ASTM F1930

ASTM F1930 is a critical standard for evaluating the effectiveness of flame-resistant clothing (FRC) in protecting against flash fire exposures. Here's a detailed breakdown of its purpose, methodology, and key considerations:

ASTM F1930 outlines a standardized method for evaluating FRC using an instrumented manikin in a controlled laboratory setting. The primary objective is to measure the average predicted body burn (APBB) of a fabric or garment when exposed to a simulated flash fire scenario. This test provides quantitative data on the garment's ability to protect against second and third-degree burns.

Methodology

1. Garment Preparation: The fabric under evaluation is sewn into a standard coverall pattern, specifically a size 42R, without additional layers or discretionary areas like pockets or cuffs.

2. Instrumented Manikin Setup: The coverall is placed on an instrumented manikin equipped with at least 100 thermocouples across its surface (excluding hands and feet). These thermocouples measure the heat flux and temperature changes experienced by the manikin during the flash fire simulation.

3. Flash Fire Simulation: The manikin is exposed to a controlled flash fire environment, which includes predetermined heat flux levels, flame distribution, and duration. The exposure conditions are specified to replicate real-world flash fire incidents.

4. Data Collection: During the test, the sensors on the manikin record the heat flux and temperature at each thermocouple location. This data is crucial for calculating the extent and severity of burn injuries (second and third-degree burns) across the manikin's surface.

5. Analysis and Reporting: The results are analyzed to determine the average predicted body burn (APBB) percentage for the garment. This percentage reflects the proportion of the manikin's body surface area that would sustain second and third-degree burns if wearing the evaluated garment during an actual flash fire.

Pass/Fail Criteria

• NFPA 2112 sets the pass/fail criteria for garments evaluated using ASTM F1930 at less than 50% APBB during a 3-second exposure. This criterion ensures that garments provide sufficient protection to reduce the risk of serious burn injuries in flash fire incidents.

Limitations

• Laboratory Simulation: Results from ASTM F1930 provide insights into the performance of FRC under controlled conditions but should not be directly extrapolated to real-world fire hazard assessments.

• Single Garment Evaluation: The test evaluates single-layer garments or protective clothing ensembles as specified, focusing on their response to a flash fire scenario under controlled conditions.

Standard Updates

• The most recent update to ASTM F1930 in 2017 primarily focused on editorial changes and updates to statistical data charts. These updates ensure the standard reflects current practices and data in the field of FRC testing.

Availability

• ASTM F1930 can be purchased and downloaded from the ASTM website, providing detailed guidelines and methodologies for conducting flash fire simulation tests on flame-resistant clothing.

By adhering to ASTM F1930 guidelines, manufacturers, safety professionals, and regulatory bodies can assess and certify the effectiveness of flame-resistant clothing in protecting workers against flash fire incidents, thereby enhancing workplace safety and mitigating fire-related risks.