The Challenges of the Field Flame Test

While fireproofing items at a business location is one of the best preventative measures a business owner can take in regard to protecting it from fire, there are some limitations to this treatment. As a business owner, it is important to know that there is no treatment that can 100% guarantee that particular items are completely and absolutely flameproofed.  The treatments that objects undergo cause them to burn as slowly as possible, allowing individuals the maximum amount of time to safely exit and for the fire to be put out. However, fireproofing is still the best way to protect your establishment.  Once treated, the items will undergo a field flame test, and there are certain challenges associated with the test that you should be aware of.

When the test is being performed, there are a few things the field tester (the C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder, usually the flameproofing company that treated the items) should take into account. First, he should consider if the item has been handled through washing, dry-cleaning, etc. since it was treated. He should also make sure that the item was treated with FDNY-approved chemicals.  Finally, he should also consider the date when the item was last treated.

The field tester should also use his judgment about the size of the sample to test. In general, the bigger the fabric, the more accurate the test. However, with expensive materials, a large sample might be difficult to obtain. Also, the more samples obtained and tested, the more accurate the results.

The tool used to cut the fabric can also impact the results.  If a knife or razor is used, strings from inside the materials that haven’t been treated might be exposed, thus affecting the outcome.  Sharp scissors is the preferred tool to use when cutting samples.

Different fabrics also can react differently to the flame test. According to the NFPA, only 2 types of materials are totally foolproof and accurate – those that are made completely from noncombustible, inorganic materials or materials that are inherently flame resistant, or materials that easily ignite and burn. For all the rest, there are varying degrees of accuracy. The materials that produce the least accurate results are synthetic fibers and flexible laminates and films due to shrinking, curling, elongating, etc, when exposed to fire.

Another weakness to the field flame test is the organic material that can accumulate on the surface of the materials, such as dust and oil, which are highly combustible. Keeping environments clean can help the effectiveness of the flameproofing treatments; however, once items are washed or dry-cleaned, they need to be retreated.

Flameproofing is still the way to go when it comes to keeping your business property safe from the threats of devastating fire, even with its inherent limitations.  However, knowing the shortcomings can still help you stay protected and adjust accordingly. The more you are familiar with the process of flameproofing and the field tests that follow, the safer the public will be.

NYC Flameproofing is an expert in the field, and we are happy to use our knowledge and skill to keep NYC and the surrounding metro area safe from the threat of fire.  Please call us today with any questions and to discuss how we can serve your business: (800) 291-0904.

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