BS EN 1021-2:2014

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Furniture — Assessment of
the ignitability of upholstered
furniture
Part 2: Ignition source match flame
equivalent

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BS EN 1021-2:2014 BRITISH STANDARD

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 1021-2:2014. It
supersedes BS EN 1021-2:2006 which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee FW/6, Flammability performance and fire tests for
furniture.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be
obtained on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary
provisions of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct
application.
© The British Standards Institution 2014. Published by BSI Standards
Limited 2014
ISBN 978 0 580 80943 9
ICS 13.220.40:97.140
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 31 October 2014.
Amendments issued since publication
Date Text affected
 BS EN 1021-2:2014

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 1021-2

NORME EUROPEENNE
EUROPAISCHE NORM August 2014

ICS 97.140; 13.220 40 Supersedes EN 1021-2:2006

English Version

Furniture - Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture

- Part 2: Ignition source match flame equivalent
AmeuWement - Evaluation de I’allumabilitb des meubles Mobel - Bewertung der Entzundbarkeit von Potstermobeln -
rembourrbs - Partie 2 Source d'allumage flamme Teil 2; Eine einem Streichholz vergleichbare Gasfiamme als
bquivalente a celle d'une allumette Zundquelle

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 28 June 2014

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions tor giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English. French. German) A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria Belgium, Bulgaria Croatia, Cyprus. Czech Republic, Denmark. Estonia,
Finland. Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France. Germany, Greece. Hungary, Iceland, Ireland. Italy. Latvia. Lithuania.
Luxembourg, Malta. Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal. Romania. Slovakia. Slovenia. Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Turkey and United
Kingdom

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITE ELROPEKN DF NORMALISATION
I l ROPAISC III S KOMITEK FOR NORMUNO

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2014 CEN All nghts of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref No EN 1021-2:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Contents Page

Foreword 3
Introduction 4

1 Scope....................................................................................................................... 5
2 Terms and definitions............................................................................................... 6
3 Criteria of ignition..................................................................................................... 6
3.1 Progressive smouldering ignition............................................................................. 6
3.2 Flaming ignition........................................................................................................ 7
4 Principle................................................................................................................... 7

5 Health and safety of operators................................................................................. 7

5.1 General.................................................................................................................... 7
5.2 Enclosure................................................................................................................. 7
5.3 Extinguishers........................................................................................................... 7
6 Apparatus................................................................................................................. 8
6.1 Test rig..................................................................................................................... 8
6.2 Test enclosure.......................................................................................................... 11
6.3 Clock........................................................................................................................ 11
6.4 Ignition source: gas flame ignition source 1, match-flame equivalent 11
6.5 Gas flow control....................................................................................................... 11
7 Preparation and conditioning.................................................................................... 12
7.1 Preparation................................ 12
7.2 Conditioning.............................. 12
7.3 Atmosphere for testing.............. 12
8 Test assembly........................... 12
8.1 General...................................... 12
8.2 Cover materials......................... 12
8.3 Upholstery filling........................ 13
9 Ignition source application ..13
9.1 Preparation................................ 13
9.1.1 General...................................... 13
9.2 Ignition source application •••••••••••••••••••••••••«••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••■• 16
9.3 Final examination...................... 16
10 Test report................................. 16
Annex A (informative) Guidance notes for designers and specifiers 18
Annex B (informative) Model test report form......................................................... .......20
Annex C (informative) Cleaning of a rig.................................................................. 21
Annex D (normative) Water soaking procedure...................................................... ... 22
D.1 Reagents................................................................................................... 22
D.2 Apparatus.................................................................................................. .22

D.3 Specimens................................................................................................. 22

D.4 Procedure.................................................................................................. .. 23

2
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Foreword

This document (EN 1021-2:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 207 "Furniture", the
secretariat of which is held by UNI.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by February 2015 and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by February 2015.

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.

This document supersedes EN 1021-2:2006.

The main changes in relation to the 2006 edition of EN 1021-2 are:

The standard has been aligned with EN 1021-1;

A tolerance has been added to the temperature of the gas flame;

Clarification of the gas supply required to production ignition source 1.

According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia. Cyprus, Czech
Republic. Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece.
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway. Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland. Turkey and the United Kingdom.

3
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Introduction

This European Standard is one of a series of standards concerned with the ignitability of upholstered furniture
using various ignition sources. The ignition source used in this European Standard is a gas flame equivalent
to a match flame.

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 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

1 Scope

This European Standard specifies a test method to assess the ignitability of material combinations, such as
covers and fillings used in upholstered seating, when subjected to a small flame as an ignition source.

The test measures only the ignitability of a combination of materials used in upholstered seating and not the
ignitability of a particular finished item of furniture incorporating these materials.

5
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

2 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.

2.1
progressive smouldering
exothermic oxidation, not accompanied by flaming, that is self-propagating, i.e. independent of the ignition
source. It may or may not be accompanied by incandescence

2.2
flaming
undergoing combustion in the gaseous phase with the emission of light

2.3
flammability
ability of a material or product to burn with a flame under specified test conditions

2.4
ignitability
measure of the ease with which a material, product or component can be ignited so as to flame or
progressively smoulder

2.5
ignition source
source of energy used to ignite combustible materials or products

2.6
outer cover
outer layer of the upholstery

2.7
inner cover
layer of material used between the outer cover and the upholstery filling whose nominal thickness is less than
or equal to 2 mm

Note 1 to entry: Any inner cover nominally greater than 2 mm thick is considered an upholstery filling

2.8
filling
main upholstery material contained by the outer cover and (if used) the inner cover which may consist of
several different materials, including any inner cover nominally greater than 2 mm thick

3 Criteria of ignition

3.1 Progressive smouldering ignition

For the purposes of this European Standard, all the following types of behaviour are considered to be
progressive smouldering ignitions:

a) any test assembly that displays escalating combustion behaviour so that it is unsafe to continue and test
and active extinction is necessary;

b) any test assembly that smoulders until it is largely consumed within the test duration;

c) any test assembly that smoulders to the extremities of the specimen, viz. upper or lower margins, either
side or to its full thickness, within the duration of the test;

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 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

d) any test assembly that smoulders after one hour from the application of the ignition source;

e) any test assembly that, on final examination (see 9.3) shows evidence of progressive smouldering.

NOTE In practice it has been found that there is usually a clear distinction between materials which may char under
the influence of the ignition source but which do not propagate further (non-progressive combustion) and those where
smouldering develops in extent and spreads (progressive combustion).

3.2 Flaming ignition

For the purposes of this European Standard, all the following types of behaviour are considered to be flaming
ignitions;

a) any test assembly that displays escalating combustion behaviour so that it is unsafe to continue the test
and active extinction is necessary;

b) any test assembly that burns until it is essentially consumed within the test duration;

c) any test assembly on which any flame front reaches the lower margin, either side or passes through its
full thickness within the duration of the test;

d) any flaming which continues for more than 120 s after removal of the burner tube.

4 Principle

To subject an assembly of upholstery materials to a gas flame ignition source. The assembly is arranged to
represent in stylised form a junction between a seat and back (or seat and arm) such as might occur in a
typical chair. The ignitability of an assembly is determined by applying a gas flame equivalent to a burning
match. The test method measures the ignitability of the overall composite of materials, i.e. outer cover, inner
cover, filling etc., as constructed on the test rig. The tests give an indication of, but cannot guarantee, the
ignition behaviour of the finished item of furniture. The results shall not be stated as being applicable to the
general behaviour of any individual component (see also Annex A).

NOTE Test specimens prepared from materials taken from furniture that has been used may give different results to
the same materials before use.

5 Health and safety of operators

5.1 General

The test method specified in this European Standard presents a considerable hazard; suitable precautions
shall be taken.

5.2 Enclosure

For safety, the test should be conducted in a non-combustible fume cupboard. If such a cupboard is not
available, a test enclosure should be constructed (see 6.2) so that the operator is protected from the fumes.

5.3 Extinguishers

Adequate means of extinguishing the assembly should be provided, bearing in mind that some combinations
may produce severe flaming during the test. A hand and/or fixed water spray which can be directed over the
burning area can be useful. Other means such as suitable fire extinguishers, fire blankets and a bucket of
water will assist.

In some cases smouldering may be difficult to extinguish completely and complete immersion in water may be
necessary.

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BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

6 Apparatus
6.1 Test rig

A suitable test rig is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. It shall consist of two rectangular frames hinged together
and capable of being locked at right angles to each other.

The sides and hinge edges of the frames shall be made from nominal 25 mm x 3 mm flat steel bar and shall
securely hold mesh steel platforms set (6 ± 1) mm below the top edge of the frames (mesh size should be
such that an open mesh area of approximately 15 mm2 to 150 mm2 exists).

The upper edge of the vertical frame and the front edge of the horizontal frame shall be steel end plates
450 mm x 65 mm x 3 mm to prevent the test filling moving during the assembly of the test specimen (see
Figures 1 and 2).

The internal width and height of the back frame shall be (450 ± 2) mm x (300 ± 2) mm and the width and depth
of the base frame (450 ± 2) mm x (150 ± 2) mm. A standard edging section may be used around the mesh
steel platform to give protection and greater rigidity.

The sides of the frame shall extend beyond the back of each frame to provide for the hinge holes and to form
the back legs. The hinge rod shall be of nominal 10 mm diameter steel, continuous across the back of the rig
and its axis (22,5 ± 0,5) mm beyond the back member of each frame.

8
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

x
12 3 4
k

J
/ 6

**
X

a)

5 3
Wfy,
//
//
//
m.
!

b) c)

Key
a) test rig
b) test rig with cover and fillings
c) vertical section
X detail of fitting cover to frame
1 filling
2 end plate of frame
3 cover
4 overlap 20 mm
5 clips
6 fold cover overlap under frame to touch the steel mesh supporting the filling and fasten with clips as below

Figure 1 — Test rig assembly

9
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres
A

3.

a
S

mi SI H w A
1.
i

«
11
i
s r
*

r'Vl

S
M
NOTE 1 Unless tolerances are indicated, dimensions are nominal.

NOTE 2 All parts are made of steel.

Key
1 end plate of frame 65 mm x 3 mm
2 edging section
3 expanded metal mesh size 28 mm x 6 mm (see 6.1)
4 side member of frame 25 * 3 mm
5 M10 bolt, nut and washers
6 0 10 hinge rod

Figure 2 — Test rig detail

The frames shall be lockable at right angles by a bolt or pin through each of the pairs of members forming the
back legs. The front legs may be welded across the front corners of the base frame. The height of the legs
shall be such as to leave a gap not less than 50 mm high between the base and frame and the supporting
surface.

10
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

For the tests, the rigs shall be sited within the enclosure (see 6.2) and the testing shall be performed in a
basically draught-free environment permitting an adequate supply of air and removal of smoke from the area
of the apparatus.

6.2 Test enclosure

The test enclosure shall consist of either a room with a volume greater than 20 m3 (which contains adequate
oxygen for testing) or a smaller enclosure with a through flow of air. Inlet and extraction systems providing an
air speed rate of less than 0,2 m/s in the locality of the rig provide adequate oxygen without disturbing the
burning behaviour.

6.3 Clock

The clock shall be capable of measuring for a period of at least 1 h with an accuracy of 1 s.

6.4 Ignition source: gas flame ignition source 1, match-flame equivalent

NOTE 1 This source has been designed to give a calorific output approximating to that of a burning match

A burner tube consisting of a length of stainless steel tube [(8 ±0,1) mm outside diameter,
(6.5 ±0,1) mm internal diameter and (200 ± 5) mm in length) is connected by flexible tubing to a cylinder
containing butane via a flowmeter, fine control valve, on-off valve (optional) and cylinder regulator providing
outlet pressure of nominal 2,8 kPa1>).

Where tubing of these dimensions is not readily available, stainless steel tubing of approximately similar
dimensions may be used provided that the 50 mm length at the flame’ end of the tube is machined to the
given size. To facilitate positioning the tube, a suitable handle may be fitted to it at least 100 mm from the
flame end of the burner tube.

A calibrated flow metre shall supply butane gas at a flow rate of (45 ± 2) ml/min at (25 ± 3) °C. The flexible
tubing connecting the output of the flowmeter to the burner tube shall be 2,5 m to 3 m in length with an internal
diameter of (7 ± 1) mm.

NOTE 2 This corresponds to a flame height of approximately 35 mm

6.5 Gas flow control

It is essential that the rate of supply of gas to the burner tube conforms to the flow rate specified Some
difficulties have been reported with the supply and measurement of the gas, particularly where the gas
cylinder has, of necessity, to be stored in an environment cooler than the defined test conditions and/or at
some distance from the test rig.

In these cases, and other situations where difficulties occur, it is important that there should be sufficient
length of tubing inside the controlled environment (10 °C to 30 °C) to ensure that the gas equilibrates to the
required temperature before flow measurement. One way to assist this is to pass the gas (before flow
measurement) through a metal tube immersed in water maintained at a constant temperature such that the
gas temperature at entry to the flow metre is (25 ± 3)°C, so that flow corrections for temperature variations can
be avoided.

Great care also needs to be exercised with the measurement and setting of the flow rate of the gas. Direct
reading flowmeters, even those obtained with a direct gas calibration, need to be checked when initially
installed and also at regular intervals during testing by a method capable of accurately measuring the absolute
gas flow at the burner tube. One way of doing this is to connect the burner tube with a short length of tubing
(about 7 mm inside diameter) to a soap bubble flowmeter, such that the upward passage of a soap film

1) 1kPa = 103 N/m2= 10 mbar

11
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

meniscus in a glass tube of calibrated volume (e g. a burette) over a known period of time gives an absolute
measurement of the flow.

7 Preparation and conditioning

7.1 Preparation

All outer covers and inner covers that have been chemically treated to reduce their ignitability shall be
subjected to the water soaking and drying procedure described in Annex D prior to being conditioned
according to 7.2. This requirement applies to all methods of treatment, including back coating, which are
applied to covers that are finished in all other respects. It does not apply when the cover material is
manufactured from materials that are formulated to be, or are inherently, flame retardant (e.g. fabric woven
from flame retardant yarns, PVC) provided it is not further treated as a finished cover material.

Where it is not known whether the material has been so treated or not, the water soaking and drying
procedure shall be carried out.

7.2 Conditioning

The materials to be tested shall be conditioned for at least 24 h immediately before the tests in the following
atmosphere;

— temperature: (23 ± 2) °C;

relative humidity: (50 ± 5) %.

7.3 Atmosphere for testing

The test shall be carried out in an atmosphere having a temperature between 10 °C and 30 °C and a relative
humidity between 15 % and 80 %.

8 Test assembly

8.1 General

The test assembly materials shall be representative samples of the cover, inner cover, filling and other
components, which may be used in a real assembly.

The test assemblies may be made up with identical matenals in the horizontal and vertical sections.

8.2 Cover materials

The outer cover (2.6) size needed for each test shall be

800 ,10°mmx650 10°mm

Any cover that has been subjected to the water soaking procedure shall be cut to these dimensions after the
soaking procedure.

The long dimensions shall be cut parallel to the machine direction. The cover may be constructed from smaller
pieces of material, provided that the location of the resulting seams does not occur within 100 mm of the area
likely to be affected by the test.

The cover shall have cut-outs 325 mm from one end on both sides. The cut-outs shall be positioned so that
when assembled on the test rig, the lay of the pile is down the back assembly and from the hinge to the front

12
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

of the base frame. The size of these cut-outs shall be approximately 50 mm base width x 100 mm height
x 25 mm top width.

Where an inner cover, 2.7 is used, it shall be cut to the same dimensions and in the same orientation as the
outer cover, for fitting to the test rig under the cover.

Some special products may consist of fabrics bonded to sub-layers of flexible padding etc. When these are to
be tested, the material shall be cut to the cover size. The lower layers shall be considered to be part of the
filling (see 8.3) and the thickness reduced to ensure the total thickness complies with the specification limits.

8.3 Upholstery filling

Two pieces of filling are necessary for each test, with the following dimensions:

a) one piece (450 ± 5) mm x (300 ± 5) mm x (75 ± 2) mm thick;

b) one piece (450 ± 5) mm x (150 ± 5) mm x (75 ± 2) mm thick.

The filling shall reproduce the upper 75 mm of the cushioning assembly except that the upper layer(s) shall
not be continued over and round the edges of the assembly.

Where the total thickness of filling materials (see 2.8) beneath the cover(s) exceeds 75 mm, the lower part of
the filling shall be removed to give a filling thickness of 75 mm.

Where the filling is less than 75 mm thick, the test assembly shall be built up to the required thickness by
adding a further layer(s) of the bottom material to the underside.

Some kinds of loose filling materials, e.g. foam crumb, feathers, may be evaluated by this test method. In
these cases the loose filling shall be built up beneath the covenng materials to reproduce the 75 mm thickness
of the assembly at a realistic packing density. Where necessary, a finer grid material or air-porous fabric may
be laid over the expanded metal of the test rig to retain the filling.

If the loose filling is enclosed in an inner cover (or ticking), it is acceptable to make up two bags of inner cover
material, suitably filled and to the overall dimensions given above for use as the upholstery filling beneath the
cover(s).

The method is unsuitable and cannot be used with composites where the loose filling material flows out of the
assembly during the test and either extinguishes, moves, or adversely affects the burning of the ignition
source.

9 Ignition source application

9.1 Preparation

9.1.1 General

The application of the ignition source should be within 20 min of removing the test materials from the
conditioning atmosphere (7.2). If there is a significant distance between the conditioning room and the room
where testing is carried out. the materials should be protected against de-conditioning during transfer between
rooms. If possible, the assembly should be prepared inside the conditioning room.

9.1.2 Open out the clean test rig (see Annex C) and thread the cover and inner cover, if any. behind the
hinge bar.

9.1.3 Place the filling samples under the cover and inner cover, if any, locating them in the frame recesses.

13
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

9.1.4 Allowing a 20 mm overlap on the rear edges, fasten the fabric over the top and bottom of the frame
using at least 4 clips for each. The clips shall be at least 60 mm long and located at regular intervals on the
top edge of the vertical and the front edge of the horizontal parts of the test rig (see Figure 3).

NOTE This action places the cover under some tension and it may be found easier to carry out if the frames are
folded together to compress the upholstery partially.

9.1.5 Ensure that the cover and inner cover are secure and under even tension. Then lock the frames at
right angles by the bolts or pins. Readjust the clips on the top and the front to ensure that the cover, inner
cover and filling are in close contact with each other while maintaining the 20 mm overlap (9.1.4). Fold the
cover(s) over the filling at the sides and clip to the side frames, again allowing a 20 mm overlap and at least 1
clip on each side of the horizontal frame and two clips on each side of the vertical frame. Excess cover
materials at the corners should be folded back and clipped to the side frames (see Figure 3).

14
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Stage 1: With test rig opened out flat and

fillings in position, thread cover behind
hinge pin and clip to top and bottom of the
i frame. Raise the larger frame to the
I 'V
vertical position.
^'
I Nv
I

1
Stage 2: Lock frames at right angles. Fold
excess cover down and back to the sides
2
of the rig.
1

V2 /

Stage 3: Clip cover to sides of frame. Fold

corners down and back to sides of frame.
2 1

Stage 4 Clip corners to sides of frame.

Key
1 fold back
2 fold down

Figure 3 — Assembling materials on test rig

15
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

9.2 Ignition source application

9.2.1 Light the gas emerging from the burner tube, adjust the gas flow to the specified rate (see 6.4) and
allow the flame to stabilize for at least 2 min.

9.2.2 Within 20 min of removing the materials from the conditioning room, position the burner tube axially
along the junction between the vertical and horizontal parts of the test assembly so that the flame is not less
than 50 mm from one of the side edges and simultaneously start the clock.

9.2.3 Allow the gas to burn for a period of (15 ± 1)s, then terminate the ignition process by carefully
removing the burner tube from the test piece.

9.2.4 Observe the progress of combustion, and record any evidence of progressive smouldering or flaming
in the interior and/or cover. Disregard any flames or smouldering that cease within 120 s of the removal of the
burner tube.

9.2.5 If progressive smouldering ignition (see 3.1 a), b). c), d)) or flaming ignition (see 3.2) of the upholstery
components is observed, extinguish the test assembly and record this. In these circumstances discontinue
testing and complete the test report (see Clause 10).

If progressive smouldering ignition or flaming ignition is not observed, repeat the test in a fresh position not
less than 50 mm from the opposite side edge of the test assembly and from any marks left by any previous
tests.

9.2.6 If progressive smouldering ignition (see 3.1 a), b). c), d)) or flaming ignition (see 3.2) is observed in
the second test, extinguish the test assembly and record this. Discontinue testing and complete the test report
(see Clause 10).

If progressive smouldering ignition (see 3.1 a), b), c), d)) or flaming ignition (see 3.2) is not observed in this
retest, repeat the test a third time in a fresh position in the middle of the test assembly not less than 50 mm
from any previous test damage.

9.2.7 If progressive smouldering ignition or flaming ignition is observed in the third test, extinguish the test
assembly and record this. Discontinue testing and complete the test report (see Clause 10).

If progressive smouldering ignition or flame ignition is not observed in this third test, record this and carry out
the final examination (see 9.3).

9.3 Final examination

Cases of progressive smouldering ignition undetected from the outside have been reported. Immediately after
completion of the test programme on the assembly, dismantle it and examine it internally for progressive
smouldering ignition (see 3.1 e)). If this is found, extinguish the test assembly, and record a failed result and
complete the test report (see Clause 10). For safety reasons ensure that all smouldering has ceased before
the rig is left unattended.

If no internal progressive smouldering ignition is found, record non-ignition and complete the test report (see
Clause 10).

10 Test report

The test report, of which the form shown in Annex B is an example, shall give the following information:

a) reference to this European Standard, i.e. EN 1021-2;

b) description of the materials tested:

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 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

c) whether or not the water soaking procedure was carried out on the cover(s);

d) whether ignition or non-ignition occurred in each test. If ignition occurred with at least one of the flame
applications, the overall result is taken as ignition;

e) if ignition occurred, whether it was progressive smouldering ignition or flaming ignition, and the
measurements or observations relevant to the criteria for ignition.

The report shall also include the words ‘The above test results relate only to the ignitability of the combination
of materials under the particular conditions of test; they are not intended as a means of assessing the full
potential fire hazard of the materials in use."

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BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Annex A
(informative)

Guidance notes for designers and specifiers

A.1 This European Standard specifies methods for examining the ignitability, in defined circumstances, of
an assembly of upholstery materials. These matehals are combined together in a way intended to be
generally representative of their end use in upholstered seating and the ignition sources are selected so that
most may be related to everyday sources.

Thus the potential ignitability of a particular cover, filling and inner cover in combination can be assessed.

However, there are two important limitations, as follows.

a) the tests are concerned only with ignitability and any controls of fire hazard have to consider, in addition,
other aspects of fire performance such as rate of fire development, heat output, rate and quantity of
smoke production and toxic gas evolution. Ideally, any attempts to reduce ignitability ought not to affect
these other properties adversely:

b) the limitation detailed in Clause 1 occurs because design features of the furniture can greatly affect its fire
properties, any ignitability tests of a piece of furniture would therefore need to be carried out on the actual
item and not on component materials or mock-ups. However, limited information on ignitability, more
specifically related to an intended design, may be obtained as indicated in A.2 and A.3.

A.2 All ornamental edging and other decoration are removed from the material to be tested.

If an item of furniture does not have an upholstered back and upholstered arm rests, the materials in the test
rig are mounted as if the item had an upholstered back composed of the same matenal as used in the seat.

If an item of furniture has an upholstered back and upholstered arm rests, but not an upholstered seat, the
material in the test rig is mounted as if the item had an upholstered seat composed of the same material as
used in the back or arm rests. This applies if the seat is in contact with the upholstered parts of the back or
arm rests. If a part (seat, arm rests or back) of an item of furniture is upholstered and covered in a different
material from that used in the rest of the item of furniture, each part is tested as if the entire item of furniture
had been upholstered and covered with these materials. This does not apply to upholstered parts that have
been tested already.

If decorative seams or stitches are included as part of the design of the fabric, at least one such seam need to
be included in each test. The seam is placed so as to cross the intersection between seat and back at an
approximate right-angle, and is placed so as to be located at least 50 mm from the nearest edge. The ignition
source is placed so that it crosses the seam at the angle between seat and back.

A.3 This European Standard specifies laboratory tests for an assembly of materials. They give an indication
of, but cannot guarantee, the ignition behaviour of the finished item of furniture. Where more specific
information is required, for example tip-up seats or in critical areas of end use, the principles may be applied
to complete items or sub-assemblies of furniture or to suitably modified test assemblies, some examples of
which are given below. In such cases the source described in 6.4 may be applied at positions which, as a
general rule, correspond to those where the hazard of ignition occurs in use.

EXAMPLE 1 If a chair has a gap between the seat and back cushions, the placing of ignition sources in the angle of
the test apparatus is inappropriate Instead, face ignition, where the source is placed on the horizontal and vertical
surfaces, is more meaningful

18
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

EXAMPLE 2 The test apparatus may be used to model the junction of any vertical and horizontal surfaces so that both
arm and back constructions, if different, may be tested separately in conjunction with the seat.

EXAMPLE 3 The use of different materials in a back and seat of a chair may be reproduced in the test, two different
cover fabrics being joined by sewing or with staples behind the hinge bar.

A.4 The ability of cover material to provide protection against ignition can be indicated by testing it in a
combination with a substrate of known flammability. Similarly, the role of a filling can be established by using it
in conjunction with covers with different types of behaviour. Such information about the individual materials
does not eliminate the need to test the actual combination, but it can help in the short-listing of material
combinations and so reduce the overall amount of testing required.

19
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Annex B
(informative)

Model test report form

Issuing authority Test No.

Sample Date Company

Test report in accordance with EN 1021-2 (confidential)

Assessment of ignitability: Ignition source: match flame equivalent

Materials tested

A water soaking procedure was/was not carried out on the cover because

Test results (non-ignition, smouldering ignition, flaming ignition):

Match flame Comments

equivalent
1 2 3
Smouldering criteria
Unsafe escalating combustion (3.1 a)
Test assembly consumed (3.1 b)
Smoulders to extremities (3.1 c)
Smoulders through thickness (3.1 c)
Smoulders more than 1 hour (3.1 d)
In the final examination, presence of
progressive smouldering (3 1 e)
Flaming criteria
Unsafe escalating combustion (3.2 a)
Test assembly consumed (3.2 b)
Flames to extremities (3.2 c)
Flames through thickness (3.2c)
Flames longer than 120 s (3.2d)

‘Enter YES' if criteria exceeded or NO' if criteria not exceeded

Signed:.................................................................................................................................................................
(Any extraordinary events should be reported overleaf)
The above test results relate only to the ignitability of the combination of materials under the particular
conditions of test; they are not intended as a means of assessing the full potential fire hazard of the materials
in use.

20
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Annex C
(informative)

Cleaning of a rig

It is important that the rig should be kept clean to ensure that test assemblies do not become contaminated
with the residues left from earlier tests. It is particularly important that the hinge bar shall be kept clean. This
may be facilitated by using a hinge bar which can be removed to minimize contamination as well as to aid
cleaning. A hinge bar which is held in place by split pins has been found to be acceptable.

Cleaning of the test rig can be done with solvents or by burning the residues off the rig. Care needs to be
taken to ensure that the rig does not become distorted when removing residues by burning. When solvents
are used, care should be taken to prevent test assemblies becoming contaminated with solvents. Normal
safety procedures should be followed, particularly when flammable and/or toxic solvents are being used.

21
BSEN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

Annex D
(normative)

Water soaking procedure

D.1 Reagents

D.1.1 Water

A supply of water with a degree of hardness of 8 dH to 10 dH (80 mg/1 CaO to 100 mg/1 CaO).

If the water is harder than 10 dH, demineralised water shall be added until the required degree of hardness is
achieved. The quantity of demineralised water to be added to 1 I of water with a degree of hardness D
(>10 dH) is

(D - 9)/9 I

EXAMPLE 1 To 5 I water with a degree of hardness 13.4 dH. 5 * (13.4 - 9)/9 = 2.44 I demineralised water needs to be
added to obtain 7.44 I water with a degree of hardness of 9 dH

If the water is softer than 8 dH. salts needs to be added in order to increase the hardness. Two solutions need to be
prepared:

Solution I:

Dissolve 3,91 g calcium chloride (CaCl2'6H20) in 1 I demineralised or distilled water

Solution II:

Dissolve 3.00 g sodium bicarbonate (NaHCOs) in 1 I demineralised or distilled water.

The quantity of these two solutions to be added to 1 I water of a degree of hardness of D(<8 dH). is

12.2 (9 - D) ml

EXAMPLE 2 To 101 water with a degree of hardness 7.0 dH. 10 * 12.2 (9 - 7) = 244 ml of solution I and an equal
amount of solution II need to be added to obtain 10,4881 water with a degree of hardness of 9 dH.

D.1.2 Wetting agent

Any non-ionic wetting agent.

NOTE The exact nature of this reagent is not critical.

D.2 Apparatus

Flat bottomed dish of sufficient size to enable the test specimens to be completely immersed.

D.3 Specimens

Use sufficient cover material to permit subsequent preparation of a test specimen of the dimensions descnbed
in 8.2.

NOTE Depending on the dimensions of the flat bottomed dish (D.2) the specimen may require folding.

22
 BS EN 1021-2:2014
EN 1021-2:2014 (E)

D.4 Procedure

Using a liquor ratio (sample mass: water mass) of 1:20. completely immerse each specimen in water (D.1.1)
containing 0.5 g/l of non-ionic wetting agent (D.1.2) in the flat-bottomed dish (D.2) at an initial temperature of
(40 ± 1) °C. Ensure the specimen remains completely immersed.

After 30 min, remove the specimen, rinse in water (D.1.1) using a liquor ratio of 1:20 for 2 min and then dry
the specimen by hanging it vertically from the shorter edge nearest to the cut outs so that it is not in contact
with other specimens, materials or surfaces. After drying it shall then be conditioned for a minimum of 24 h at
23 °C/50 % RH. If the specimen has been folded during immersion, refold before rinsing.

Drying time will vary with different covers but a time of 48 h in indoor ambient conditions should be satisfactory
for most fabrics.

23
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