ASTM E3202-24 - Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Plastic Composites for Use as Deck Boards, Stair Treads, Guards or Handrails to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

1.1 This practice describes a procedure for specimen preparation and mounting when testing plastic composite materials for use as deck boards, stair treads, guards or handrails to assess flame spread index as a surface burning characteristic using Test Method E84.

1.2 This practice applies to plastic composite materials, including plastic lumber and wood-plastic composites. The test specimens shall be self-supporting or held in place by added supports along the test surface, in accordance with Annex A4 of Test Method E84.

1.3 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.

1.4 This practice is applicable to (a) materials that are self-supporting and (b) materials that are not self-supporting but where the test specimen is held in place by added supports throughout the test duration without such severe sagging that it interferes with the effect of the gas flame on the test specimen.

1.5 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.

1.6 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.

1.7 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment.

1.8 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting but the fire-test-response method shall be conducted in accordance with Test Method E84. See also Section 8 for information on operator safety.

1.9 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of the standard.

1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.11 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.