The Field Flame Test, Step by Step

So you’ve done what’s required by law: you hired a flameproofing company to come to your business site to treat all required objects with flame repellents.  You should be good to go now, right? Well, not so fast. Another part of the flameproofing process is the field flame test.  This should have been done by the flameproofing company as well.  Even if the test was performed, how do you know it was performed correctly or that your objects passed?  Today, we’ll clear that up for you.

It’s only logical that an item is considered flameproofed if it actually is tested and can hold up under certain specified conditions.  Otherwise, it was likely a waste of time and money. Here’s what you should know about the field flame test.

The company that performed your treatment should perform the test as well, preferably with you as a witness to it.  This company needs to be a C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder, sanctioned by the FDNY; otherwise, procedures and affidavits are not valid. This is a vital step because if the wrong people perform the test, besides the fact that the results or affidavits aren’t acceptable, they could do further damage to your property and business site.

The test is a pretty simple procedure, but in order to yield accurate results, best practices need to be followed.

First of all, the entire piece that was treated does not need to be tested – only a sample.  A piece that is 1.5 inches by 4 inches is an ideal size.

Next, the location of the test is also an important factor.  If possible, the test should be outside, in a place that isn’t prone to wind or drafts.  Also, a portable fire extinguisher needs to be within 10 feet of the testing site.

Then, the test should commence in the following way: the sample is to be held vertically with tongs. A simple wooden match that you’d use in your kitchen should light up the sample in the center, at the bottom edge.  The match should be held against the fabric or object for 12 seconds before it’s removed.

If the item passes the test, the flame will move very slowly over the surface area of the sample.  There’s a time limit of 2 seconds for the sample to cease burning once the match has been taken away and is no longer in contact with it.  Additionally, the burning material won’t break off or drip from the sample and keep on burning if it is truly flameproofed.

The C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder actually is not the only one who is able to perform a field flame test.  In fact, a rep from the FDNY is allowed to come on site at any time and perform this test. In this case, what happens if an item doesn’t pass the check? Well, then that item needs to be taken down, removed from the location, have additional fire retardant treatments, and then undergo another flame test.  Only when the item has passed the flame test can a new affidavit of flame resistance be issued and then refiled with the FDNY.

As you can see, the field flame test isn’t a complicated process, but it certainly is a vital step in ensuring that your business property is properly flameproofed.  Business owners are encouraged to see for themselves that their objects and materials are indeed flame resistant.

NYC Flameproofing is a C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder and has been expertly treating objects and materials all over the Metro NYC area with flame repellents for over 60 years. We have used our fireproofing methods to contribute to the safety of the public through fire protection. We guarantee that all objects treated by our procedures will pass the flame test or will be treated until they do. We take pride in our work and count it a privilege to serve our community.

If you are in need of flameproofing treatments or have any questions or concerns, we would love to talk with you today.  Please call us and you can also receive a free, no-obligation estimate:1-800-291-0904

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