New Safety Labels To Be Required On Cellulose Insulation

WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 29) -- The Commission yesterday approved mandatory safety labels for cellulose home insulation to avert serious fire hazards posed by improper installation of the product.

Improper installation is a major cause of insulation fires in the U.S., the Commission said. Even cellulose insulation which meets new federal safety standards for flame resistance (including smoldering combustion) can ignite within a short time when placed too close to heat sources, according to the safety panel.

The new labels will instruct professionals and consumers in proper installation techniques. They will be required on all packages of cellulose insulation manufactured after October 15, 1979, in time to have an impact on installations made during the peak insulating season this fall.

CPSC staff investigated 51 fires involving cellulose insulation up until April 1, 1979, and determined that recessed light fixtures were the ignition sources in 31 instances. Six of these fires were so intense that the homes were destroyed or extensively damaged.

Home fires caused by faulty installation are most likely to start at night after heavy use of electricity and heating, according to CPSC. Because smoke and flames in attic fires rise toward the roof, smoke detectors in living areas may provide w little warning, signaling danger only after the fire is well- advanced.

The new labels will warn against placing insulation over electrical light fixtures which are recessed into attic floors. Packing insulation over such fixtures can trap heat inside, contributing to the likelihood of a fire. Installers also will be advised to keep insulation at least three inches from the sides of recessed lights, and away from the exhaust flues of appliances such as furnaces and hot water heaters to avoid heat buildup.

The labels also will recommend use of permanent barriers around fixtures and flues to maintain clearances. As an added precaution, the label will include a request that professional installers give the printed cautions to the consumer after. installation has been completed.

In two related actions, the Commission today amended its Safety standard for cellulose insulation to require two new Mandatory tests to measure the flame resistance and smoldering combustion of cellulose insulation, and approved certification requirements to aid industry in complying with these rules.

An "attic floor radiant panel test" and a "smoldering combustion test" will replace the "Steiner tunnel test" currently required by the safety standard to measure flame spread.

Cellulose insulation manufactured after October 15, 1979, will have to pass both tests, as well as a corrosiveness test, in order to be sold legally.

The certification rule takes effect on the same day as the amendment to the standard. It sets up guidelines for conducting a reasonable testing program so industry can certify the safety of its cellulose insulation.