M E M O R A N D U M TO: FROM: NFPA Technical Committee on Furnishings and Contents (BLD-FUR) Kristin Collette, Staff Liaison DATE: October 29, 2009 SUBJECT: NFPA 5000 A2011 ROP Letter Ballot Final Result s There were no negative votes on any ballot item. Therefore, the Final Results of the NFPA 5000 ROP Letter Ballot are as follows: 10 Members Eligible to Vote 2 Ballots Not Returned (Hogan, Siegel) Votes from alternate members are not included unless the ballot from the principal member was not received. Mr. Lathrop voted for Mr. McIntosh. All votes were affirmative on all ballot items with the exception of those noted in the attached report. According to the final ballot results, all ballot items received the necessary 2/3 required affirmative votes to pass ballot. Attachment
5000-8a Log #CP213 BLD-FUR Revise references as follows: 2.3.13 ASTM E 2404, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Coverings to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2008 ASTM E 2573, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2007a ASTM E 2599, Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Reflective Insulation Materials and Radiant Barrier Materials for Building Applications to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics, 2009. 2.3.20 FM Global Publications. FM 4880, Approval Standard for Class I Fire Rating of Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Panels, Interior Finish Materials or Coating, and Exterior Wall Systems, 2005. ANSI/FM 4880 American National Standard for Evaluating Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Assemblies, Plastic Interior Finish Materials, Plastic Exterior Building Panels, Wall/Ceiling Coating Systems, Interior or Exterior Finish Systems, 2007. H.1.1 NFPA Publications NFPA 255, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, 2006 edition. H.1.2.7 ASTM D 2859, Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials, 2006. H.1.2.10 FM Global Publications. FM 4880, Approval Standard for Class I Fire Rating of Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Panels, Interior Finish Materials or Coating, and Exterior Wall Systems, 2005. ANSI/FM 4880 American National Standard for Evaluating Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Assemblies, Plastic Interior Finish Materials, Plastic Exterior Building Panels, Wall/Ceiling Coating Systems, Interior or Exterior Finish Systems, 2007. References in Chapter 2 are updated to reflect new referenced documents accepted in the committee's proposals. In addition, this proposal updates any references under the responsibility of this committee that have not been updated by public proposals. 5000-23a Log #CP201 BLD-FUR Add new definition and accompanying annex note as follows: 3.3.x Wall or Ceiling Covering. A textile-,paper-,or polymeric (including vinyl)-based product designed to be attached to a wall or ceiling surface for decorative or acoustical purposes [101,2012] A.3.3.x Wall or ceiling coverings with ink or top coat layers added as part of the manufacturing process are included in this definition. [101,2012] Currently there is no definition for this term in the Code. This definition clarifies application of the requirements. Definition should be extracted from NFPA 101. 1
5000-27 Log #40 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Safety Council New text to read as follows:. Reflective insulation materials shall be tested in the manner intended for use, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 10.3.2 or 10.3.6.2. If the materials are tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E 2599. Reflective insulation. Thermal insulation consisting of one or more low emittance surfaces bounding one or more enclosed air spaces. The ASTM committee on fire standards, ASTM E05, has issued a standard practice, ASTM E 2599, Standard practice for specimen preparation and mounting of reflective insulation materials and radiant barrier materials. Until now there was no correct mandatory way to test these materials. In fact, unless the materials are mounted as indicated in ASTM E 2599, the results of testing in the Steiner tunnel (ASTM E 84) are misleading and can lead to unsafe implications. Now that a consensus standard method of testing exists, the code should recognize it. The proposed definition was taken from the standard, ASTM E 2599, word for word. Affirmative: 7 Abstain: 1 HIRSCHLER, M.: Abstention due to client interest. 5000-41 Log #CP5 BLD-FUR Technical Committee on Fundamentals,. Any movable objects in a building that normally are secured or otherwise put in place for functional reasons, excluding (1) parts of the internal structure of the building and (2) any items meeting the definition of interior finish. [ 2009] This definition is the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies with the Glossary of Terms Project. Accept the definition as proposed and remove the reference to NFPA 555, Guide on Methods for Evaluating Potential for Room Flashover. Add extract from NFPA 101, Life Safety Code, 2009 as proposed by proposal 101-40. 3.3.45 Contents and Furnishings. Any movable objects in a building that normally are secured or otherwise put in place for functional reasons, excluding (1) parts of the internal structure of the building and (2) any items meeting the definition of interior finish. [101,2012] The committee requests the Glossary of Terms Committee (or other group responsible) make NFPA 101 TC on Furnishings and Contents responsible for this definition. Guides should not be responsible for a definition. See proposal 101-40. 2
5000-42 Log #CP6 BLD-FUR Technical Committee on Fundamentals, The level of incident radiant heat energy in units of W/cm2 on a floor covering system at the most distant flameout point. [ 2006] This definition is the preferred definition from the NFPA Glossary of Terms. Changing the secondary definition to the preferred definition complies with the Glossary of Terms Project. 5000-45 Log #16 BLD-FUR Glossary of Terms Technical Advisory Committee / Marcelo Hirschler, The exposed surfaces of walls, ceilings, and floors within buildings. It is important to have consistent definitions of terms within NFPA. The term interior finish is the responsibility of NFPA 850 but would be more appropriate for NFPA 101 or NFPA 5000. The committee was created by NFPA Standards Council to provide consistency in terminology throughout the NFPA documents. Accept the definition and reference definition as extract from NFPA 101, Life Safety Code. The definition of "interior finish" was accepted for NFPA 101 (101-45). NFPA 101 should have control of the definition. 3
5000-75b Log #CP214 BLD-FUR 5.5.2.1* Design Fire Scenario 1. Design Fire Scenario 1, which is an occupancy-specific design scenario representative of a typical fire for the occupancy, shall explicitly specify the following: (1) Occupant activities (2) Number and location of occupants (3) Room size (4) Furnishings and contents Contents and furnishings (5) Fuel properties and ignition sources (6) Ventilation conditions (7) First item ignited and its location. The current definition in the Code (and also modified at the ROP meeting by the TC on Furnishing and Contents) is for Contents and furnishings, not Furnishings and contents as written in section 5.5.2.1. The term Contents and furnishings is correctly used in A.5.4.2.1. This revision maintains consistent terminology in the Code. 5000-105 Log #32 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International 10.1.1 Classification of interior finish materials shall be in accordance with tests made under conditions simulating actual installations, provided that the authority having jurisdiction shall be permitted to establish the classification of any material for which a rating classification by a standard test is not available, unless otherwise provided in 10.1.2. The term rating should not be used since Classes are based either on a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less or on a low heat release rate, low smoke release and no flashover, in accordance with NFPA 286. This is purely an editorial change; the term rating is being used for fire resistance rating and fire protection rating. Affirmative: 7 Abstain: 1 HIRSCHLER, M.: Abstention due to client interest. 4
5000-105a Log #CP206 BLD-FUR Add new text to read as follows: Lockers constructed of combustible materials shall be considered interior finish. Where lockers constructed of combustible materials other than wood are used, the lockers shall be considered interior finish and shall comply with Section 10.2, except as permitted by 10.4.6.2. Lockers constructed entirely of wood and of noncombustible materials shall be permitted to be used in any location where interior finish materials are required to meet a Class C classification in accordance with 10.3.1. Traditionally lockers, in schools (high schools, middle schools, universities), clubs, swimming pools and gymnasiums, were constructed of steel. In recent years, the use of lockers constructed of combustible materials has become prevalent. These lockers typically line an entire wall (for example a corridor in a school) and are not regulated by the life safety code. Lockers are not usually considered interior finish. The only other materials regulated by NFPA 101 at present are: interior trim, upholstered furniture, mattresses and decorations. Lockers do not fall into any of those categories. Combustible lockers can present a significant fire load and, if ignited, are likely to spread fire the same way that interior finish materials spread fire. They should be considered interior finish materials and regulated like all other interior finish materials for any occupancy. The following wording comes from an advertisement for Rust Free Plastic Lockers. Our waterproof plastic lockers are convenient for many types of locations, from boat decks to pool areas. Along with their rustproof quality, they are durable for many years of use. Available as single or multiple tiered units, our plastic lockers are ideal for any area near water or humidity whether a spa, pool, shower or beach area. Plastic lockers withstand the humidity and corrosiveness of water and pool areas and last much longer than traditional metal lockers. Wet swimsuits and towels, or even sweaty clothing will never rust, corrode delaminate or crack our 100% plastic foot lockers or stand-up plastic locker solutions! The lockers by this particular manufacturer are constructed of 3/8 inch thick solid plastic bodies and heavy duty ½ inch thick doors. Typically the solid plastic used is either high density polyethylene or polypropylene. ***Insert Figure 1 here*** In some high-end environments, such as country clubs, plastic lockers are not found. Instead, lockers are made with the highest quality materials and meticulous attention to detail. Locker sides, top and bottom are made of ¾ inch industrial grade particleboard with stain and impact resistant white melamine finish inside and out. Locker back is the same particleboard in a ½ inch thickness. All exposed edges are finished with matching edge banding. These club lockers include number plates and heavy duty keyed cam locks for security. Wooden Lockers feature highly durable ¾ inch solid wood raised panels. Wood locker surfaces are finished with 1 coat of sealer and 2 coats of lacquer for maximum durability. Laminate Lockers feature high pressure laminate doors. ***Insert Figure 2 here*** ***Insert Figure 3 here*** One manufacturer advertises 100% polypropylene lockers, which will not rust, corrode, fade, or require repainting, Our plastic lockers will save you money from having to replace rusty metal lockers or warped wood and wood laminated lockers in a few short years. This manufacturer also states that the 100% polypropylene lockers last ten times longer than metal lockers and last longer than wood lockers, or plastic laminated lockers in humid environments such as in tropical climates, and where there are locker rooms near showers, saunas, pools or in facilities which require frequent sanitation. Wood lockers, in a humid environment will warp. Plastic-laminated lockers are simply particle board covered with a laminate sheet. Moisture will seep into connector and hinge screw holes in the locker and eventually will soften the particle board. This manufacturer states that plastic lockers are impervious to moisture and will not fade, warp, or delaminate. Wood interior finish corresponds typically to Class C interior finish, which is usually allowed other than in corridors and exits. Therefore, lockers made exclusively out of wood should be allowed anywhere that Class C interior finish is 5
allowed without additional testing. If there is some doubt as to whether the material is wood or a plastic resembling wood, it would be up to the manufacturer to demonstrate that the lockers are made of wood in order to be exempted from testing. 5000-105b Log #CP208 BLD-FUR Revise text as follows: 10.2.2* Requirements for interior floor finish shall apply where any of the following conditions exist: (1) Where floor finish requirements are specified elsewhere in this Code (2) Where carpet or carpetlike material, not meeting the requirements of ASTM D 2859, Standard Test Method for Ignition Characteristics of Finished Textile Floor Covering Materials, is used (3) Where there is a floor finish of unusual hazard the fire performance of the floor finish cannot be demonstrated to be equivalent to floor finishes with a critical radiant flux of at least 0.1 W/cm 2 (4) Where the fire performance of the floor finish is unknown. This revision is proposed to make section 10.2.2 consistent with section 10.2.2.2 of NFPA 101. The text is correct in 101 and should be duplicated in 5000. 6
5000-106 Log #39 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International 10.2.4.1* Textile Wall and Textile Ceiling Materials. The use of textile materials on walls or ceilings shall comply with one of the following conditions: (1) Textile materials meeting the requirements of having a Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, rating (see 10.2.3.4) shall be permitted on the walls or ceilings of rooms or areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. (2) Textile materials meeting the requirements of having a Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, rating (see 10.2.3.4) shall be permitted on partitions that do not exceed three-quarters of the floor-to-ceiling height or do not exceed 8 ft (2440 mm) in height, whichever is less. (3) Textile materials meeting the requirements of having a Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, rating (see 10.2.3.4) shall be permitted to extend not more than 48 in. (1220 mm) above the finished floor on ceiling-height walls and ceiling-height partitions. (4) Previously approved existing installations of textile material meeting the requirements of having a Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 rating (see 10.2.3.4) shall be permitted to be continued to be used. (5) Textile materials shall be permitted on walls and partitions where tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls. (See 10.2.3.7.) (6) Textile materials shall be permitted on walls, partitions, and ceilings where tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth. (See 10.2.3.7.) This proposed change is both editorial and clarification. 1. Classifications based on ASTM E 84 or UL 723 are not called ratings, since that term is used for fire resistance ratings and fire protection ratings (using a standard time-temperature curve). 2. It is possible to get Class A for an interior finish material by testing to NFPA 265 and NFPA 286, so the clarification about the test is important to ensure that a wall covering material that passed a room corner test is not subject to the same restrictions as one that passed the Steiner tunnel test. 3. Testing wall coverings in the Steiner tunnel needs to be done with the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404. 4. Existing wall coverings already tested and previously approved should not be required to be ripped out. I am the chairman of the NFPA Advisory Committee on the Glossary on Terminology. The committee was created by NFPA Standards Council to provide consistency in terminology throughout the NFPA documents. The committee has not reviewed this recommendation and therefore, this proposal is not being submitted in the name of the committee. Add new text to read as follows: 10.4.1* Textile Wall and Textile Ceiling Materials. The use of textile materials on walls or ceilings shall comply with one of the following conditions: (1) Textile materials meeting the requirements of Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on the walls or ceilings of rooms or areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. (2) Textile materials meeting the requirements of Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on partitions that do not exceed three-quarters of the floor-to-ceiling height or do not exceed 8 ft (2440 mm) in height, whichever is less. (3) Textile materials meeting the requirements of Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted to extend not more than 48 in. (1220 mm) above the finished floor on ceiling-height walls and ceiling-height partitions. (4)* Textile materials shall be permitted on walls and partitions where tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and 7
Walls. (See 10.3.6.) (5) Textile materials shall be permitted on walls, partitions, and ceilings where tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth. (See 10.3.6.) Also: add ASTM E 2404,, into Chapter 2 on referenced standards. The section numbers in the proposed text were incorrect. The committee has made the corrections to the references throughout the section. 5000-106a Log #CP209 BLD-FUR 10.3.2* Products required to be tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 shall be grouped in the classes described in 10.3.2.1 through 10.3.2.3 in accordance with their flame spread index and smoke developed index, except as indicated in 10.3.3 10.3.1.2. 10.3.3 Interior wall and ceiling finish tested in accordance with NFPA 286, and meeting the conditions of 10.3.6.2, shall be permitted to be used where a Class A classification in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 is required. Section 10.3.3 is repeated in 10.3.1.2. In order to be consistent with NFPA 101 and delete the repetition, Section 10.3.3 should be deleted. The section reference has been updated to section 10.3.1.2. 8
5000-107 Log #33 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Safety Council Products shall be tested using the Method B test protocol of NFPA 265. The following conditions shall be met: (1) Flame shall not spread to the ceiling during the 40 kw exposure. (2) During the 150 kw exposure, the following criteria shall be met: (a) Flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the sample on the 8 ft 12 ft (2440 mm 3660 mm) wall. (b) Flashover shall not occur. The interior finish shall comply with the following: 1. During the 40 kw exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling. 2. The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8 foot by 12 foot (2440 by 3660 mm) walls. 3. Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur. 4. The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m 2. Most of this proposal is editorial and intended for simplification. Clearly the interior finish should fail the criteria if the material has flame spreading to the outer extremity of the sample (meaning all the way to the end of the room or ceiling) even before the burner is raised to 150 kw. Also, the material should fail the test is flashover occurs when the burner is still at 40 kw. The present language could be interpreted to mean that a material that burns completely within a minute and/or reaches flashover does not fail the test. That should not be the case. This proposal adds the smoke requirements for new installations, to be consistent with IBC building code requirements. Add new text to read as follows: 1. During the 40 kw exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling. 2. The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8 foot by 12 foot (2440 by 3660 mm) walls. 3. Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur. 4. The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m 2. The committee accepts all of the proposed text except the lead sentence to the list. This action is consistent with actions taken on 5000-107a which makes revision to the lists in section 10.3.6.1 and 10.3.6.2. Affirmative: 7 Abstain: 1 HIRSCHLER, M.: Abstention due to client interest. 5000-107a Log #CP210 BLD-FUR 10.3.6.1* The interior finish shall comply with all of the following when tested Products shall be tested using the Method B test protocol of NFPA 265: The following conditions shall be met: 10.3.6.2 The interior finish shall comply with all of the following when tested Products shall be tested using the test protocol of NFPA 286: The following conditions shall be met: Revision is editorial only and provides consistency in the language when list based options are used. The text clarifies that all items in the list must be followed to be in compliance. Consistent revisions were made to NFPA 101. 9
5000-108 Log #34 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Safety Council Products shall be tested using the test protocol of NFPA 286. The following conditions shall be met: (1) Flame shall not spread to the ceiling during the 40 kw exposure. (2) During the 160 kw exposure, the following criteria shall be met: (a) Flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the sample on the 8 ft 12 ft (2440 mm 3660 mm) wall. (b) Flashover shall not occur. (3) The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kw. (4) For new installations, the total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 10,760 ft2 (1000 m 2 ). 1. During the 40 kw exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling. 2. The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling. 3. Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur. 4. The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kw. 5. The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m 2. This proposal is editorial and intended for simplification. Clearly the interior finish should fail the criteria if the material has flame spreading to the outer extremity of the sample (meaning all the way to the end of the room or ceiling) even before the burner is raised to 150 kw. Also, the material should fail the test is flashover occurs when the burner is still at 40 kw. The present language could be interpreted to mean that a material that burns completely within a minute and/or reaches flashover does not fail the test. That should not be the case. The clause about new installations is removed because it is redundant since the building code applies only to new installations. Affirmative: 7 Abstain: 1 HIRSCHLER, M.: Abstention due to client interest. 10
5000-108a Log #CP203 BLD-FUR 10.4.1 Textile Wall or Ceiling Materials. The use of textile materials on walls or ceilings shall comply with one of the following conditions: (1) Textile materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on the walls or ceilings of rooms or areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. (2) Textile materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on partitions that do not exceed three-quarters of the floor-to-ceiling height or do not exceed 8 ft (2440 mm) in height, whichever is less. (3) Textile materials having a Class A rating (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted to extend not more than 48 in. (1220 mm) above the finished floor on ceiling-height walls and ceiling-height partitions. (4)* Textile materials shall be permitted on walls and partitions where tested in accordance with NFPA 265. (See 10.3.6.) (5) Textile materials shall be permitted on walls, partitions, and ceilings where tested in accordance with NFPA 286. (See 10.3.6.) An option to be in compliance with NFPA 286 was inadvertently omitted from the requirements of 10.4.1. NFPA 286 is an acceptable fire test for textiles and should be referenced in this section. 11
5000-108b Log #CP200 BLD-FUR Add new text to read as follows: 10.4.2* Expanded Vinyl Wall and Ceiling Coverings. The use of expanded vinyl wall or ceiling coverings shall comply with one of the following conditions: (1) Materials meeting the requirements of Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on the walls or ceilings of rooms or areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system. (2) Materials meeting the requirements of Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted on partitions that do not exceed three-quarters of the floor-to-ceiling height or do not exceed 8 ft (2440 mm) in height, whichever is less. (3) Materials meeting the requirements of Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, using the specimen preparation and mounting method of ASTM E 2404, (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted to extend not more than 48 in. (1220 mm) above the finished floor on ceiling-height walls and ceiling-height partitions. (4) Materials shall be permitted on walls and partitions where tested in accordance with NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls. (See 10.3.6.) (5) Materials shall be permitted on walls, partitions, and ceilings where tested in accordance with NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth. (See 10.3.6.) Also: add ASTM E 2404 2008,, into Chapter 2 on referenced standards. Similar changes were made to sections for textile wall and textile ceiling materials and expanded vinyl wall and expanded vinyl ceiling materials in NFPA 101 but the changes were not submitted for this section for NFPA 5000. This changes updates the text to be consistent with 10.2.4.1 and 10.2.4.2 in NFPA 101 and 10.4.1 in 5000. See committee actions on 101-213, 101-214 and 5000-106. 12
5000-108c Log #CP212 BLD-FUR Delete the following text: A.10.4.3.1 One of the following large-scale test methods shall be used. Suitable large-scale fire tests are NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, using the acceptance criteria of 10.3.6.2 of this Code, UL 1715, Standard for Safety for Fire Test of Interior Finish Material, UL 1040, Standard for Fire Test of Insulated Wall Construction, and FM 4880, Approval Standard for Class 1 Fire Rating of Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Panels, Interior Finish Materials, or Coating, and Exterior Wall Systems. Both NFPA 286 and UL 1715 contain smoke obscuration criteria. UL 1040 and FM 4880 do not. Smoke obscuration is an important component of the fire performance of cellular or foamed plastic materials. Add new text to read as follows: 10.4.3.1.1 One of the following fire tests shall be used for assessing the combustibility of cellular or foamed plastic materials as interior finish: (1) NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, with the acceptance criteria of 10.2.3.7.2 (2) ANSI/UL 1715, Standard for Fire Test of Interior Finish Material (including smoke measurements, with total smoke release not to exceed 1000m2) (3) ANSI/UL 1040, Standard for Fire Test of Insulated Wall Construction (4) FM 4880, Approval Standard for Class 1 Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Panels; Plastic Interior Finish Materials; Plastic Exterior Building Panels; Wall/Ceiling Coating Systems; Interior or Exterior Finish Systems Current 10.4.3.1.1 becomes 10.4.3.1.2., current 10.4.3.1.2 becomes 10.4.3.1.3. Currently the material proposed for section 10.4.3.1.1 is located in the annex but written as mandatory language. This text should be located in the body of the Code as enforceable language and consistent with NFPA 101. 5000-109 Log #35 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International 10.4.3.1.2 Cellular or foamed plastic materials tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1040, Standard for Fire Test of Insulated Wall Construction, or FM 4880, Approval Standard for Class I Fire Rating of Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Panels, Interior Finish Materials or Coating, and Exterior Wall Systems shall also be tested for smoke release. Suitable smoke tests include the following: (1) Additional measurements of smoke release into the duct that demonstrate that the total smoke released throughout the test does not exceed 1000 m2 (2) NFPA 286, with the acceptance criterion of 10.2.3.7.2(4) 10.3.6.2 (3) NFPA 255, ASTM E 84, or UL 723, with a smoke developed index not exceeding 450 This proposal addresses two minor issues: (a) it corrects the section associated with pass/fail criteria for NFPA 286 and (b) it eliminates the reference to NFPA 255, which is slated for withdrawal. 13
5000-109a Log #CP211 BLD-FUR 10.4.3.1.23* Cellular or foamed plastic materials tested in accordance with ANSI/UL 1040, Standard for Fire Test of Insulated Wall Construction, or FM 4880, Approval Standard for Class I Fire Rating of Insulated Wall or Wall and Roof/Ceiling Panels, Interior Finish Materials or Coating, and Exterior Wall Systems shall also be tested for smoke release Suitable smoke tests include the following: using: (1) Additional measurements of smoke release into the duct that demonstrate that the total smoke released throughout the test does not exceed 1000 m2 (2) NFPA 286, with the acceptance criterion of 10.2.3.7.2(4) (3) NFPA 255, ASTM E 84, or UL 723, with a smoke developed index not exceeding 450 A.10.4.3.1.3 Both NFPA 286 and UL 1715 contain smoke obscuration criteria. UL 1040 and FM 4880 do not. Smoke obscuration is an important component of the fire performance of cellular or foamed plastic materials. The committee is deleting item number (1) of newly numbered section 10.4.3.1.3 because this item was intended for instrumentation of UL 1040 or FM 4880 for smoke and labs do not do this as part of the testing. Item (3) is deleted because there is doubt as to the validity of ASTM E 84 tests conducted on cellular or foamed plastic materials. In UL 1715 measurement of smoke is optional. The new annex note to 10.4.3.1.3 explains which tests include smoke. The proposed action is consistent with action taken in NFPA 101. 5000-110 Log #36 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International 10.4.3.2 Cellular or foamed plastic shall be permitted for trim not in excess of 10 percent of the wall or ceiling area, provided that it is not less than 20 lb/ft3 (320 kg/m3) in density, is limited to ½ in. (13 mm) in thickness and 4 in. (100 mm) in width, and complies with the requirements for Class A or Class B interior wall and ceiling finish, as described in 10.3.2; however, the smoke release rating shall not be limited. The term rating should not be used since Classes are based either on a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less or on a low heat release rate, low smoke release and no flashover, in accordance with NFPA 286. This is purely an editorial change; the term rating is being used for fire resistance rating and fire protection rating. 14
5000-110a Log #CP202 BLD-FUR 10.4.5 Metal Ceiling and Wall Panels. Listed, factory-finished Class A metal ceiling and wall panels meeting the requirements of Class A when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 (see 10.3.2) shall be permitted to be finished with one additional application of paint. These painted panels shall be permitted for use in areas where Class A interior finishes are required. The total paint thickness shall not exceed 1/28 in. (0.90 mm). This proposed change is editorial and consistent with the accepted change in NFPA 101. 15
5000-111 Log #37 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Safety Council New text to read as follows: High density polyethylene and polypropylene materials shall not be used as interior wall or ceiling finish unless the material complies with the requirements of Section 10.3.6.2. The tests shall be performed on a finished assembly related to the actual end-use configuration and on the maximum thickness intended for use. Polypropylene and high density polyethylene interior finish materials need to be treated the same way, because polypropylene and polyethylene behave in a very similar fashion in fires. James Lathrop has explained the problems associated with polyethylene (HDPE), when it is used as an interior finish material, as follows (exact quote): HDPE is a thermoplastic that when it burns gives off considerable energy and produces a pooling flammable liquids fire. Recent full scale room-corner tests using NFPA 286 have demonstrated a significant hazard. These tests had to be terminated prior to the standard 15 minute duration due to flashover occurring, yet there was still much of the product left to burn. Extensive flammable liquid pool fires occurred during the tests. Yet this same material when tested in accordance with the tunnel test, ASTM E-84, is often given a FSI of 25 or less. However the resulting test is so intense some labs will not test HDPE partitions in their tunnel due to the damage it can do to the tunnel. This proposal will assure that when using HDPE partitions they will be formulated in such a manner to reduce the hazard that they present. Following is some of the data from one of the NFPA 286 tests: Peak HRR (excl burner) 1733 kw; Total Heat Released (excl. burner) 121 MJ; Peak Heat Flux to the floor 35.2 kw/m 2 ; Peak Avg Ceiling Temp 805 o C, 1481 o F. He has also explained that HDPE is extensively used in toilet room privacy partitions. It is worth putting the data Jim Lathrop presented into perspective by noting that pass/fail criteria are 800 kw and that those materials which perform well in the room-corner test usually exhibit heat release rates less than 400 kw, as opposed to over 1700 kw for HDPE. The materials in Table 1 (attached) were tested in a room corner test and in the Steiner tunnel test (ASTM E 84). Most materials were tested in the NFPA room corner tests but some were tested in the much more severe ISO 9705 room corner test (where the ignition burner is at 100 kw for 10 min and then at 300 kw for a further 10 min, as opposed to 40 kw/150 kw or 40 kw/160 kw for NFPA room-corner tests). Even here, some materials perform with low peak heat release rates. ***Table 1 here*** Experience in the past has long shown that materials with FSI values of less than 25 when tested in accordance with ASTM E 84, particularly if they are thermally thin materials or materials that melt and drip during the test (such as HDPE or polypropylene) cannot be guaranteed to be safe enough to be permitted to be used based simply on ASTM E 84 testing. A new product has now become available in the market: polypropylene toilet room privacy partitions. Polypropylene is a material that is very similar to polyethylene. Polypropylene is also a thermoplastic polyolefin material, just like polyethylene and there is almost no difference in fire performance. Both materials melt and drip and cause flaming drips when they burn and release large amounts of heat. The consequence of this is that pool fires are formed on the floor beneath the material. Table 2 shows cone calorimeter (ASTM E 1354) data for polypropylene and polyethylene. These materials should not be used as interior finish unless they comply with the criteria for tests to NFPA 286. ***Table 2 here*** ***Figure 1 here*** The photograph above shows a 3 mm (1/8 inch) thick sheet of polypropylene exposed to fire and the resulting pool fire (Photo and quotes below from NIST Technical Note 1493, T.J. Ohlemiller and J.R. Shields, Aspects of the Thermal Behavior of Thermoplastic Materials, 2008). In the above work, NIST tests were conducted with thin sheets of polypropylene and revealed the problems associated with the generation of melt pool fires and the role of a pool fire in the overall fire growth process. The publication states 16
that the results showed the following: Thermoplastic materials yield extra complexity when they burn in the context of the products in which they are found. Under the influence of gravity, the liquid phase formed during thermal degradation flows downward. If, as is typical, this liquid is burning, then it extends the flaming zone on the solid downward onto whatever surfaces are available to catch the liquid (ultimately a horizontal floor or ground surface). This constitutes, at the least, a new form of flame spread on the object containing the thermoplastic (in addition to normal forms of flame spread over solid surfaces, which are typically fastest in the upward direction), extending the area of fuel that is burning and thereby increasing the overall heat release rate from the object. In many cases this downward flow of flaming liquid results in a pool fire under the object. If that pool fire is close enough to the object that its plume reaches the object, the result can be a self feeding pool fire that further enhances the rate of heat release from the burning system. In addition to this penchant for liquid-assisted flame spread, thermoplastic materials also tend to deform significantly as they burn. Thus large changes in the geometric shape of the burning object are common. These two aspects of thermoplastics make modeling fire growth on them, or on objects containing them, extraordinarily difficult. With regard to the polypropylene sheet experiment described in the photograph the report states: The pool fire is centered near the rear edge of the sample, not under the leading edge of the flames on the sheet. This is because it is being fed flaming polymer melt most rapidly from an area several centimeters behind the forward-most portion of the sample flame front where the shape of the trailing edge of the sheet curves rapidly from near vertical toward the horizontal. There is a flow separation region there that tends to dump nearly all of the melt flow accumulated from higher up on the trailing edge of the sheet. From this flow impingement area on the catch surface, the melt tends to flow radially at first. That portion of the melt that is going forward (in the direction of flame spread) under the leading edge of the flames on the base of the sheet encounters a cold catch surface that extracts heat from the melt, lowers its temperature and rapidly raises its viscosity. This nearly halts the flow in this direction, which, in fact, greatly slows the potential rate of fire spread. Because much of the forward flow of melt is inhibited and, because the catch surface in the opposite direction has been pre-heated by the pool fire in its march forward, there is a preferential melt flow backward, away from the direction of fire spread and toward the rear end of the pool fire. This tends to somewhat disengage the pool fire from the overall forward fire spread process. The melt flow on the catch surface appears to be driven by the small hydrostatic head that develops due to the finite thickness of the melt layer on this horizontal surface. Near the foot of the pool fire flames, the flow is also driven outward, away from the pool fire center, by the surface tension gradient that is large in this region. (One can often see a step up in melt layer thickness beneath the flame foot.) Note that the region of the pool directly beneath the flames is bubbling, indicating in-depth generation of gaseous degradation products from the polymer melt. Also note that, on the left (just to the left of the flame foot), the pool fire has burned out by locally consuming all of the melt, leaving a dry central area. Around this area, however, there is a substantial amount of melt that has not burned and is left by the fire. Evidently, this residue has cooled sufficiently (and remains sufficiently heat-sunk to the catch surface) that it will not allow flame spread onto its surface (in effect, its temperature cannot be raised to the point where it will ignite). Note that the polymer sheet itself is somewhat wavy on its rear edge (warped out of the plane defined by the cold portion of the sample sheet). This is a consequence of the heat induced softening (and, perhaps, expansion) of the sheet before it actually begins to melt and flow at an appreciable rate. This aspect of the sample behavior was not reproducible. It interacts with the location of the separation point on the rear edge of the sample and thus influences where the bulk of the melt gets deposited in relation to the leading edge of the fire on the base of the sample. This appeared to be a major source of scatter in the evolution of the heat release rate from the fire, as described further below. The above processes could conceivably produce an essentially steady-state, propagating fire after some initial transient. Interestingly, while the flame spread rate along the bottom edge of the sample sheet is nearly steady in all cases, other aspects of the fire, including the heat release rate, are not steady. It needs to be pointed out that this is not an indictment of all polypropylene materials. It is possible to prepare polypropylene materials that exhibit excellent fire performance, including no significant flaming when tested in the ASTM E 84, Steiner tunnel. When one non fire retarded polypropylene material (1.5 mm, 0.06 inch thick) was subjected to a small open flame screening test, it ignited, dripped a flaming stream of plastic to the floor and continued to burn on the floor until it was consumed on the specimen holder and on the floor. On the other hand, a fire retarded polypropylene material (3 mm, 1/8 inch thick) was subjected to the same small open flame screening test and caused no flaming drips. When it was then subjected to the ASTM E 84 test, it produced a flame spread index of 50 and a smoke developed index of 215, without flaming drips. Table 3 shows some cone calorimeter results on nine fire retarded polypropylene materials, which gave very adequate fire performance. ***Table 3 here*** Add new text to read as follows: 17
High density polyethylene and polypropylene materials shall not be permitted to be used as interior wall or ceiling finish unless the material complies with the requirements of Section 10.3.6.2. The tests shall be performed on a finished assembly on the maximum thickness intended for use. The term "permitted" is a more appropriate term to use for the requirement and improves the terminology of this section. NFPA 286 is clear on how to mount the product being tested and specifically requiring "the actual end-use configuration" is not required in this definition. Affirmative: 7 Abstain: 1 HIRSCHLER, M.: Abstention due to client interest. LATHROP, J.: I am a little concerned about the use of the term "and" verses "or." This is a typical problem in code development, but I believe that "or" would be better. Obviously not voting negatively over this. 18
5000-112 Log #38 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International / Rep. American Fire Safety Council New text to read as follows:. Site-fabricated stretch systems containing all three components described in the definition in Chapter 3 shall be tested in the manner intended for use, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 10.3.2 or 10.3.6.2. If the materials are tested in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723, specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E 2573. Site-fabricated stretch system. A system, fabricated on site and intended for acoustical, tackable or aesthetic purposes, that is comprised of three elements: (a) a frame (constructed of plastic, wood, metal or other material) used to hold fabric in place, (b) a core material (infill, with the correct properties for the application), and (c) an outside layer, comprised of a textile, fabric or vinyl, that is stretched taunt and held in place by tension or mechanical fasteners via the frame. The ASTM committee on fire standards, ASTM E05, has issued a standard practice, ASTM E 2573, Standard practice for specimen preparation and mounting of site-fabricated stretch systems. Until now there was no correct mandatory way to test these systems. These systems are now being used extensively because they can stretch to cover decorative walls and ceilings with unusual looks and shapes. The systems consist of three parts: a fabric (or vinyl), a frame and an infill core material. The testing has often been done of each component separately instead of testing the composite system. That is an inappropriate way to test and not the safe way to conduct the testing. Now that a consensus standard method of testing exists, the code should recognize it. The proposed definition was taken from the standard, ASTM E 2573, word for word. Some systems do not consist of all three components of site-fabricated stretch systems and they should be tested in a manner appropriate to their use. In particular systems that contain a stretch membrane only and no core material have been shown to behave very differently in a fire situation from the site-fabricated stretch systems. It is important that the correct mounting method be used for each system. This type of product is not exclusive to any individual manufacturer. Three examples, taken from different manufacturers, are shown as illustrations. ***Figure 1 here*** ***Figure 2 here*** ***Figure 3 here*** Affirmative: 7 Abstain: 1 HIRSCHLER, M.: Abstention due to client interest. 19
5000-112a Log #CP207 BLD-FUR 10.6.2* Floor coverings, other than carpet for which 10.2.2 establishes requirements for fire performance, that are judged to represent an unusual hazard shall have a minimum critical radiant flux of 0.1 W/cm 2. This revision is proposed to make section 10.6.2 consistent with section 10.2.7.2 of NFPA 101. The text is currently correct in 101 and should be duplicated in 5000. 5000-113 Log #41 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International Interior floor finishes shall be grouped in the classes specified in 10.6.4.1 and 10.6.4.2 in accordance with the critical radiant flux requirements ratings. This is purely an editorial change; the term rating is being used for fire resistance rating and fire protection rating. 5000-113a Log #CP204 BLD-FUR 10.7.1 Unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this Code, Other than as required in Section 10.4, an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 55.3, Class C interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be permitted in any location where Class B is required, and Class B interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be permitted in any location where Class A is required. This change provides clarification to the application of this section. Chapter 10 does contain provisions in 10.6.2 where this section should be not applied. Adding the term "installed" provides proper text and grammar for the installation of sprinkler systems. LATHROP, J.: Technically I believe the word "where" should be inserted after "10.4" and before "an" 20
5000-113b Log #CP205 BLD-FUR 10.7.2 Unless specifically prohibited elsewhere in this Code, Wwhere an approved automatic sprinkler system is installed in accordance with Section 55.3 throughout the fire compartment or smoke compartment containing the interior floor finish, Class II interior floor finish shall be permitted in any location where Class I interior floor finish is required; and where Class II is required, no critical radiant flux rating shall be required.the provisions of 10.6.2 shall apply. Currently, section 10.7.2 is in conflict with section 10.6.2. The critical radiant flux requirements of 10.6.2 are applicable to all floor coverings other than carpet and the current text states that no critical radiant flux is required by one section, but is required by another. The revised text reflects the committee's intent by requiring the critical radiant flux value from 10.6.2 to be applicable to locations where it is fully sprinklered and a class II finish is required. Additional text was removed to reflect that nowhere in the Code specifically prohibits this requirement. 5000-250 Log #18 BLD-FUR Marcelo M. Hirschler, GBH International Table A.10.2(a) Interior Finish Classification Limitations Notes: (1) Class A interior wall and ceiling finish flame spread index 0-25, (new) smoke developed index 0-450. (2) Class B interior wall and ceiling finish flame spread index 26-75, (new) smoke developed index 0-450. (3) Class C interior wall and ceiling finish flame spread index 76-200, (new) smoke developed index 0-450. (4) Class I interior floor finish critical radiant flux not less than 0.45 W/cm 2. (5) Class II interior floor finish critical radiant flux not less than 0.22 W/cm 2, but less than 0.45 W/cm 2. (6) Where a complete standard system of automatic sprinklers is installed, interior wall and ceiling finish meeting requirements of at least with a rating not exceeding Class C is permitted to be used in any location where Class B is required, and interior wall and ceiling finish meeting requirements with a rating of Class B is permitted to be used in any location where Class A is required; similarly, Class II interior floor finish is permitted to be used in any location where Class I is required, and no critical radiant flux classification rating is required where Class II is required. These provisions do not apply to new health care facilities. (7) Exposed portions of structural members complying with the requirements for heavy timber construction are permitted. Paragraph 11.1.4.2 requires Class I or Class II interior floor finish in exits. See corresponding chapters for details. The term rating should not be used since Classes are based either on a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less or on a low heat release rate, low smoke release and no flashover, in accordance with NFPA 286. This is purely an editorial change; the term rating is being used for fire resistance rating and fire protection rating. 21