While we’ve made significant advances in the area of fire prevention and safety, there is such a thing as being too comfortable with a false sense of security. Everything in life has its limitations, and the same is also true when it comes to fire protection. There’s no system or method that anyone can declare as 100% guaranteed to prevent fires. And while flameproofing has made great strides in protecting a home or business from a fire raging out of control, it has its limitations also. Today we will discuss the limitations of flameproofing and the subsequent field flame test.
When it comes to flameproofing, it’s required by law for locations where the public gathers to have certain objects flameproofed - coated with or soaked in fire retardant chemicals - unless those materials are already deemed inherently flame resistant. Although fire protection is exponentially increased with this practice, it can’t provide 100% protection. What flameproofing does do is cause the object that caught fire to burn more slowly and prevents it from contributing to the spread and intensity of the fire. This measure creates time for people to evacuate safely as well as for the fire department to arrive to put out the fire.
There are other limitations to flameproofing as well. First, treatments have a shelf life; typically, they are good for about one year (in some cases, it could be up to 3). After that, objects need to be treated again. Also, once an item has been handled through washing or dry-cleaning, the treatment is considered ineffective. In that case as well, subsequent treatments are needed.
Once items have been flameproofed, they need to be tested for flame resistance by means of the field flame test. Here as well, there are some limitations to the test, especially if it is not performed to certain specifications. A sample piece to be tested should be 1.5” x 4”. If the sample is smaller, the results could be skewed. A bigger sample yields more accurate results. Having duplicate samples as well gives a better indication of flame resistance.
The tool used to cut the sample material also plays a role in the accuracy of the field flame test. When a knife or razor is used to cut, inside fibers of the materials which haven’t absorbed the flameproofing chemicals are exposed. A scissor is the recommended tool so only the exterior fibers will be tested.
Another limitation is the material itself. Each substance and material generates its own, individual reaction to flames. Flexible laminates or synthetic fabrics could shrink, curl, or elongate when flames touch those kinds of materials, which could impact the results of the test. On the other hand, non-combustible, inorganic inherently flame-resistant materials or ones that burn easily yield the most accurate results.
A final thing to consider in terms of flame test limitations is the organic particles on the surface of the items that were treated. This could include substances such as oil and dust. While having a space that is cleaned regularly can help with the build-up of these particles, they won’t disappear 100%. This also has an effect on the flameproofing treatments. Yet, on the other hand, if these materials are washed or dry-cleaned following treatments, they will need to be treated again.
Even though we’ve made great advances in fire prevention in our communities and neighborhoods, nothing is completely foolproof. It’s important for every community member to practice fire safety and be aware of the potential dangers of his or her surroundings.
At Queens Flameproofing, we are committed to doing our very best to keep our borough and the surrounding NYC areas safe from fire. If you have need of flameproofing treatments or have questions, call today. We’d be happy to speak with you and offer you a free, no-obligation quote: 800-972-5587.