N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 12, Appendices, app F-7

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Current through Register Vol. 46, No. 50, December 11, 2024

Appendix F-7

MATTRESSES

Flammability Standard for Mattresses

(DOC FF 4-72, issued by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce.)

.1 Definitions.

.2 Scope and application.

.3 General requirements.

.4 Test procedure.

.5 Mattress pads.

.6 Glossary of terms.

.1 Definitions. In addition to the definitions given in section 2 of the Flammable Fabrics Act as amended (sec. 1, 81 Stat. 568; 15 U.S.C. 1191) and §7.2 of the procedures (33 F.R. 14642, October 1, 1968), the following definitions apply for the purpose of this standard:

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(b) "Ticking" means the outermost layer of fabric or related material that encloses the mattress core and upholstery materials.

(d) "Upholstery material" means all material, either loose or attached, between the ticking or between the ticking and the core of the mattress, if a core is present.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(f) "Quilted" means stitched through the ticking and one or more layers of upholstery material.

(g) "Tufted" means buttoned or laced through the ticking and upholstery materials and/or core.

(h) "Mattress prototype" means mattresses of a particular design, sharing all materials (excluding differences in metallic core materials) and methods of assembly, but excluding differences in mattress size.

(i) "Mattress type" means mattresses -sharing a method of assembly such as tufted, multineedle continuous quilt, deep panel quilt, and smooth top, and all materials affecting cigarette ignition, but excluding differences in mattress size. More than one mattress prototype may be included in a single mattress type, provided each protoype has the same method of assembly.

(j) "Production unit" (unit) means a quantity of mattresses of one mattress type. This quantity is predetermined by the mattress manufacturer subject to the maximum number specified in the applicable parts of.4(b) Specimens and sampling. No mattress completed while other mattresses of the same type are in production shall be excluded from the production unit to which such other mattresses are assigned.

(k) "Surface" means one side of a mattress which is intended for sleeping upon and which can be tested.

.2 Scope and application.

(a) This standard provides a test method to determine the ignition resistance of a mattress when exposed to a lighted cigarette.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(d) One-of-a-kind mattress, such as nonstandard sizes or shapes, may be excluded from testing under this standard pursuant to rules and regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.

.3 General requirements--

(a) Summary of test method.-- The method involves the exposure of the mattress surface to lighted cigarettes as the standard igniting source in a draft-protected environment and the measurement of the ignition resistance of the mattress. These exposures include smooth, tape edge, and quilted or tufted locations, if they exist on the mattress surface. Two-sheet tests are also conducted on similar surface locations. In the latter test, the burning cigarette is placed between the sheets.

(b) Test criterion. Testing the mattress surface in accordance with the testing procedure set forth in.4 Test procedure, individual cigarette test locations pass the test if the char length on the mattress surface is not more than 5.1 cm. (2 in.) In any direction from the nearest point of the cigarette. (In the interest of safety, the test operator should discontinue the test and record a failure before reaching the 2-inch char length if, in his opinion, an obvious ignition has occurred.)

.4 Test procedure--

(a) Apparatus--

(1) Test room. The test room shall be large enough to accommodate a full-scale mattress in a horizontal position and to allow for free movement of personnel and air around the test mattress. The room shall be equipped with a support system (platform, bench, etc.) upon which a mattress may be placed flat in a horizontal position at a reasonable height for making observations. For thin, flexible mattresses and mattress pads, the top surface of the support system shall be nonmetallic. The test area shall be draft protected and equipped with a suitable system for exhausting smoke and/or noxious gases produced by testing. The test room atmospheric conditions shall be between 18°-27° C. (65° - 80° F.) and at less than 55 percent relative humidity.

(2) Ignition source. The ignition source shall be cigarettes without filter tips made from natural tobacco, 85 +- 2 mm. long with a tobacco packing density of 0.270 +- 0.020 g./cm.3 and a total weight of 1.1 +- 0.1 gm.

(3) Fire extinguisher. A pressurized water fire extinguisher, or other suitable fire extinguishing equipment, shall be immediately available.

(4) Water bottle. A water bottle fitted with a spray nozzle shall be used to extinguish the ignited portions of the mattress.

(5) Scale. A linear scale graduated in millimeters, 0.1 inch, or 1/16-inch divisions shall be used to measure char length.

(6) Other apparatus. In addition to the above, a thermometer, a relative humidity measuring instrument, a knife or scissors, and tongs are required to carry out the testing.

(b) Specimens and sampling--

(1) General. The test criterion of.3(b) shall be used in conjunction with the following mattress sampling plan, or any other approved by the Department of Commerce that provides at least the equivalent level of fire safety to the consumer. Alternate sampling plans submitted for approval shall have operating characteristics such that the probability of unit acceptance at any percentage defective does not exceed the corresponding probability of unit acceptance of the following sampling plan in the region of the latter's operating characteristic curves that lies between 5 and 95 percent acceptance probability.

(2) Mattress sampling. The basic mattress sampling plan is made up of two parts:

(1) Prototype qualification, and

(2) production testing. In addition, a batch sampling plan is given which may be used for small production quantities when shipping requirements prohibit the use of the basic plan, or for other reasons at the discretion of the manufacturer.

a. Basic sampling plan. A production unit in the basic sampling plan shall consist of not more than 500 mattresses of a mattress type or the quantity produced in 3 consecutive calendar months, whichever is smaller. This unit size may be increased to the quantity produced in 3 consecutive calendar months or less: Provided, That it is either documented that each of the materials contributing to the cigarette ignition characteristics of all the mattresses in the unit came from a single manufacturing lot of such material or 50 consecutive production units, at least 20,000 mattresses, have all been accepted in production testing as set forth in.4(b)(2)a2.

1. Prototype qualification. For prototype qualification, the term "manufacturer" shall mean (a) with respect to a company having one manufacturing facility, that company, (b) with respect to a company having two or more manufacturing facilities, either that company or one or more of its manufacturing facilities as it elects, and (c) with respect to a company that is part of a group of companies that normally sell mattresses under a group name, either that group of companies or a portion of that group or (a) or (b) above, as that company elects.

Select enough mattress prototypes from preproduction or current production to provide six surfaces for test (three mattresses if both sides can be tested or six mattresses if only one side can be tested). Test each of the six surfaces according to.4(d) testing. If all the cigarette test locations on all six surfaces satisfy the test criterion of.3(b), accept the mattress prototype. If one or more of the cigarette test locations on the six surfaces fall the test criterion of.3(b), reject the mattress prototype.

Mattress prototype qualification may be repeated after the manufacturer has taken action to improve the resistance of the mattress prototype to ignition by cigarettes-through mattress design, production, or materials selection,

Each mattress prototype must be accepted in prototype qualification prior to shipping any mattresses to customers and prior to producing significant quantities of mattresses. The first production unit not to exceed 500 mattresses, manufactured immediately after successful prototype qualification or the production unit from which the mattresses were selected for the successful prototype qualification may be accepted and shipped to customers without further testing if all mattresses in the production unit are the same as the prototype except for size.

2. Production testing. For production testing, the term "manufacturer" shall mean each remanufacturing facility. Random selection for production testing shall be accomplished by use of random number tables or equivalent means as determined by the Federal Trade Commission. If it is desired to use only mattresses of a specified size (e.g., "twin") for testing, the drawing may be repeated until sufficient mattresses of that size have been selected.

A production unit, except for the first production unit following successful prototype qualification as specified in.4 (b)(2)a1, is either accepted or rejected according to the following plan:

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

Unit rejection shall include all mattresses in the particular unit under test. Unit rejection also results in the loss of prototype qualification for all prototypes included in the unit under test.

(b) Reduced sampling. The level of sampling required for mattress production acceptance may be reduced provided the preceding 15 consecutive units of mattresses, at least 500 mattresses, have all been accepted using the normal sampling plan. In this case, the production quantity for reduced sampling may be increased to up to two units, still not to exceed the production of 3 consecutive calendar months.

From this production quantity, randomly select enough mattresses to provide two surfaces for test. Test each of the two surfaces according to.4(d) testing. If all the cigarette test locations on both surfaces meet the test criterion of.3(b), accept this production quantity. If two or more individual cigarette test locations fail the test criterion of.3(b), reject this production quantity. If only one individual cigarette test location fails the test criterion of.3(b), accept this production quantity.

Rejection shall include all mattresses in the production quantity under test. Rejection also results in the loss of prototype qualification for all prototypes included in the production quantity under test. Testing after the new type qualification shall be according to the normal sampling plan.

b. Batch sampling plan. For the batch sampling plan, the term "manufacturer" shall mean each manufacturing facility.

A production unit in the batch sampling plan shall consist of not more than 250 mattresses or the quantity produced in one period of 30 consecutive calendar days, whichever is smaller.

1. Batch unit qualification and acceptance. Select enough mattresses from the initial production of the unit to provide four surfaces for test (two mattresses if both sides can be tested or four mattresses if only one side can be tested). Test each of the four surfaces according to.4(d) testing, if all the cigarette test locations on the four surfaces meet the test criterion of.3(b), accept the unit. If one or more of the cigarette test locations on the four surfaces fail the test criterion of.3(b). reject the unit.

After rejection, unit qualification and acceptance under this batch sampling plan may be repeated after the resistance of the mattress to ignition by cigarettes is improved by the manufacturer taking corrective action in mattress design, production, or materials selection.

Acceptance of any production unit under this hatch sampling plan shall not have any effect on prototype qualification or unit acceptance of any other production unit.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(4) Records. Records of all unit sizes, test results, and the disposition of rejected units shall be maintained by the manufacturer, in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(7) Sheet preparation. The sheets shall be laundered once before use in an automatic home washer using the hot water setting and longest normal cycle with the manufacturer's recommended quantity of a commercial detergent, and dried in an automatic home tumble dryer. The sheet shall be cut across the width into two equal parts after washing.

(8) Cigarettes. Unopened packages of cigarettes shall be selected for each series of tests.

(c) Conditioning. The mattresses, washed sheets, and cigarettes shall be conditioned at a temperature of 18-27° C (65-80° F) and a relative humidity less than 55 percent for at least 48 hours prior to test. The mattresses, washed sheets and cigarettes shall be removed from any packaging and supported in a suitable manner to permit free movement of air around them during conditioning. The mattress meets this conditioning requirement if the mattress and/or all its component materials have been exposed only to the above temperature and humidity conditions for at least 48 hours prior to testing the mattress.

(d) Testing--

(1) General.

a. Light and place one cigarette at a time on the mattress surface. (If previous experience with the same type of mattress has indicated that ignition is not likely, the number of cigarettes which may be lighted and placed on the mattress at one time is left to the test operator's judgment. The number of cigarettes must be carefully considered because a smoldering or burning mattress is extremely hazardous and difficult to extinguish.) If more than one cigarette is burning at one time, the cigarettes must be positioned no less than 6 inches apart on the mattress surface. Each cigarette used as an ignition source shall be well lighted but not burned more than 4 mm. (0.16 in.) when placed on the mattress. (Fire extinguishing equipment must be readily available at all times.)

b. If a cigarette extinguishes before burning its full length, the test must be repeated with a freshly lit cigarette on a different portion of the same type of location on the mattress surface until either (a) the number of cigarettes specified in.4(d)(1)c have burned their full lengths, (b) the number of cigarettes specified have extinguished before burning their full lengths, or (c) the number of cigarettes specified have resulted in failures according to.3(b) test criterion.

c. At least 18 cigarettes shall be burned on each mattress test surface, nine in the bare mattress tests and nine in the two-sheet tests. If three or more mattress surface locations (smooth surface, tape edge, quilted, or tufted areas) exist in the particular mattress surface under test, three cigarettes shall be burned on each different surface location. If only two mattress surface locations exist in the particular mattress surface under test (tape edge and smooth surface), four cigarettes shall be burned on the smooth surface and five cigarettes shall be burned on the tape edge.

(2) Bare mattress tests--

a. Smooth surfaces. Each burning cigarette shall be placed directly on a smooth surface location on the test surface on the half reserved for bare mattress tests. The cigarettes should burn their full lengths on a smooth surface without burning across a tuft or stitching of a quilted area. However, if this is not possible because of mattress design, then the cigarettes shall be positioned on the mattress in a manner which will allow as much of the butt ends its possible to burn on smooth surfaces. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the test criterion.

CAUTION: Even under the most carefully observed conditions, smoldering combustion can progress to the point where it cannot be readily extinguished. It is imperative that a test be discontinued as soon as ignition has definitely occurred. Immediately wet the exposed area with a water spray (from water bottle), cut around the burning material with a knife or scissors and pull the material out of the mattress with tongs. Make sure that all charred or burned material is removed. Ventilate the room.

b. Tape edge. Each burning cigarette shall be placed in the depression between the mattress top surface and the tape edge, parallel to the tape edge on the half of the test surface reserved for bare mattress tests. If there is no depression at the edge, support the cigarettes in place along the edge and parallel to the edge with straight pins. Three straight pins may be inserted through the edge at a 45° angle such that one pin supports the cigarette at the burning end, one at the center, and one at the butt. The heads of the pins must be below the upper surface of the cigarette (see Figure 2). Report results for each cigarette as pass or fall as defined in the test criterion.

c. Quilted location. If quilting exists on the test surface, each burning cigarette shall be placed on quilted locations of the test surface. The cigarettes shall be positioned directly over the thread in the depression created by the quilting process on the half of the test surface reserved for bare mattress tests. if the quilt design is such that the cigarettes can-not burn their full lengths over the thread, then the cigarettes shall be positioned in a manner which will allow as much of the butt ends as possible to burn on the thread. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the test criterion.

d. Tufted location. If tufting exists on the test surface, each burning cigarette shall be placed on tufted locations of the test surface. The cigarettes shall be positioned so that they burn down into the depression caused by the tufts and so that the butt ends of the cigarettes burn out over the buttons or laces used in the tufts on the half of the test surface reserved or bare mattress tests. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the test criterion.

(3) Two-sheet tests. Spread a section of sheet smoothly over the mattress surface and tuck under the mattress on the second half of the test surface, which has been reserved for the two-sheet test. Care must be taken that hems or any other portion of the sheet which is more than one fabric thickness, is neither directly under nor directly over the test cigarette in the two-sheet test.

a. Smooth surfaces. Each burning cigarette shall be placed directly on the sheet covered mattress in a smooth surface location as defined in the bare mattress test. Immediately cover the first sheet and the burning cigarettes loosely with a second, or top, sheet (see Figure 2). Do not raise or lift the top sheet during testing unless obvious ignition has occurred or until the cigarette has burned out. (The extinguishment of the cigarette may be determined by holding the hand near the surface of the top sheet over the test location. If neither heat is felt or smoke observed, the cigarette has burned out.) If ignition occurs, immediately remove the sheets and cigarette and follow the cautionary procedures outlined in the bare mattress test. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the test criterion.

b. Tape edge. Each burning cigarette shall be placed in the depression between the top surface and the tape edge on top of the sheet, and immediately covered with a second sheet. It is important that the air space be eliminated, as much as possible, between the mattress and the bottom sheet at the test location before testing. Depress the bottom sheet into the depression using a thin rod or other suitable instrument. In most cases, the cigarettes will remain in place throughout the test; however, if the cigarettes show a marked tendency to roll off the tape edge location, they may be supported with straight pins. Three straight pins may be inserted through the bottom sheet and tape at a 45° angle such that one pin supports the cigarette at the burning end, one at the center, and one at the butt. The heads of the pins must be below the upper surface of the cigarette (see Figure 2). Report results for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the test criterion.

c. Quilted locations. If quilting exists on the test surface, each burning cigarette shall be placed in a depression caused by quilting, directly over the thread and on the bottom sheet, and immediately covered with the ton sheet. It is important that the air space be eliminated, as much as possible, between the mattress and the bottom sheet at the test location before testing. Depress the bottom sheet into the depression using a thin rod or other suitable instrument. If the quilt design is such that the cigarettes cannot burn their full lengths over the thread, then the cigarettes shall be positioned in a manner which will allow as much of the butt tends as possible to burn on the thread. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fall as defined in the test criterion.

d. Tufted locations. If tufting exists on the test surface, each burning cigarette shall be placed in the depression caused by tufting, directly over the tuft and on the bottom sheet, and immediately covered with the top sheet. It is important that the air space be eliminated, as much as possible, between the mattress and the bottom sheet at the test location before testing. Depress the bottom sheet into the depression using a thin rod or other suitable instrument. The cigarettes shall be positioned so that they burn down into the depression caused by the tuft and so that the butt ends of the cigarettes burn out over the buttons or laces used in the tufts. Report results for each cigarette as pass or fail as defined in the acceptance criterion.

.5 Mattress pads--

(a) Testing. Mattress pads shall be tested in the same manner as mattresses according to.4 test procedure except for laundering.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2). ° +- 2.8° C. (140° +- 5° F.), and drying procedure 6.3.2(B). Maximum load shall be 3.64 kg. (8 pounds) and may consist of any combination of test items and dummy pieces. Alternately, a different number of times under another washing and drying procedure may be specified and used, if that procedure has previously been found to be equivalent by the Federal Trade Commission.

Such laundering is not required of mattress pads which are not intended to be laundered, as determined by the Federal Trade Commission.

Mattress pads which are not susceptible to being laundered and are labeled "dry-clean only" shall be dry-cleaned by a procedure which has previously been found acceptable by the Federal Trade Commission.

(1) Treatment label. If a mattress pad has had a chemical fire retardant treatment or contains any fire retardant treated components, it shall be labeled with the letter "T" pursuant to rules and regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.

(2) Care label. All mattress pads which have had a chemical fire retardant treatment or contain any fire retardant treated components shall be labeled with precautionary instructions to protect the pads from agents or treatments which are known to cause deterioration of their flame resistance. Such labels shall be permanent and otherwise in accordance with rules and regulations established by the Federal Trade Commission.

.6 Glossary of terms--

(a) Basket pad. Cushion for use in an infant basket.

(b) Box spring. A bedspring that consists of springs attached to a foundation and enclosed in a cloth covered, upholstered frame.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(d) Car bed. Portable bed used to carry a baby in an automobile.

(e) Carriage pad. Cushion to go into a baby carriage.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(i) Crib bumper. Padded cushion which goes around three or four sides inside a crib to protect the baby. Can also be used in a playpen.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(k) Dressing table pad. Pad to cushion a baby on top of a dressing table.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(n) Infant Carrier and lounge pad. Pad to cushion a baby in an infant carrier.

(o) Mattress foundation. Consists of any surface upon which a mattress is placed to lend it support for use in sleeping upon.

(p) Mattress pads. A thin, fat mat or cushion for use on top of a mattress.

(q) Pillows. Cloth bag filled with resilient material such as feathers, down, sponge rubber, urethane, or fiber used as the support for the head of a person.

(r) Playpen pad. Cushion used on the bottom of a playpen.

(s) Portable crib. Smaller size than a conventional crib. Can usually be converted into a playpen.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(v) Roll-away beds. Portable bed which has frame which folds in half with the mattress for compact storage.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

(x) Stroller pad. Cushion used in a baby stroller.

(2) Thigh (girth) - Measured horizontally around the upper part of the leg, close up to the crotch (H through N to H, fig. 2).

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N.Y. Comp. Codes R. & Regs. tit. 12, Appendices, app F-7