When most people think of flameproofing, they usually think about the flameproofing process itself - having items and materials soaked or coated with fire retardants. But did you know that’s really just Step 1? There’s a second part to flameproofing that’s just as important as the first - and that’s the field flame test that follows the flameproofing treatments. Today, we’re going to talk about what’s involved in this second phase of flameproofing.
It would only be logical to test the items that have been treated, right? It would be a silly waste of time and money for items to undergo treatments and not really be flameproofed. The field flame test ensures that treated materials are indeed non-combustible.
Following the flameproofing treatments, the flameproofing company will perform a field flame test. It’s recommended that you be there yourself to see the test done, so you know for sure that the treatments worked. Only a C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder can do the flame test in order that the whole process is FDNY-approved. The company you hire should be a holder of this certificate; this also authorizes them to issue you the needed affidavits as well.
While the field flame test isn’t long or complex, this is what should take place:
A 1.5” x 4” material sample should be tested. It's not necessary for the whole item to be tested.
When possible, it’s best to conduct the test outdoors, ideally in a location that isn’t windy or drafty. For safety purposes, a fire extinguisher needs to be located within 10 feet of the test site.
Tongs should be used to hold the sample vertically. Using a common wooden kitchen match, the tester should light the bottom center edge of the sample. The match needs to touch the sample material for 12 seconds before it’s taken away.
If the material is truly flameproofed, the flames will travel very slowly across the surface of the sample. There’s a 2-second limit where the tested material must stop burning after the match has been taken away. As well, material that’s truly flameproofed won’t break off in pieces or drip; it will stay intact.
Usually, a field flame test will be done by the flameproofing company. However, officials from the FDNY are authorized to do a random field flame test at any time. Should an item not pass this test, it needs to be removed from the premises and undergo flameproofing treatments until it does pass the flame test. New affidavits will be required as well.
This second part of the flameproofing process is just as important as the first. Not only is the field flame test required to obtain the appropriate affidavits, but it also serves to make sure that your business location is actually and truly flameproofed.
Queens Flameproofing holds a valid C-15 Certificate of Fitness and we are authorized by the FDNY to provide all aspects of flameproofing - the treatments as well as the field flame test. We also can issue the necessary affidavits. We have been serving the Metro NYC area for over 50 years, and we would be happy to provide our services to your business as well.
If you have concerns or questions or would like a free, no-obligation quote, please call us today! We looking forward to speaking with you! 800-972-5587