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1.1 This test method is intended for use as a small-scale laboratory procedure for comparing the relative horizontal burning rates of polymeric materials used in occupant compartments of motor vehicles.

1.2 During the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved that are potentially hazardous to personnel. Adequate precautions shall be taken to protect the operator.

1.3 Units—The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.4 This test method, Federal Safety Standard MVSS 302, SAE J369, and ISO 3795 address the same subject matter, but differ in technical content.

1.5 This standard 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 hazards or fire risk assessment of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.6 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. Specific hazard statements are given in Section 7.

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

1.8 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 This test method provides a standard laboratory procedure for measuring and comparing the burning rates of polymeric materials under specified controlled conditions.

5.2 The rate of burning is affected by such factors as density, direction of rise, and type and amount of surface treatments. The thickness of the finished specimens must also be taken into account. These factors must be considered in order to compare materials on the same basis.

5.3 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.