This testing is based on ASTM F1930-23, Standard Test Method for Evaluation of Flame-Resistant Clothing for Protection Against Fire Simulations Using an Instrumented Manikin. The test allows the measurement of the thermal protection provided by different materials, garments, clothing ensembles, and systems when exposed to a fire. In the test, a stationary upright instrumented manikin is exposed to a simulated fire environment having a controlled heat flux, flame distribution, and duration (Figure B1). The average exposure heat flux is 84 kW/m2, which can last as long as 20 seconds.
Energy transferred through and from the test specimen during and after the exposure is measured by sensors that are distributed as uniformly as possible within each area on the manikin, located at the surface of the manikin. These are used to predict second- and third-degree burn injuries resulting from the exposure. For full garment evaluations, F1930 reports if there were predicted second- and third-degree burn injuries and their respective locations on the manikin (Figure B2). Subjective observations can include after flame or ignition of the garment the amount of smoke generated; if the garment had shrinkage; char formation; and if it melted, broke open, or fell apart.
Figure B1. (L-R) Thermal Instrumented Manikin, Clothed Manikin, and Flame Engulfment of Clothed Manikin
Figure B2. ASTM F1930 Output Showing No Burn (Yellow), Predicted Second-Degree Burn (Orange), and Predicted Third-Degree Burn (Purple)
One of the drawbacks of F1930 is that the effects of movement on thermal protection are not addressed. A firefighter may also have a significant reduction in fire protection under dynamic conditions when compared to the standard static testing conditions performed in ASTM F1930.
