. The weight shall be at least 30g (1.16 oz).
(viii) Door. The door shall be a clear (i.e. glass or plexiglass)
door, close fitting and allows for viewing of the entire test.
(ix) Hood. The hood or other suitable enclosure shall provide a
draftproof environment surrounding the test chamber. The hood or other
suitable enclosure shall have a fan or other means for exhausting smoke and/or fumes produced by testing.
(2) Stop thread and thread guides(i) Stop thread. The stop thread
shall be stretched from the spool through suitable thread guides provided on the specimen holder and chamber walls.
(ii) Stop thread supply. This supply, consisting of a spool of No.
50, white, mercerized, 100% cotton sewing thread, shall be fastened to
the side of the chamber and can be withdrawn by releasing the thumbscrew holding it in position.
(iii) Thread Guides. The thread guides permit the lacing of the
stop thread in the proper position exactly 127 mm (5 in) from the point
where the center of the ignition flame impinges on the test specimen.
The stop thread shall be 9.5 mm (0.37 in) above and parallel to the
lower surface of the top plate of the specimen holder. This condition
can be achieved easily and reproducibly with the use of a thread guide
popularly referred to as a ``sky hook'' suspended down from the top
panel along with two Lshaped thread guides attached to the upper end
of the top plate of the specimen holder. Two other thread guides can be
installed on the rear panel to draw the thread away from directly over
the test flame. The essential condition, however, is the uniform height
of 9.5 mm (0.37 in) for the stop thread and not the number, placement or design of the thread guides.
(iv) Stop weight thread guide. This thread guide shall be used to guide the stop thread when attaching the stop weight.
(3) Supply for test flame. (i) The fuel supply shall be a cylinder of chemically pure (c. p.) butane.
(ii) The fueltank control valve shall consist of a sensitive control device for regulating the fuel supply at the tank.
[[Page 15643]]
(iii) The flow control device, such as a manometer or flow meter,
shall be sufficient to maintain a consistent flame length of 16 mm (\5/ 8\ in).
(4) Timing Device. The timing device consists of a timer, driving
mechanism and weight. The timer, by means of special attachments, is
actuated to start by connection with the gas jet. A trigger device
(described in paragraph (a)(1)(v) of this section) activates the flame
impingement, causing the driving mechanism to move the gas jet to its
most forward position and automatically starts the timer at the moment
of flame impact with the specimen. The falling weight, when caused to
move by severance of the stop thread, stops the timer. Time shall be
read directly and recorded as a burn time. Read burn time to 0.1
second. An electronic or mechanical timer can be used to record the
burn time, and electromechanical devices (i.e., servomotors,
solenoids, microswitches, and electronic circuits, in addition to
miscellaneous custom made cams and rods, shock absorbing linkages, and
various other mechanical components) can be used to control and apply the flame impingement.
(b) Specimen preparation equipment and materials.
(1) Laboratory drying oven. This shall be a forced circulation
drying oven capable of maintaining 105[deg]
(2) Desiccator. This shall be an airtight and moisture tight
chamber capable of holding the specimens horizontally without
contacting each other during the cooling period following drying, and shall contain silica gel desiccant.
(3) Desiccant. Anhydrous silica gel shall be used as the desiccant.
(4) Automatic washing machine. The automatic washing machine shall be as described in Sec. 1610.6(b)(1)(ii).
(5) Automatic tumble dryer. The automatic tumble dryer shall be as described in Sec. 1610.6(b)(1)(ii).
(6) Commercial dry cleaning machine. The commercial dry cleaning
machine shall be capable of providing a complete automatic drytodry
cycle using perchloroethylene solvent and a cationic drycleaning detergent as specified in Sec. 1610.6(b)(1)(i).
(7) Dry cleaning solvent. The solvent shall be perchloroethylene, commercial grade.
(8) Dry cleaning detergent. The dry cleaning detergent shall be cationic class.
(9) Laundering detergent. The laundering detergent shall be as specified in Sec. 1610.6(b)(1)(ii).
(10) Brushing device. The brushing device shall consist of a base
board over which a small carriage is drawn. See Figure 7 of this part.
This carriage runs on parallel tracks attached to the edges of the
upper surface of the base board. The brush is hinged with pin hinges at
the rear edge of the base board and rests on the carriage vertically
with a pressure of 150 gf (0.33 lbf). The brush shall consist of two
rows of stiff nylon bristles mounted with the tufts in a staggered
position. The bristles are 0.41 mm (0.016 in) in diameter and 19 mm
(0.75 in) in length. There are 20 bristles per tuft and 4 tufts per
inch. See Figure 8 of this part. A clamp is attached to the forward
edge of the movable carriage to permit holding the specimen on the
carriage during the brushing operation. The purpose of the metal plate
or ``template'' on the carriage of the brushing device is to support
the specimen during the brushing operation. The template shall be 3.2 mm (0.13 in) thick. See Figure 9 of this part.
Sec. 1610.6 Test procedure.
The test procedure is divided into two steps. Step 1 is testing in
the original state; Step 2 is testing after the fabric has been refurbished according to paragraph (b)(1) of this section.
(a) Step 1Testing in the original state.
(1) Tests shall be conducted on the fabric in a form or state ready
for use in wearing apparel. Determine whether the fabric to be tested
is a plain surface textile fabric or a raised surface textile fabric as
defined in Sec. 1610.2 (k) and (l). There are some fabrics that
require extra attention when preparing test specimens because of their
particular construction characteristics. Examples of these fabrics are
provided in paragraphs (a)(1)(i) through (vi) of this section along
with guidelines for preparing specimens from these fabrics. This information is not intended to be allinclusive.
(i) Flocked fabrics. Fabrics that are flocked overall are treated
as raised surface textile fabrics as defined in Sec. 1610.2(l). Flock
printed fabrics (usually in a pattern and not covering the entire
surface) shall be treated as plain surface textile fabrics as defined in Sec. 1610.2(k).
(ii) Cut velvet fabrics. Cut velvet fabrics with a patterned
construction shall be considered a raised surface textile fabric as defined in Sec. 1610.2(l).
(iii) Metallic thread fabrics. Metallic thread fabrics shall be
considered plain surface textile fabrics provided the base fabric is
smooth. The specimens shall be cut so that the metallic thread is
parallel to the long dimension of the specimen and arranged so the test flame impinges on a metallic thread.
(iv) Embroidery. Embroidery on netting material shall be tested
with two sets of preliminary specimens to determine the most flammable
area (which offers the greatest amount of netting or embroidery in the
150 mm (6 in.) direction). One set of netting only shall be tested and
the other set shall consist mainly of embroidery with the specimens cut
so that the test flame impinges on the embroidered area. Test the most
flammable area according to the plain surface textile fabric
requirements. The full test shall be completed on a sample cut from the area that has the fastest burn rate.
(v) Burnout patterns. Flat woven constructions with burnout
patterns shall be considered plain surface textile fabrics as defined in Sec. 1610.2(k).
(vi) Narrow fabrics and loose fibrous materials. Narrow fabrics and
loose fibrous materials manufactured less than 50 mm (2 in) in width in
either direction shall not be tested. If a 50 mm by 150 mm (2 in by 6
in) specimen cannot be cut due to the nature of the item, i.e. hula
skirts, leis, fringe, loose feathers, wigs, hairpieces, etc., do not conduct a test.
(2) Plain surface textile fabrics: (i) Preliminary trials. Conduct
preliminary trials to determine the quickest burning direction. The
specimen size shall be 50 mm by 150 mm (2 in by 6 in). Cut one specimen
from each direction of the fabric. Identify the fabric direction being
careful not to make any identifying marks in the exposed area to be
tested. Preliminary specimens shall be mounted and conditioned as
described in paragraphs (a)(2)(ii) through (iv) of this section and
then tested following the procedure in paragraph (c) of this section to
determine if there is a difference in the burning characteristics with respect to the direction of the fabric.
(ii) Identify and cut test specimens. Cut the required number of
test specimens to be tested (refer to Sec. 1610.7(b)(1)). Each
specimen shall be 50 mm by 150 mm (2 in by 6 in), with the long
dimension in the direction in which burning is most rapid as
established in the preliminary trials. Be careful not to make any identifying marks in the exposed area to be tested.
(iii) Mount specimens. Specimens shall be placed in the holders,
with the side to be burned face up. Even though plain surface textile
fabrics are not brushed, all specimens shall be mounted in a specimen holder placed on the carriage that rides on the
[[Page 15644]]
brushing device to ensure proper position in the holder. A specimen
shall be placed between the two metal plates of a specimen holder and
clamped. Each specimen shall be mounted and clamped prior to conditioning and testing.
(iv) Condition specimens. All specimens mounted in the holders
shall then be placed in a horizontal position on an open metal shelf in
the oven to permit free circulation of air around them. The specimens
shall be dried in the oven for 30
(v) Flammability test. Follow the test procedure in paragraph (c)
of this section and also follow the test sequence in Sec. 1610.7(b)(1).
(3) Raised surface textile fabrics(i) Preliminary trials. The
most flammable surface of the fabric shall be tested. Conduct
preliminary trials and/or visual examination to determine the quickest
burning area. The specimen size shall be 50 mm by 150 mm (2 in by 6
in). For raised surface textile fabrics, the direction of the lay of
the surface fibers shall be parallel with the long dimension of the
specimen. Specimens shall be taken from that part of the raisedfiber
surface that appears to have the fastest burn time. For those fabrics
where it may be difficult to visually determine the correct direction
of the lay of the raised surface fibers, preliminary tests can be done
to determine the direction of the fastest burn time. For textiles with
varying depths of pile, tufting, etc., the preliminary test specimens
are taken from each depth of pile area to determine which exhibits the
quickest rate of burning. A sufficient number of preliminary specimens
shall be tested to provide adequate assurance that the raised surface
textile fabric will be tested in the quickest burning area. Preliminary
specimens shall be mounted and conditioned as described below and
tested following the procedure in paragraph (c) of this section.
(ii) Identify and cut test specimens. Cut the required number of
specimens (refer to Sec. 1610.7(b)(3)) to be tested. Each specimen
shall be 50 mm by 150 mm (2 in by 6 in), with the specimen taken from
the direction in which burning is most rapid as established in the
preliminary trials and/or visual examination. Be careful not to make any identifying marks in the exposed area to be tested.
(iii) Mount specimens. Prior to mounting the specimen, run a
fingernail along the 150 mm (6 in) edge of the fabric not more than 6.4
mm (0.25 in) in from the side to determine the lay of the surface
fibers. All specimens shall be mounted in a specimen holder placed on
the carriage that rides on the brushing device. The specimens shall be
mounted with the side to be burned face up and positioned so the lay of
the surface fibers is going away from the closed end of the specimen
holder. The specimen must be positioned in this manner so that the
brushing procedure described in paragraph (a)(3)(iv) of this section
will raise the surface fibers, i.e., the specimen is brushed against
the direction of the lay of the surface fibers. The specimen shall be
placed between the two metal plates of the specimen holder and clamped.
(iv) Brush specimens. After mounting in the specimen holder (and
with the holder still on the carriage that rides on the brushing
device) each specimen shall be brushed one time. The carriage is pushed
to the rear of the brushing device, see Figure 7, and the brush, see
Figure 8, lowered to the face of the specimen. The carriage shall be
drawn forward by hand once against the lay of the surface fibers at a
uniform rate. Brushing of a specimen shall be performed with the
specimen mounted in a specimen holder. The purpose of the metal plate
or ``template'' on the carriage of the brushing device is to support the specimen during the brushing operation. See Figure 9.
(v) Condition specimens. All specimens (mounted and brushed) in the
holders shall be then placed in a horizontal position on an open metal
shelf in the oven to permit free circulation of air around them. The
specimens shall be dried in the oven for 30
(1) The refurbishing procedures are the same for both plain surface
textile fabrics and raised fiber surface textile fabrics. Those samples
that result in a Class 3, Rapid and Intense Burning after Step 1
testing in the original state shall not be refurbished and shall not undergo Step 2.
(i) Dry cleaning procedure. (A) All samples shall be dry cleaned
before they undergo the laundering procedure. Samples shall be dry
cleaned in a commercial dry cleaning machine, using the following prescribed conditions:
Solvent: Perchloroethylene, commercial grade
Detergent class: Cationic.
Cleaning time: 1015 minutes.
Extraction time: 3 minutes.
Drying Temperature: 6066[deg] C (140150[deg] F).
Drying Time: 1820 minutes.
Cool Down/Deodorization time: 5 minutes.
Samples shall be dry cleaned in a load that is 80% of the machine's capacity.
(B) If necessary, ballast consisting of clean textile pieces or
garments, white or light in color and consisting of approximately 80%
wool fabric pieces and 20% cotton fabric pieces, shall be used.
(ii) Laundering procedure. The sample, after being subjected to the
dry cleaning procedure, shall be washed and dried one time in
accordance with sections 8.2.2, 8.2.3 and 8.3.1(A) of AATCC Test Method
1242006 ``Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated Home Laundering''
(incorporated by reference at Sec. 1610.6(b)(1)(B)(iii)). Washing
shall be performed in accordance with sections 8.2.2 and 8.2.3 of AATCC
Test Method 1242006 using AATCC 1993 Standard Reference Detergent,
powder and wash water temperature (IV) (120[deg] * 50* F; 49* * 30* C)
specified in Table II of that method, and the water level, agitator
speed, washing time, spin speed and final spin cycle specified for
``Normal/Cotton Sturdy'' in Table III. A maximum wash load shall be 8
pounds (3.63 kg) and may consist of any combination of test samples and
dummy pieces. Drying shall be performed in accordance with section
8.3.1(A) of that test method, Tumble Dry, using the exhaust temperature
(150[deg] * 10 [deg]F; 66[deg] * 5 [deg]C) and cool down time of 10
minutes specified in the ``Durable Press'' conditions of Table IV.
(iii) AATCC Test Method 1242006 ``Appearance of Fabrics after
Repeated Home Laundering,'' is incorporated by reference. The Director
of the Federal Register approves this incorporation by reference in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. You may obtain a
copy from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists,
P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709. You may
inspect a copy at the Office of the Secretary, Consumer Product Safety
Commission, Room 502, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 20814
or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For [[Page 15645]]
information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202741
6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_ federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
(2) Testing plain surface textile fabrics after refurbishing. The
test procedure is the same as for Step 1Testing in the original state
described in paragraph (a)(1) of this section; also follow the test sequence Sec. 1610.7(b)(2).
(3) Testing raised fiber surface textile fabrics after
refurbishing. The test procedure is the same as for Step 1Testing in
the original state as described in paragraph (a)(3) of this section; also follow the test sequence in Sec. 1610.7(b)(4).
(c) Procedure for testing flammability. (1) The test chamber shall
be located under the hood (or other suitable enclosure) with the fan
turned off. Open the control valve in the fuel supply. Allow
approximately 5 minutes for the air to be drawn from the fuel line,
ignite the gas and adjust the test flame to a length of 16 mm (\5/8\
in), measured from its tip to the opening in the gas nozzle.
(2) Remove one mounted specimen from the desiccator at a time and
place it in position on the specimen rack in the chamber of the
apparatus. Thick fabrics may require adjustment of the specimen rack so
that the tip of the indicator finger just touches the surface of the specimen.
(3) Adjust the position of the specimen rack of the flammability
test chamber so that the tip of the indicator finger just touches the face of the mounted specimen.
(4) String the stop thread through the guides in the upper plate of
the specimen holder across the top of the specim
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT Mary Toro, Directorate for Compliance and Field Operations, Consumer Product Safety Commission, 4330 East West Highway, Bethesda, Maryland 208144408; telephone (301) 5047586; email mtoro@cpsc.gov.
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