Commission Proposes New Tests To Gauge Flammability Of Cellulose Insulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Mar. 8) -- The Commission today proposed two new mandatory tests to gauge the flame resistance of cellulose home insulation. These tests, proposed as amendments to the CPSC safety standard for cellulose insulation, are published in today's Federal Register to open a 30-day period of public comment.

A proposed "smoldering combustion test" would determine whether smoldering will persist in cellulose material. An "attic floor radiant panel test" would assess the capability of cellulose insulation to propagate open flames across its surface. These two flammability tests would replace the "Steiner tunnel test" currently used to measure flame spread. Cellulose insulation manufactured after October l5, 1979, would have to pass both the radiant-panel and the smoldering tests, as well as a corrosiveness test, in order to be sold legally.

Smoldering is the most common hazard related to cellulose insulation, according to data from the National Bureau of Standards. The problem of smoldering combustion is not addressed in the current safety standard, but would be handled with the inclusion of the proposed test.

The test requires that a lighted cigarette be positioned in a small sample of insulation (within an open-top stainless steel box). The cellulose insulation is permitted to smolder for at least two hours, or until the smoldering ceases. To pass, the insulation sample must display no signs of flaming combustion and cannot lose more than 15 percent of its initial weight.

The attic floor radiant panel test simulates installation on an attic floor and measures the effects of a small ignition source, such as a lighted match or a carelessly used propane torch. This test will provide more accurate assessment of open-flame resistance than the Steiner tunnel test.

(On July 11, 1978, President Carter signed into law the "Emergency Interim Consumer Product Safety Standard Act of 1978," requiring CPSC to issue an interim safety standard for cellulose insulation, based on the GSA specification HH-I-515C. This law requires CPSC to propose amendments to the interim standard to incorporate revisions GSA makes in its own specifications. Today's proposals are in response to GSA's subsequent specification on flame resistance and corrosiveness, HH-I-515D, issued June 15,1978.)

A new label also was proposed to help consumers distinguish between cellulose insulation which has passed the new tests and older insulation. This label would read: "This product meets the amended CPSC standard (effective October 16, 1979) for flame resistance and corrosiveness for cellulose insulation." It would replace labels now required for insulation manufactured after September 7, 1978.

The 30-day period for public comment is required by law. Interested persons are urged to submit their comment to CPSC as soon as possible.

The Commission also has decided to propose requirements for conducting a reasonable testing program for the insulation, as well as for record-keeping and certification. Such requirements would assist manufacturers, private labelling companies and importers in complying with the amended interim standard; they also will help CPSC monitor compliance with the safety standard.