GUIDE TO FULL SCALE FIRE TESTS

Have all the different fire tests for residence life mattresses
left you feeling confused?

We believe the following snapshot description of the primary test types may cut through the confusion and help you understand how the tests differ from one another and how you can use these tests to promote safety in your facilities and make the best choice for your residents. 

BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT IX-11

• BFD IX-11 is designed to test mattress with REAL bedding - believed to provide best available predictor of performance for mattresses as they are really used.

• This test is a widely adopted full scale fire test for high risk and institutional occupancies.

• Extensive testing history provides increased level of confidence in results.

• This test is extremely difficult to pass since the real bedclothes provide a large fuel source that challenges the entire product for design defects and weaknesses.

• This test is preferred for healthcare, dormitory and other high risk installations due to its rigorous performance demands, thoroughly researched origins, and test criteria.

CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL BULLETIN #129

• CAL TB #129 is the most widely adopted full scale fire test for high risk and institutional occupancies.

• It is the foundation of NFPA 101® Life Safety Code (as designed under ASTM E 1590).

• Extensive testing history provides increased level of confidence in results.

• This test is recommended for healthcare, dormitory and other high risk installations due to its cost effectiveness, thoroughly researched origins, and test criteria.

CALIFORNIA TECHNICAL BULLETIN #603 / CPSC 16 CFR 1633

• CAL TB #603 is the newest composite test and has been approved by California as the requirement for ALL mattresses and box springs sold in the state after January 1, 2005.  Some manufacturers may offer products that only meet this standard.

• The U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission  has issued CPSC 16 CFR 1633, a new Federal flammability standard for mattresses. This required minimum standard will apply to ALL mattresses manufactured after July 1, 2007.

• CPSC 16 CFR 1633 and CAL TB #603 have not been proven to be as demanding as CAL TB #129 or the Boston IX-11 test.

• These tests are not recommended as stand-alone tests for healthcare, dormitory and other high risk occupancies due to a lack of rigorous performance demands and lack of accumulated testing history.

In the interest of promoting life safety, purchasers and specifiers of residence life mattresses should insist that their vendors offer them products that meet the full range of the tests available.  Additionally, the verification of satisfying these performance requirements can only be assured if the vendor supplies complete and unabridged copies of the full scale test results for each of the above standards.

To submit a quote request online, proceed to Online Quote Request
for more information and a price quote tailored to fit the needs of your institution.

University Sleep Products, Inc.
Leaders in Innovative Mattress Technology
Phone: 800-548-2072  Fax: 800-548-2072
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info@universitysleep.com