This method determines the burning behaviour of vertically oriented flame-resistant textile fabrics. The specimens tested may be a single layer of fabric, a composite or an assembly of two or more layers.

This method provides two configurations for exposing the specimen to a flame: surface ignition (with the burner perpendicular to the surface of the specimen) and edge ignition (with the burner inclined at 30° to the vertical towards the lower edge of the specimen). (The edge ignition configuration is normally considered more stringent than surface ignition.)

This method provides two procedures for determining the extent of flame spread. One procedure requires a visual observation of whether or not the flame reaches any edge of the specimen; the other procedure uses a specified force to produce a tear in the damaged area, the length of the tear is reported as the damaged length. Agencies applying this method may require either or both procedures to be reported.

The testing and evaluation of a product against this method may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this method has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish appropriate health and safety practices in conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.