Hazard > Flash Fire Basics

Flash Fire Basics

FLASH FIRE DEFINED
NFPA 2113 and CGSB 155.20

"A rapidly moving flame front which can be a combustion explosion. Flash fire may occur in an environment where fuel and air become mixed in adequate concentrations to combust...flash fire has a heat flux of approximately 84 kW/m2 relatively short periods of time, typically less than 3 seconds."

In better understanding the flash fire hazard and taking into account industry standards and definitions Westex has performed extensive testing at the independent laboratories of the University of Alberta to the guidelines of NFPA 2112 and the protocol of ASTM F1930.

NFPA 2112 was first published in the 2000. The NFPA 2112 became the first industry recognized standard that set guidelines and protocols in place for flash fire manikin testing to help evaluate the protective characteristics of flame resistant fabrics. Highlighted points for comparing flash fire performance:

• NFPA 2212 Test Exposure is set at 3 seconds
• Secondary Protective Clothing is designed to Provide the Worker "A Few Seconds Escape Time".
• CGSB and NFPA define a Flash Fire as "Typically 3 Seconds or Less"
• NFPA 2112 sets Failure above 50% Total Body Burn

Since the introduction of NFPA 2112, Westex has conducted extensive and continuous testing of industry recognized fabrics. In additional to testing at NFPA 2112 required time of 3 seconds Westex has expanded the testing from 1 ½ seconds to 4 seconds to better understand the protective characteristics of flame resistant fabrics on the marketplace.