BS 6807 Fire Testing for Mattresses, Upholstered Sofas and Upholstered Bedsteads

EUROLAB laboratory provides testing and compliance services within the scope of BS 6807 standard. The BS 6807 standard, designed by the British Standards Institute (BSI), describes methods for assessing the flammability of mattresses, upholstered sofas and upholstered bedsteads when exposed to primary and secondary sources of ignition of varying intensities of flame type.

The following methods are described in the BS 6807 standard:

• The primary sources of ignition of the mattress, upholstered sofa or upholstered bed being tested,
• The mattress, upholstered daybed or upholstered bed and combinations thereof were tested with secondary ignition sources of conventional bedspreads.

In practice, it has often been found that there is a clear distinction between materials that smolder and char under the influence of the ignition source but do not spread further (non-progressive) and materials from which smoldering expansion develops and spreads (progress).

A test specimen is exposed to a flaming ignition source placed above and below the test specimen. The density range of primary sources has been chosen to mimic the density range of real sources that may be encountered in various end-use environments, while the density range of secondary sources reproduces the effects of varying amounts and types of bedspreads.

The tests can be used to assess any level of flammability, but it is essential to always include cigarette ignition as specified in BS EN 597-1. Tests should be carried out in a suitable fume hood or in a specially constructed room so that individuals are not exposed to smoke. Easily accessible means should be provided to extinguish test specimens.

Preferably, water should be provided for smoldering fires and a fire extinguisher for smoldering fires. Not suitable for extinguishing smoldering test specimens for carbon dioxide extinguishers.

Test specimens can be difficult to destroy and care should be taken to destroy them only when they are completely inactive. It may be necessary to immerse smoldering specimens in water or to place them in a sealed, fireproof enclosure. Other appropriate steps may need to be taken to ensure complete security.

Test rig consisting of an expanded steel or open mesh platform supported at least 75 mm above a solid surface. If extendable legs are used, the platform will be (380 ± 50) mm above the solid surface.

Testing services for BS 6807 Mattresses, Upholstered Sofas and Upholstered Bedsteads are also provided by our organization, within the framework of laboratory services of materials. Do not hesitate to contact our laboratory EUROLAB for your testing and certification requests.