When we think about flameproofing, we usually just think about the actual flameproofing process - the soaking or coating of materials and objects in fire retardant chemicals. But really, that’s just Phase 1. There’s actually a second part that is just as vital as the first. That’s the field flame test. The field flame test ensures that items that have been treated are actually fire resistant. It’s the only way to truly know if they are properly flameproofed and will do what they were treated to do in the event of a fire. You definitely don’t want to wait until an actual fire to see if they will hold up!
The flameproofing outfit that performed the flameproofing treatments will be the ones who perform the field flame test as well. It’s recommended that you’re present during the test, just so you can see the results for yourself.
The flameproofing company is (should be!) a C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder, approved and sanctioned by the FDNY to provide flameproofing treatments and the following field flame test also. Without being a C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder, they can’t give you the legal affidavits that the FDNY requires. In addition to that, there’s no guarantee that someone who isn’t a C-15 Certificate of Fitness holder has been properly trained, and therefore, their treatments may hurt more than help.
A few steps need to occur during the field flame test. First, just a 1.5” x 4” sample needs to be tested. A smaller piece may not yield the proper results, and testing the entire piece isn’t needed or recommended.
Next, it’s ideal that field flame tests are done outdoors when possible. The location should be protected from winds and drafts, with a fire extinguisher available within 10 feet.
Once set up in a testing location, the sample should be held up vertical with tongs. Then, a basic wooden kitchen match should ignite the bottom center edge of the sample. The match needs to touch the material or object for 12 seconds and then it should be removed.
If an item is sufficiently flameproofed, the flames travel very slowly across the surface area of the sample material. There’s a 2 second time limit where the tested material needs to stop burning, once the flame has been removed from the sample. Also, the burning material will not drip or break off in pieces if it is truly flameproofed.
Usually, the company who performed the flameproofing procedures will also perform the field flame test. However, they aren’t the only ones who are allowed to do it. In fact, an FDNY official is able to come to a business at any time and perform a field flame test. If a material or object doesn’t pass, the item in question needs to be uninstalled, removed from the premises, and treated with flame repellents again. The proper affidavit can be issued after the item has passed a subsequent field flame test.
While the field flame test isn’t a complicated process, it’s vital that it’s done and done correctly - for legal requirements and to ensure maximum protection from a fire at the business property. Bronx Flameproofing holds a valid C-15 Certificate of Fitness, and we are able to provide flameproofing treatments as well as perform the field flame test that follows. We are also able to issue all necessary flameproofing affidavits.
If you have questions or are in need of an estimate, please call today. We offer free, no-obligation quotes and are happy to discuss any concerns you have! Call today! 1-800-594-0117