When to Use Fire Testing Services
Fire safety standards are in place to ensure that products made today are better and safer for consumers. Fire testing services are used to determine if goods meet these fire safety standards. It’s an intense process that must meet several different standards, including ASTM E162.
ASTM E162 measures the surface flammability of materials used in manufacturing. It is required for materials used in the mass transit industry, such as for buses and trains, NFPA1192 (Standard for Recreational Vehicles), and 24 CFR 3280 (Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards). ASTM E162 was developed in 1960 as a less expensive alternative to E84. This older fire testing used a large, cumbersome piece of apparatus. The test materials used for ASTM E162 are much smaller than those need for E84, too. However, ASTM E162 requires four test samples, while the old E84 used only two.
This is just one type of testing that must be completed upon material used in manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, buses, trains, and subway cars. This important fire testing standard ensures that the surface flammability of the materials used will not catch fire at a low radiant heat temperature. Since fire can spread so quickly, ensuring that materials used meet these standards can save lives.
The compliance standards have been set by regulatory, government, and industry organizations. In order to ensure these standards are met, testing companies complete these specialized testing procedures on everything from adhesive to paper board. If you are working for HUD projects, you will need to contact one of the five companies that is HUD certified. There are several testing companies available for other types of fire testing, but if you don’t use an accredited testing company, you are only wasting your money.
Fire testing requires extensive training, experience, and knowledge. The testing requires extensive laboratory resources and specialized equipment. This is certainly one area where you want the best company you can find to make sure the criteria are met and the results are accurate. Many of the companies that complete this type of testing work not only in the private industry, but also for local, state, and federal governments. Many are also certified for work abroad.
In closing, fire testing according to the compliance standards in place today can be very complicated. ASTM E162 is one of the most commonly used standards today and it applies to mass transit materials, recreational vehicles, and manufactured homes. You must use an accredited, reputable company for this type of testing and in some cases, there are only a few companies that can handle specific materials or testing procedures. You can find a lot of information online about the different companies, including the types of testing they do and their current qualifications and certifications. You can also ask for literature through their contact forms, which will give you a better understanding of what is offered. This is best way to find the right company for your testing needs.
NTA Inc provides fire testing, including those testing procedures needed for ASTM E162. With experienced and high qualified laboratories and other resources, they are also one of only five qualified for HUD certified testing needs.
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