NFPA 2112

AMERICAN FLAME RESISTANCE STANDARD FOR PERSONAL FIRE-RESISTANT PROTECTIVE GARMENTS

The NFPA 2112 standard specifies the basic minimum requirements and test methods for flame resistance for personal fire-resistant protective garments.

REQUIREMENTS FOR NFPA 2112 STANDARD CERTIFICATION

TEST METHOD

DESCRIPTION

MINIMUM COMPLIANCE VALUES

ASTM D6413

Each individual layer of the outfit must be tested separately. Fabrics with a tag that specifies that they must be washed must be tested before and after 100 wash and dry cycles. The time of exposure to flame is 12 seconds. After exposing the garment to flame and allowing the fabric to cool, the appropriate weight must be hung in order to give the tearing enough force, in accordance with the Table:

Tear force for determining charred length
g/m²	Fabric weight oz/yd²	Total tear g	Force oz
68 to 203	2.0 to 6.0	100	4.0
203 to 508	6.0 to 15.0	200	8.0
508 to 780	15.0 to 23.0	300	12.0
More than 780	More than 23.0	475	16.0

Both the fabric and the reflective tapes used in flame resistant garments must have a charred length of less than or equal to 100 mm (4 inches) as well as a post-glow of no more than 2 seconds. The fabric cannot drip or melt. The gas used must be methane.

ASTM F1930

The garment is mounted on a manikin with 100 sensors in stationary conditions and must be tested against exposure to a flash fire for 3 seconds, with a heat flux of 84 kW/m² to provide predictions of skin burns.

The result of the mean burn protection cannot be greater than 50%.
Number of tests: 3.
Pre-treatment: 1 wash cycle according to manufacturer specifications.
Exposure time: 3 seconds. Undergarments: briefs, 170 g/m² ± 5% made of 100% cotton and a short-sleeve t-shirt, 140 g/m² ± 5% made of 100% cotton.
Requirements: total burn prediction ≤ 50%.

Manikin test. Garments must be tested against exposure to a flash fire. The result of the mean burn prediction cannot be greater than 50.

ASTM F2700

The flow of convective heat must consist of two Meker-Fisher burners secured under the stand supporting the sample and placed at a 45º angle with respect to the vertical axis so that the flames meet at a point just under the sample. The radiant heat source must consist of some T-150 quartz infrared tubes and be centred between the burners. Once the total heat flow reaches 83 kW/m² ± 4 kW/m², a copper calorimeter should be used to measure the total heat flow. Prior to the test, the copper calorimeter must be used to measure the heat flow by placing it upside down and directly exposing it to the total heat source. The reading on the calorimeter must register for at least 10 seconds. The lowest temperature on the curve must be chosen and the temperature increment determined for 10 seconds (detected by a sensor). The start point for the exposure should be registered at time t = 0 seconds. Exposure must continue for 30 seconds (exposure time t = 30 seconds). For each TPP test, the final thermic point must be determined by comparing a few graphs that show the thermic energy measured versus the response time on the Stoll curve (a prediction model for second-degree burns on the human body, expressed in J/cm²).

Heat transfer (TPP): The result with space must be greater than or equal to 25 J/cm² (6.0 cal/cm²) and with contact must be greater than or equal to 12.6 J/cm² (3.0 cal/cm²).

AATCC135

Test method to determine colour-fastness upon home washing.

AATCC61

Test method to determine colour-fastness upon industrial washing.

AATCC16

Test method to determine sturdiness under light.

AATCC132

Test method to determine sturdiness upon dry cleaning.

AATCC8

Test method to determine sturdiness upon washing by scrubbing.