Textile flammability standards in different countries
Textile flammability standards determine how a fabric behaves when exposed to flames or ignition sources. These standards assess factors like how easily a fabric catches fire, sustains combustion, and propagates flames. Their goal is to ensure consumer safety and minimise fire-related incidents. Fabric manufacturers, designers, and end-users benefit from these textile flammability standards as they help identify hazardous materials ensuring use of only fire-safe fabrics.
Factors affecting fabric flammability
Several factors contribute to fabric flammability:
Fiber content: Different fibers have varying fire resistance properties.
Fabric construction: Weave, knit, and structure impact flammability.
Finishing chemicals: Some treatments enhance fire resistance.
Fabric thickness: Thicker fabrics may burn differently.
Flammability standards for textiles vary around the world. These flammability standards are designed to help reduce the risk of fire injuries and deaths. Different standards may have different test methods and requirements. Manufacturers need to ensure that their products comply with the relevant flammability standards. Some of the most common flammability standards for textiles used around the world include:
United States
- CPSC: In the US, textiles are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The CPSC has established flammability standards for clothing textiles under the Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA). This act regulates the flammability of clothing, textiles, and garments to ensure they meet certain safety requirements.
- NFPA 701: This standard from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) classifies fabrics based on their flame spread and burning characteristics. It is commonly used for upholstery, draperies, and carpets.
Canada
- CAN/ULC S100: This standard from the Underwriters' Laboratories of Canada (ULC) is similar to NFPA 701 and is used for many of the same types of textiles.
- SOR/2014-194: Health Canada also regulates textile flammability through the Hazardous Products Act and its associated regulations, including the Textile Flammability Regulations (SOR/2016-194). These regulations establish requirements for the flammability of textile products sold in Canada.
European Union
- EN 13501: This standard is a European harmonized standard that specifies flammability requirements for a wide range of textile products, including clothing, bedding, and upholstery.
- EN 14878:2007: This standard specifies test methods for the assessment of the ignitability of children's nightwear. Additionally, the EU's REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regulations also address the use of certain hazardous chemicals in textiles.
United Kingdom
- BS 5852: This British Standard specifies flammability requirements for fabrics used in nightwear.
Australia
- AS/NZS 1249:2014: In Australia, textile flammability standards are outlined by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) under the Trade Practices Act 1974. The specific standard for textile flammability is AS/NZS 1249:2014, which covers the flammability of children's nightwear.
- AS 1530.1: This Australian standard specifies flammability requirements for garments and other textile products.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and there are many other flammability standards in use around the world. The specific standard that applies to a textile product will depend on the country where it is sold.