ASTM F1930

Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame Resistant Clothing for Protection Against Flash Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin

ASTM F1930 specifies a standard process for measuring the average predicted body burn of a fabric based on a laboratory flash fire simulation. It tells us how to perform a manikin test, but not what to test for. NFPA 2112 sets the pass/fail criteria at <50% 2nd and 3rd degree burn in a 3 second exposure.

  • The fabric is sewn into a standard coverall pattern. This coverall is size 42R, with no pocket bags, cuffs pockets or other discretionary areas of multiple layer fabric.
  • The coverall is placed on an instrumented manikin, which has at least 100 thermocouples on its surface, excluding the hands and feet.
  • Sensors measure the performance of single layer garments or protective clothing ensembles in a simulated flash fire environment with controlled heat flux, flame distribution, and duration.
  • Heat transmitted to each sensor on the surface of the manikin records the location, extent and severity of burn injury. Total 2nd and 3rd degree burn is the focus.
  • The visual and physical changes to the single layer garment or protective clothing ensemble are recorded to aid in understanding how the burn injury results can be interpreted.
  • Afterflame is recorded for duration, but not for extent of body surface.
  • The measurements obtained and observations noted can only apply to the particular garment(s) or ensemble(s) tested using the specified heat flux, duration, and flame distribution.

This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.

The ASTM F1930 standard was most recently updated in 2017. Changes in the 2017 edition were primarily related to ASTM style. However, several charts showing statistical data related to percentage body burn, collected from multiple tests conducted in different test facilities were updated with the most current data.

The standard can be purchased and downloaded from the ASTM website at http://www.astm.org/Standards/F1930.htm