How It’s Tested: Episode 8 – The Basics of NFPA 2112
Our How it's Tested series explores safety standards and test methods for AR / FR garments and PPE. With Scott Margolin, Vice President of Technical as our guide, we examine many of the major tests to understand what they measure, how they measure it, and what that means to someone like you who is specifying or wearing the garment. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, explore all episodes in this series to make sure you are up to date on the latest information.
If you’re working in an environment where you are at risk of being exposed to a flash fire (a sudden, intense fire which is short in duration but severe in potential danger) you should be aware of the flash fire protection standards set in place to keep workers safe. NFPA 2112 is the Standard on Flame Resistant Garments for Protection of Industrial Personnel Against Flash Fire. This standard provides minimum performance criteria and sets clear guidelines for testing.
All FR clothing that is compliant with NFPA 2112 must meet the following criteria:
- Achieve a 50% or less predicted 2nd & 3rd degee body burn in the maninkin test
- Not melt, drip or separate
- Have appropriate labeling in an easy-to-see location
- Meet each of the NFPA 2112 requirements and tests, and be third party certified
- The certification label should either be attached to the flame resistant garment label, or be positioned right next to it
There are numerous test methods associated with the standard, but don’t worry, the next four blog posts in our How It’s Tested series will cover the four main pass/fail tests including, ASTM F1930 the Manikin test, ASTM D6413 the Vertical Flame test, ASTM F2700 Heat Transfer Performance test, and ASTM F2894 the Thermal Shrinkage test. There are also a dozen other, lesser known tests, which we’ll cover briefly in future posts.
Watch VP of Technical, Scott Margolin, explain what you can expect to learn from these blogs and why the tests are crucial in ensuring a garment is deemed compliant with NFPA 2112.
NFPA 2112 is available for complimentary viewing online or download or purchase at: http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/AboutTheCodes.asp?DocNum=2112
