ASTM D178-22 - 1.12.2022
 
Significance and Use
X1.3?Significance and Use

X1.3.1?Tests made on a cellular plastic under conditions herein prescribed can be of considerable value in comparing the rate of burning and/or extent and time of burning of different materials, in controlling manufacturing processes, or as a measure of deterioration or change in burning characteristics prior to or during use.

X1.3.2?This test method is not intended to be a criterion for fire hazard. The fire hazard created by materials depends upon the form and end use of the material. Assessment of fire hazard includes, but is not limited to, many factors, such as, ease of ignition, burning rate, flame spread, fuel contribution, intensity of burning, and products of combustion.

 
1. Scope

1.1?This specification covers acceptance testing of rubber insulating matting for use as a floor covering for protection of workers.

1.2?Two types of matting, differing in chemical and physical characteristics, are provided and are designated as Type I and Type II matting.

1.3?The following safety hazards caveat applies only to the test method portion, Sections 17 to 19, of this specification: This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

Note 1:?Rubber insulating matting should remain flexible for use through normal temperature ranges.

Note 2:?Rubber as used in this specification is a generic term that includes elastomers and elastomer compounds, regardless of origin.

1.4?This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D570-22

Standard Test Method for Water Absorption of Plastics

D518-99

Standard Test Method for Rubber Deterioration-Surface Cracking (Withdrawn 2008)

D1692-76

Method of Test for Rate of Burning or Extent and Time of Burning of Cellular Plastics Using a Specimen Horizontal (Withdrawn 1976)

D1564-71

Testing Flexible Cellular Materials-Slab Urethane Foam (Withdrawn 1978)

D2406-73

Method of Testing Flexible Cellular Materials-Molded Urethane Foam (Withdrawn 1979)

D3014-19a

Standard Test Method for Flame Height, Time of Burning, and Loss of Mass of Rigid Thermoset Cellular Plastics in a Vertical Position (Includes all amendments and changes 1/10/2020).

ANSI C84.1

Voltage Ratings for Electric Power Systems and Equipment (60 Hz)

D573-04(2019)

Standard Test Method for Rubber´Deterioration in an Air Oven

D471-16a(2021)

Standard Test Method for Rubber Property—Effect of Liquids (Includes all amendments and changes 6/25/2021).

D412-16(2021)

Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers—Tension

D297-21

Standard Test Methods for Rubber Products—Chemical Analysis

D149-20

Standard Test Method for Dielectric Breakdown Voltage and Dielectric Strength of Solid Electrical Insulating Materials at Commercial Power Frequencies

D1565-81(1990)

Specification for Flexible Cellular Materials-Vinyl Chloride Polymers and Copolymers (Open-Cell Foam) (Withdrawn 1998)