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1.1 This test method covers the evaluation of the flammability of textile fabrics as they reach the consumer for apparel items other than children's sleepwear or protective clothing.

1.2 This test method is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.3 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard; inch-pound units are provided for information only.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 Test Method D1230 cannot be recommended for the acceptance testing of commercial shipments since Federal regulations require apparel fabrics to meet the criteria of 16 CFR Part 1610 and correlation of test results with actual performance has not been established. Although Test Method D1230 is not recommended for acceptance testing, it is useful because it provides a method to test general non-regulated textile fabrics.

5.2 All fabrics made of natural or regenerated cellulose, as well as many made from other natural or man-made fibers, are combustible. Some combustible fabrics when used for clothing are potentially dangerous to the wearer because of such factors as ease of ignition, flame spread time, amount of heat released, and design of the garment. This test measures two such factors: ease of ignition and flame spread time.

5.3 In order to place fabrics in one of the three flammability classes, arbitrary limits have been selected for time of application of the flame and for time of flame spread. These limits are based on extensive testing experience and are believed to be a useful guide in judging the relative flammability of apparel textiles. It must be understood, however, that no guarantee can be given and none is implied that garments made from a fabric or product falling into any one of the flammability classes will not be hazardous under some conditions.

5.4 Finishes and fabric surface changes can exert a large effect on flammability. Therefore, fabrics are tested before as well as after one cycle of drycleaning followed by laundering.