[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 16, Volume 2]
[Revised as of January 1, 2007]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 16CFR1615.4]
[Page 637-652]
TITLE 16--COMMERCIAL PRACTICES
CHAPTER II--CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
PART 1615_STANDARD FOR THE FLAMMABILITY OF CHILDREN'S SLEEPWEAR:
SIZES 0 THROUGH 6X (FF 3-71)--Table of Contents
Subpart A_The Standard
Sec. 1615.4 Test procedure.
(a) Apparatus--(1) Test chamber. The test chamber shall be a steel
cabinet with inside dimensions of 32.9 cm. (12 15/16 in.) wide, 32.9 cm.
(12 15/16 in.) deep, and 76.2 cm. (30 in.) high. It shall have a frame
which permits the suspension of the specimen holder over the center of
the base of the cabinet at such a height that the bottom of the specimen
holder is 1.7 cm. ( 3/4 in.) above the highest point of the barrel of
the gas burner specified in paragraph (c) of this section and
perpendicular to the front of the cabinet. The front of the cabinet
shall be a close fitting door with a glass insert to permit observation
of the entire test. The cabinet floor may be covered with a piece of
asbestos paper, whose length and width are approximately 2.5 cm. (1 in.)
less than the cabinet floor dimensions. The cabinet to be used in this
test method is illustrated in Figure 1 and detailed in Engineering
Drawings, Nos. 1 to 7.
(2) Specimen holder. The specimen holder is designed to permit
suspension of the specimen in a fixed vertical position and to prevent
curling of the specimen when the flame is applied. It shall consist of
two U-shaped 0.20 cm. (14 ga. USS) thick steel plates, 42.2 cm. (16\5/8\
in.) long, and 8.9 cm. (3.5 in.) wide, with
[[Page 638]]
aligning pins. The openings in the plates shall be 35.6 cm. (14 in.)
long and 5.1 cm. (2 in.) wide. The specimen shall be fixed between the
plates, which shall be held together with side clamps. The holder to be
used in this test method is illustrated in Figure 2 and detailed in
Engineering Drawing No. 7.
(3) Burner. The burner shall be substantially the same as that
illustrated in Figure 1 and detailed in Engineering Drawing No. 6. It
shall have a tube of 1.1 cm. (0.43 in.) inside diameter. The input line
to the burner shall be equipped with a needle valve. It shall have a
variable orifice to adjust the height of the flame. The barrel of the
burner shall be at an angle of 25[deg] from the vertical. The burner
shall be equipped with an adjustable stop collar so that it may be
positioned quickly under the test specimen. The burner shall be
connected to the gas source by rubber or other flexible tubing.
(4) Gas supply system. There shall be a pressure regulator to
furnish gas to the burner under a pressure of 12913mm. Hg (2\1/2\\1/4\ lbs. per sq.
in.) at the burner inlet.
(5) Gas. The gas shall be at least 97 percent pure methane.
(6) Hooks and weights. Metal hooks and weights shall be used to
produce a series of loads for char length determinations. Suitable metal
hooks consist of No. 19 gauge steel wire, or equivalent, made from 7.6
cm. (3 in.) lengths of the wire, bent 1.3 cm. (0.5 in.) from one end to
a 45[deg] angle hook. The longer end of the wire is fastened around the
neck of the weight to be used and the other in the lower end of each
burned specimen to one side of the burned area. The requisite loads are
given in table 1.
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Table 1--Original Fabric Weight \1\
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loads
Grams per square meter Ounces per square yard -----------------
Grams Pounds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less than 101 Less than 3 54.4 0.12
101 to 207 3 to 6 113.4 .25
207 to 338 6 to 10 226.8 .50
Greater than 338 Greater than 10 340.2 .75
------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Weight of the original fabric, containing no seams or trim, is
calculated from the weight of a specimen which has been conditioned
for at least 8 h at 211.1 [deg]C (702 [deg]F) and 652 pct relative
humidity. Shorter conditioning times may be used if the change in
weight of a specimen in successive weighings made at intervals of not
less than 2 h does not exceed 0.2 pct of the weight of the specimen.
(7) Stopwatch. A stopwatch or similar timing device shall be used to
measure time to 0.1 second.
(8) Scale. A linear scale graduated in millimeters or 0.1 inch
divisions shall be used to measure char length.
(9) Circulating Air Oven. A forced circulation drying oven capable
of maintaining the specimens at 1052.8 [deg]C.
(2215 [deg]F.), shall be used to dry the specimen
while mounted in the specimen holders. \3\
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\3\ Option 1 of ASTM, D2654-67T, ``Method of Test for Amount of
Moisture in Textile Materials,'' describes a satisfactory oven (1970
Book of ASTM Standards, part 24, published by the American Society for
Testing and Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, Pa. 19103).
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(10) Desiccator. An air-tight and moisture-tight desiccating chamber
shall be used for cooling mounted specimens after drying. Anhydrous
silica gel shall be used as the desiccant in the desicating chamber.
(11) Hood. A hood or other suitable enclosure shall be used to
provide a draft-free environment surrounding the test chamber. This
enclosure shall have a fan or other suitable means for exhausting smoke
and/or toxic gases produced by testing.
(b) Specimens and sampling--General. (1) The test criteria of Sec.
1615.3(b) shall be used in conjunction with the following fabric and
garment sampling plain, or any other approved by the Consumer Product
Safety Commission that provides at least the equivalent level of fire
safety to the consumer. Alternate sampling plans submitted for approval
shall have operating characteristics such that the probability of Unit
acceptance at any percentage defective does not exceed the corresponding
probability of Unit acceptance of the following sampling plan in the
region of the latter's operating characteristic curves that lies between
5 and 95 percent acceptance probability.
(2) Different colors or different print patterns of the same fabric
may be included in a single Fabric or Garment Production Unit, provided
such colors or print patterns demonstrate char lengths that are not
significantly different from each other as determined by previous
testing of at least three samples from each color or print pattern to be
included in the Unit.
(3) Garments with different trim and findings may be included in a
single Garment Production Unit providing the other garment
characteristics are identical except for size, color, and print pattern.
(4) For fabrics whose flammability characteristics are not dependent
on chemical additives or chemical reactants to fiber, yarns, or fabrics,
the laundering requirement of paragraph (g)(4) of this section is met on
subsequent Fabric Production Units if results of testing an initial
Fabric Production Unit demonstrate acceptability according to the
requirements of paragraph (c) of this section, Normal Sampling, both
before and after the appropriate laundering.
(5) If the fabric has been shown to meet the laundering requirement,
paragraph (g)(4) of this section, the garments produced from that fabric
are not required to be laundered.
(6) Each Sample (five specimens) for all Fabric Sampling shall be
selected so that two specimens are in one fabric direction (machine or
cross-machine) and three specimens are in the other fabric direction
except for the additional Sample selected after a failure, in which
case, all five specimens shall be selected in the same fabric direction
in which the specimen failure occurred.
(7) Fabric Samples may be selected from fabric as outlined in
paragraph (c) of this section entitled Fabric Sampling, or, for
verification purposes, from randomly selected garments.
(8) Multilayer fabrics shall be tested with a hem of approximately
2.5 cm. (1 in.) sewn at the bottom edge of the specimen with a suitable
thread and
[[Page 647]]
stitch. The specimen shall include each of the components over its
entire length. Garments manufactured from multilayer fabrics shall be
tested with the edge finish at the bottom edge of the specimen which is
used in the garment.
(c) Specimens and Sampling--Fabric Sampling. A Fabric Production
Unit (Unit) is either accepted or rejected in accordance with the
following plan:
(1) Normal Sampling. Select one Sample from the beginning of the
first Fabric Piece (Piece) in the Unit and one Sample from the end of
the last Piece in the Unit, or select a sample from each end of the
Piece if the Unit is made up of only one Piece. Test the two selected
Samples. If both Samples meet all the Test Criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b),
accept the unit. If either or both of the Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7.0
in.) average char length criterion, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the Unit.
If two or more of the individual specimens, from the 10 selected
specimens fail, the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, .3(b)(2), reject the
Unit. If only one individual specimen, from the 10 selected specimens,
fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select five
additional specimens from the same end of the Piece in which the failure
occurred, all five to be taken in the fabric direction in which the
specimen failure occurred. If this additional Sample passes all the test
criteria, accept the Unit. If this additional Sample fails any part of
the test criteria, reject the Unit.
(2) Reduced Sampling. (i) The level of sampling required for fabric
acceptance may be reduced provided the preceding 15 Units of the fabric
have all been accepted using the Normal Sampling plan.
(ii) The Reduced Sampling plan shall be the same as for Normal
Sampling except that the quantity of fabric in the Unit may be increased
to 10,000 linear yards.
(iii) Select and test two Samples in the same manner as in Normal
Sampling. Accept or reject the Unit on the same basis as with Normal
Sampling.
(iv) Reduced Sampling shall be discontinued and Normal Sampling
resumed if a Unit is rejected.
(3) Tightened Sampling. The level of sampling required for
acceptance shall be increased when a Unit is rejected under the Normal
Sampling plan. The Tightened Sampling shall be the same as Normal
Sampling except that one additional Sample shall be selected and cut
from a middle Piece in the Unit. If the Unit is made up of less than two
pieces, the Unit shall be divided into at least two Pieces. The division
shall be such that the Pieces produced by the division shall not be
smaller than 100 linear yards or greater than 2,500 linear yards. If the
unit is made up of two Pieces, the additional Sample shall be selected
from the interior end of one of the Pieces. Test the three selected
Samples. If all three selected Samples meet all the test criteria of
Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the unit. If one or more of the three selected
Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7.0 in.) average char length criterion, Sec.
1615.3(b)(1), reject the Unit. If two or more of the individual
specimens from the 15 selected specimens fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char
length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), reject the unit. If only one individual
specimen, of the 15 selected Specimens fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char
length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select five additional specimens from the
same end of the same piece in which the failure occurred, all five to be
taken in the fabric direction in which the Specimen failure occurred. If
this additional Sample passes all the test criteria, accept the Unit. If
this additional Sample fails any part of the test criteria, reject the
Unit. Tightened Sampling may be discontinued and Normal Sampling resumed
after five consecutive Units have all been accepted using Tightened
Sampling. If Tightened Sampling remains in effect for 15 consecutive
units, production of the specific fabric in Tightened Sampling must be
discontinued until that part of the process or component which is
causing failure has been identified and the quality of the end product
has been improved.
(4) Disposition of Rejected Units. (i) The Piece or Pieces which
have failed and resulted in the initial rejection of the Unit may not be
retested, used, or promoted for use in children's sleepwear as defined
in Sec. 1615.1(a) except after reworking to improve the flammability
characteristics and subsequent retesting in accordance with the
procedures in Tightened Sampling.
[[Page 648]]
(ii) The remainder of a rejected Unit, after removing the Piece or
Pieces the failure of which resulted in Unit rejection, may be accepted
if the following test plan is successfully concluded at all required
locations. The required locations are those adjacent to each such failed
Piece. (Required locations exist on both sides of the ``Middle Piece''
tested in Tightened Sampling if failure of that Piece resulted in Unit
rejection.) Failure of a Piece shall be deemed to have resulted in Unit
rejection if Unit rejection occurred and a Sample or specimen from the
Piece failed any test criterion of Sec. 1615.3(b).
(iii) The Unit should contain at least 15 Pieces for disposition
testing after removing the failing Pieces. If necessary for this
purpose, the Unit shall be demarcated into at least 15 approximately
equal length Pieces unless such division results in Pieces shorter than
100 linear yards. In this latter case, the Unit shall be demarcated into
roughly equal length Pieces of approximately 100 linear yards each. If
such a division results in five Pieces or less in the Unit for each
failing Piece after removing the failing Pieces, only the individual
Piece retest procedure (described subsequently) may be used.
(iv) Select and cut a Sample from each end of each adjoining Piece
beginning adjacent to the Piece which failed. Test the two Samples from
the Piece. If both Samples meet all the test criteria of Sec.
1615.3(b), the Piece is acceptable. If one or both of the two selected
Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7.0 in.) average char length criterion, Sec.
1615.3(b)(1), the Piece is unacceptable. If two or more of the
individual Specimens, from the 10 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm.
(10 in.) char length Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), the Piece is unacceptable. If
only one individual specimen, from the 10 selected specimens, fails the
25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select five
additional specimens from the same end of the Piece in which the failure
occurred, all five to be taken in the fabric direction in which the
specimen failure occurred. If this additional Sample passes all the test
criteria, the Piece is acceptable. If this additional Sample fails any
part of the test criteria, the Piece is unacceptable.
(v) Continue testing adjoining Pieces until a Piece has been found
acceptable. Then continue testing adjoining Pieces until three
successive adjoining Pieces, not including the first acceptable Piece,
have been found acceptable or until five such Pieces not including the
first acceptable Piece, have been tested, whichever occurs sooner.
Unless three successive adjoining Pieces have been found acceptable
among five such Pieces, testing shall be stopped and the entire Unit
rejected without further testing. If three successive Pieces have been
found acceptable among five such Pieces, accept the three successive
acceptable Pieces and the remaining Pieces in the Unit.
(vi) Alternatively, individual Pieces from a rejected Unit
containing three or more Pieces may be tested and accepted or rejected
on a Piece-by-Piece basis according to the following plan, after
removing the Piece or Pieces, the failure of which resulted in Unit
rejection. Select four Samples (two from each end) from the Piece. Test
the four selected Samples. If all four Samples meet all the Test
Criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the Piece. If one or more of the
Samples fail the 17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, Sec.
1615.3(b)(1), reject the Piece. If two or more of the individual
Specimens from the 20 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.)
char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), reject the Piece. If only one
individual specimen, from the 20 selected specimens, fails the 25.4 cm.
(10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), select two additional Samples
from the same end of the Piece in which the failure occurred. If these
additional two Samples meet all the Test Criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b),
accept the Piece. If one or both of the two additional Samples fail any
part of the Test Criteria, reject the Piece.
(vii) The Pieces of a Unit rejected after retesting may not be
retested, used, or promoted for use in children's sleepwear as defined
in Sec. 1615.1(a) except after reworking to improve the flammability
characteristics, and subsequent retesting in accordance with the
procedures set forth in Tightened Sampling.
[[Page 649]]
(5) Records. Records of all Unit sizes, test results, and the
disposition of rejected Pieces and Units must be maintained by the
manufacturer upon the effective date of this Standard. Rules and
regulations may be established by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
(d) Specimens and Sampling--Garment Sampling. (1)(i) The garment
sampling plan is made up of two parts: (A) Prototype Testing and (B)
Production Testing. Prior to production, prototypes must be tested to
assure that the design characteristics of the garments are acceptable.
Garment Production Units (Units) are then accepted or rejected on an
individual Unit basis.
(ii) Edge finishes such as hems and binding are excluded from
testing except that when trim is used on an edge the trim must be
subjected to prototype testing. Seams attaching findings are excluded
from testing.
(2) Prototype Testing. Preproduction prototypes of a garment style
or type shall be tested to assure that satisfactory garment
specifications in terms of flammability are set up prior to production.
(i) Seams. Make three Samples (15 specimens) using the longest seam
type and three Samples using each other seam type 10 inches or longer
that is to be included in the garment. Prior to testing, assign each
specimen to one of the three Samples. Test each set of three Samples and
accept or reject each seam design in accordance with the following plan:
(A) If all three Samples meet all the test criteria of Sec.
1615.3(b), accept the seam design. If one or more of the three Samples
fail the 17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, Sec.
1615.3(b)(1), reject the seam design. If three or more of the individual
Specimens from the 15 selected specimens fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char
length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), reject the seam design. If only one of the
individual specimens from the 15 selected specimens fails the 25.4 cm.
(10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), accept the seam design.
(B) If two of the individual specimens from the 15 selected
specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2),
select three more Samples (15 specimens) and retest. If all three
additional Samples meet all the test criteria of Sec. 1615.3(b) accept
the seam design. If one or more of the three additional Samples fail the
17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1),
reject the seam design. If two or more of the individual specimens from
the 15 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec.
1615.3(b)(2) reject the seam design. If only one of the individual
specimens from the 15 selected specimens, fails the 25.4 cm. (10 in.)
char length Sec. 1615.3(b)(2) accept the seam design.
(ii) Trim. (A)(1) Make three samples (15 specimens) from each type
of trim to be included in the garment. For trim used only in a
horizontal configuration on the garment, specimens shall be prepared by
sewing or attaching the trim horizontally to the bottom edge of an
appropriate section of untrimmed fabric. Sleeve and neckline trim may
not be tested in this manner. Where more than one row of trim is used on
the garment, specimens shall be prepared with the same configuration
(same number of rows and spacing between rows up to the limit of the
specimen size) as the garment.
(2) For trim used in other than a horizontal configuration,
specimens shall be prepared by sewing or attaching the trim to the
center of the vertical axis of an appropriate section of untrimmed
fabric, beginning the sewing or attachment at the lower edge of each
specimen.
(3) For either configuration, the sewing or attachment shall be made
in the manner in which the trim is attached in the garment.
(B)(1) Sewing or otherwise attaching the trim shall be done with
thread or fastening material of the same composition and size to be used
for this purpose in the garment and using the same stitching or
seamtype. Trim used in the horizontal configuration shall be sewn or
fastened the entire width (smaller dimension) of the specimen. Trim used
in other than the horizontal configuration shall be sewn or fastened the
entire length (longer dimension) of the specimen.
(2) Prior to testing, assign each specimen to one of the three
samples. Test the sets of three samples and accept or reject the type of
trim and design on
[[Page 650]]
the same basis as seam design. A type of trim and design accepted when
tested in a vertical configuration may be used in a horizontal
configuration without further testing.
(3) Production Testing. A Unit is either accepted or rejected
according to the following plan:
(i)(A) From each Unit select at random sufficient garments and cut
three Samples (15 specimens) from the longest seam type. No more than
five specimens may be cut from a single garment. Prior to testing,
assign each specimen to one of the three Samples. All specimens cut from
a single garment must be included in the same Sample. Test the three
selected Samples. If all three Samples meet all the test criteria of
Sec. 1615.3(b), accept the Unit. If one or more of the three Samples
fail the 17.8 cm. (7 in.) average char length criterion, Sec.
1615.3(b)(1), reject the Unit. If four or more of the individual
specimens, from the 15 selected specimens, fail the 25.4 cm (10 in.)
char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), reject the Unit. If three of less of
the individual specimens, from the 15 selected specimens, fail the 25.4
cm. (10 in.) char length, Sec. 1615.3(b)(2), accept the Unit.
(B)(1) If the garment under test does not have a 10-inch seam in the
largest size in which it is produced, the following selection and
testing procedure shall be followed.
(2) Select and cut specimens 8.9 cm. (3.5 in.) wide by the maximum
available seam length, with the seam in the center of the specimen and
extending the entire specimen length. Cut three Samples (15 specimens).
These specimens shall be placed in specimen holders so that the bottom
edge is even with the bottom of the specimen holder and the seam begins
in the center of the bottom edge. Prior to testing, assign each specimen
to one of the three Samples. All specimens cut from a single garment
must be included in the same Sample.
(3) Test the three Samples. If all three Samples pass the 17.8 cm.
(7 in.) average char length criterion, Sec. 1615.3(b)(1), and if three
or less individual specimens fail by charring the entire specimen
length, accept the Unit. If the Unit is not accepted in the above test,
three Samples (15 specimens) of the longest seam type shall be made
using fabric and thread from production inventory and sewn on production
machines by production operators. The individual fabric sections prior
to sewing must be no larger than 20.3 x 63.3 cm. (8 in. x 25 in.) and
must be selected from more than one area of the base fabric. Test the
three prepared Samples. Accept or reject the Unit as described
previously in this subsection.
(4) Disposition of Rejected Units. Rejected Units shall not be
retested, used, or promoted for use in children's sleepwear as defined
in Sec. 1615.1(a), except after reworking to improve the flammability
characteristics and subsequent retesting in accordance with the
procedures set forth in garment production testing.
(5) Records. Records of all Unit sizes, test results, and the
disposition of rejected Units must be maintained by the manufacturer
upon the effective date of this standard. Rules and regulations may be
established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
(e) Specimens and Sampling--Compliance Market Sampling Plan.
Sampling plans for use in market testing of items covered by this
Standard may be issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Such
plans shall define noncompliance of a production Unit to exist only when
it is shown, with a high level of statistical confidence, those
production Units represented by tested items which fail such plans will,
in fact, fail this standard. Production units found to be non-complying
under the provisions of paragraph (e) of this section shall be deemed
not to conform to this Standard. The Consumer Product Safety Commission
may publish such plans in the Federal Register.
(f) Mounting and conditioning of specimens. (1) The specimens shall
be placed in specimen holders so that the bottom edge of each specimen
is even with the bottom of the specimen holder. Mount the specimen in as
close to a flat configuration as possible. The sides of the specimen
holder shall cover 1.9 cm. (\3/4\ in.) of the specimen width along each
long edge of the specimen, and thus shall expose 5.1 cm. (2 in.) of the
specimen width. The sides of the specimen holder shall be clamped with a
sufficient number of clamps or shall be
[[Page 651]]
taped to prevent the specimen from being displaced during handling and
testing. The specimens may be taped in the holders if the clamps fail to
hold them. Place the mounted specimens in the drying oven in a manner
that will permit free circulation of air at 105 [deg]C. (221 [deg]F.)
around them for 30 minutes.\4\
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\4\ If the specimens are moist when received, permit them to air dry
at laboratory conditions prior to placement in the oven. A satisfactory
preconditioning procedure may be found in ASTM D 1776-67, ``Conditioning
Textiles and Textile Products for Testing.'' (``1970 Book of ASTM
Standards,'' part 24, published by the American Society for Testing and
Materials, 1916 Race Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.)
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(2) Remove the mounted specimens from the oven and place them in the
desiccator for 30 minutes to cool. No more than five specimens shall be
placed in a desiccator at one time. Specimens shall remain in the
desiccator no more than 60 minutes.
(g) Testing--(1) Burner adjustment. With the hood fan turned off,
use the needle valve to adjust the flame height of the burner to 3.8 cm.
(1\1/2\ in.) above the highest point of the barrel of the burner. A
suitable height indicator is shown in Engineering Drawing No. 6 and
Figure 1.
(2) Specimen Burning and Evaluation. (i) One at a time, the mounted
specimens shall be removed from the desiccator and suspended in the
cabinet for testing. The cabinet door shall be closed and the burner
flame impinged on the bottom edge of the specimen for 3.00.2 seconds. Flame impingement is accomplished by moving
the burner under the specimen for this length of time, and then removing
it.
(ii) When afterglow has ceased, remove the specimen from the cabinet
and holder, and place it on a clean flat surface. Fold the specimen
lengthwise along a line through the highest peak of the charred or
melted area; crease the specimen firmly by hand. Unfold the specimen and
insert the hook with the correct weight as shown in table 1 in the
specimen on one side of the charred area 6.4 mm. (\1/4\ in.) from the
lower edge.
(iii) Tear the specimen by grasping the other lower corner of the
fabric and gently raising the specimen and weight clear of the
supporting surface. \5\ Measure the char length as the distance from the
end of the tear to the edge of the specimen exposed to the flame. After
testing each specimen, vent the hood and cabinet to remove the smoke
and/or toxic gases.
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\5\ A figure showing how this is done is given in AATCC 34-1969,
Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile Chemists and
Colorists, vol. 46, 1970, published by AATCC, Post Office Box 12215,
Research Triangle Park, N.C. 27709.
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(3) Report. Report the value of char length, in centimeters
(inches), for each specimen, as well as the average char length for each
set of five specimens.
(4) Laundering. (i) The procedures described in sections 1615.4(b)
through (g) shall be carried out on finished items (as produced or after
one washing and drying) and after they have been washed and dried 50
times in accordance with sections 8.2.2, 8.2.3, and 8.3.1(A) of AATCC
Test Method 124-1996 ``Appearance of Fabrics after Repeated Home
Laundering,'' Technical Manual of the American Association of Textile
Chemists and Colorists, vol. 73, 1997, which is incorporated by
reference. Copies of this document are available from the American
Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, P.O. Box 12215, Research
Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709. This document is also available for
inspection at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-
741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal--register/code--of--
federal--regulations/ibr--locations.html. This incorporation by
reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in
accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Items which do not
withstand 50 launderings shall be tested at the end of their useful
service life.
(ii) Washing shall be performed in accordance with sections 8.2.2
and 8.2.3 of AATCC Test Method 124-1996, using wash temperature V
(60[deg] 3 [deg]C, 140[deg] 5 [deg]F) specified in Table II of that method, and the
water level, agitator speed, washing time, spin speed and final spin
cycle specified for ``Normal/Cotton Sturdy'' in Table III. A maximum
[[Page 652]]
washer load shall be 3.64 Kg (8 pounds) and may consist of any
combination of test samples and dummy pieces. Drying shall be performed
in accordance with section 8.3.1(A) of that test method, Tumble Dry,
using the exhaust temperature (66[deg] 5 [deg]C,
150[deg] 10 [deg]F) and cool down time of 10
minutes specified in the ``Durable Press'' conditions of Table IV.
Alternatively, a different number of times under another washing and
drying procedure may be specified and used, if that procedure has
previously been found to be equivalent by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission. Such laundering is not required of items which are not
intended to be laundered, as determined by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
(iii) Items which are not susceptible to being laundered and are
labeled ``dry-clean only'' shall be drycleaned by a procedure which has
previously been found to be acceptable by the Consumer Product Safety
Commission.
(iv) For the purpose of the issuance of a guarantee under section 8
of the act, finished sleepwear garments to be tested according to
paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section need not be laundered or
drycleaned provided all fabrics used in making the garments (except
trim) have been guaranteed by the fabric producer to be acceptable when
tested according to paragraphs (b) through (e) of this section.
[40 FR 59903, Dec. 30, 1975; 41 FR 1061, Jan. 6, 1976; 41 FR 8032, Feb.
24, 1976, as amended at 43 FR 4853, Feb. 6, 1978; 46 FR 63251, Dec. 31,
1981; 64 FR 24526, June 28, 1999; 65 FR 12927, Mar. 10, 2000]