Toxic gas and smoke assessment studies on vinyl floor covering with the fire propagation test

The Fire Propagation Test (BS 476 Part 6) has been used with the discharge of combustion products into a small test room, to provide a fire hazard assessment of some polyvinylchloride floor covering systems, and includes measurements of fire propagation, smoke, CO and HCI production. Particular attention has been given to the change in the HCI concentration of the Room atmosphere during the test and the influence of relative humidity and the nature of the surface linings of the room. The results have been discussed as a contribution to the understanding of the role of HCI in toxicity of fire atmospheres. Some approaches for improving further the reproducibility of the test method are indicated and support is given to the Japanese proposal that such a test be standardized to enable comparison of fire hazard potential of lining systems used in buildings.