Janet Murrell, technical manager at Warrington Certification
Limited, part of Exova Warringtonfire and an expert in the marine sector has
been participating in the group tasked with rewriting the Fire Test Procedures
(FTP) Code within the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). Below, she
outlines the main changes, which include a set time limit on the validity of
test reports and revisions to the test methods undertaken.
Jemma Tipping Can you explain more about the FTP Code and
the scope of its requirements?
Janet Murrell Work to revise the FTP Code began in 2006. It
is envisaged that the finished document will be implemented next year and will
come into force by 2012. This has been a major exercise in order to ensure that
robust and up to date test methods, to give clear guidance to product
manufacturers supplying the marine industry and to fire testing laboratories.
It has taken time to ensure the revised Code is correct as within IMO there is
no easy facility for amendments to be issued.
The FTP Code provides international requirements for
laboratory testing and type approval by detailing test procedures for:
• Non combustibility
• Smoke & toxicity
• Surface flammability
• Vertically supported textiles and films
• Upholstered furniture
• Bedding components.
JT What are the main changes outlined in the revised FTP
Code?
JM The FTP Code details a number of changes to the way in
which a laboratory will carry out a test. Notable changes will include the use
of FTIR analysis for toxicity of lining materials such as floorcoverings and
wallcoverings and the change to an impinging pilot flame in the surface
flammability test.
Additional parts have been added to the revised FTP Code to
evaluate the performance of fire restricting materials used in the construction
of High Speed Craft. This is due to the use of lightweight construction
materials which need to be tested and assessed in a different manner to
traditional shipping vessels.
JT Are the existing
test reports we have still valid under the revised FTP Code?
JM The most significant change that has been implemented
will be to limit the use of ‘old’ fire test data. The validity of test reports
for all products (structural and decorative) is now limited to 15 years. At
present type approvals are valid for five years and will continue to be so.
After five years the product test results are reviewed and sometimes additional
tests are conducted but in some cases, they are not - it is generally at the
discretion of the Approval body as to what is required. Revisions in the FTP
Code stipulate that no test evidence can
be any more than 15
years old for type
approvals so this means that ‘old’ test data is no longer
sufficient and that more testing is required.
JT Question - Do you think the revisions to the FTP code
will make testing procedures easier for laboratories to follow?
JM To date, the FTP Code with its various amendments and
interpretations has not been any easy document for a test laboratory to work
from. The revised Code, with its clear guidance and at-a-glance, tabulated test
protocol, will make it far easier to ensure that the relevant fire tests are
undertaken and the flooring manufacturer customer is given the correct result.
We very much welcome its introduction.
Exova Warringtonfire was involved in the revision of the FTP
Code in its capacity as fire safety advisors to the Maritime Coastguard Agency.
The company is a Marine Notified Body and an IMO test laboratory.
Contact Exova Warringtonfire on
01925 655116
