ASTM E84 vs NFPA 701 vs UL 1975 vs ASTM E1354: Fire Test Standards for Indoor Playgrounds

U.S. indoor playground buyers often see ASTM E84, NFPA 701, UL 1975, and ASTM E1354 reports and assume they represent different levels of fire certification. In reality, these standards are not competing ratings; each evaluates specific fire-performance characteristics for different materials, products, and applications.

The confusion usually comes from using the wrong test report for a material or expecting one document to cover an entire playground system. ASTM E84 focuses on surface flame spread, NFPA 701 evaluates textiles and flexible films, UL 1975 relates to certain upholstered material fire performance, and ASTM E1354 measures heat release behavior. Understanding the purpose of each test helps buyers select suitable materials and review compliance documents correctly.

ASTM E84 vs NFPA 701 vs UL 1975 vs ASTM E1354: Key Differences

The standards described in this section describe tests for fire performance. However, each test describes different characteristic(s) for different types of materials and products used in indoor playgrounds. For example, a test described by ASTM E84 describes the test for flame spread and production of smoke for surface materials which may be used as wall panels or as plastic sheets covering walls. On the other hand, NFPA 701 tests for flame propagation of flexible materials including fabrics, nets, and other soft barriers. Finally, the tests described by UL 1975 and ASTM E1354 are used to test the fire performance of soft contained play equipment and its components as an assembled product and by use of a cone calorimeter, determine the heat release rate, production of smoke, time of ignition, and mass loss during the test in which the material or product is subjected to controlled heat.

Since each test method is used to measure different characteristics of fire behavior, the results of the test cannot be compared or used interchangeably. Materials with low flame spread may have high heat release, and even though a fabric may be flame resistant, it does not necessarily mean that all rigid plastic components will comply with the same requirements. Choosing the right test standard for the required material, product, and code is more important than the level of certification (higher/lower).

What Is ASTM E84 and Which Indoor Playground Materials Does It Apply To?

ASTM E84 is a Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. It tests how a fire spreads on a surface and the amount of smoke a material produces when it burns. The test results in two important values, the Flame Spread Index (FSI) and the Smoke Developed Index (SDI). These are the important values in determining whether or not a finished interior surface will comply with the appropriate building code(s).

In Indoor Playground projects, the test method ASTM E84 is typically used to determine the fire performance of building finishes that are exposed in a playground. These would include interior and ceiling finishes, as well as walls and other panels, which may be made of plastic, and could be fully exposed or partly concealed by soft play equipment or other components. Other components such as soft play structures and related textile components are typically tested to other methods.

What Is NFPA 701 and When Is It Required for Playground Fabrics and Films?

NFPA 701, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, is a test method that determines how flexible products, like fabrics and films, burn in the presence of a direct flame. These test methods quantify flame spread, afterflame time, and continued burning after the test specimen has ceased to burn. These types of test methods are intended for flexible products and would not test rigid building components or complete playground structures.

Examples of use in indoor playgrounds are: fabric canopies, mesh barriers, climbing nets made of PVC-coated fabrics, decorative films, banners, and flexible coverings installed over foam padding or as structural components. Passing the NFPA 701 test does not necessarily mean that adjacent plastic components, wall finishes, etc. or the complete playground structure will satisfy the fire requirements.

What Is UL 1975 and Why Is It Relevant to Indoor Playground Foam?

UL 1975 Material Criteria for Upholstered Furniture is not specific to indoor playgrounds but establishes criteria for the evaluation of materials used as cushioning in upholstered furniture, including flexible foam materials that may propagate fire if ignited.

In indoor playgrounds, foam is often used as safety padding on climbing structures as well as in soft blocks and play surfaces. Since these components are made of flexible foam, consideration must be given to the composition of the foam, the flame resistance of the foam, the amount of smoke that the foam will produce when it ignites, and the compatibility of the foam with any covering materials. UL 1975 testing of flexible foam materials can provide useful information on the fire performance of such materials under controlled fire tests, and highlight any need for additional fire protection.

For indoor playground projects, you should confirm which fire standards have to be met and check with the local building codes, with the inspectors, and with the certification bodies (as the standards might differ from location to location and even for different types of facilities).

What Is ASTM E1354 and Why Does Heat Release Rate Matter?

ASTM E1354, a test method to measure heat release, fuel mass loss, and other relevant properties of materials exposed to controlled, elevated temperatures using a radiantly heated test cabinet.

HRR is especially important to measure for indoor playgrounds since foam cushioning, plastic panels, coated fabrics, and other polymer-based components are typical for this type of play facility. They can fuel a fire greatly if they catch on fire. Materials with low HRR values create a slow-burning fire that allows for time to evacuate the play area.

The data from the ASTM E1354 test can be used to select the best materials for your playground. By using this data along with the appropriate building codes and fire safety needs for each area of your indoor playground, you can make the best choice of materials for a safe playground.

How IBC 424.2 Matches Fire Tests to Indoor Playground Materials  

Section 424.2 of the International Building Code (IBC) sets out fire safety requirements for indoor playgrounds and children’s play structures. These include material requirements, requirements for flame spread, and requirements for fire protection. The Section does not require that all components of a playground be tested using a single test. Rather, it sets out the fire characteristics that need to be tested for different materials, depending on their use in the playground.

Materials such as foam padding, plastic play parts, fabrics, nets, and decorative coverings for indoor playgrounds and children’s play structures, tested in accordance with test methods for fire characteristics, listed in IBC Section 424.2, depending on their application, require different fire tests. A surface-burning test would be appropriate for rigid panels such as plastic-covered foam panels. Tests for textile flame spread would be used to test fabrics and film such as playground surface coverings.

IBC Section 424.2 needs to be matched with the proper test documentation for each playground material and then confirmed with the local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) before installation.

Which Fire Test Applies to Each Indoor Playground Material?

The different materials that are used in creating an indoor playground will need to be tested in different ways, based on the individual composition and function of the item, as well as where it will be located. Cushioning foams such as foamed padding, soft play blocks, etc. will test for issues such as when it will ignite, how much heat it will produce, how it will spread, and how much smoke it will produce. These tests can be conducted using controlled fire conditions, where material is exposed to flame, such as in ASTM E1354 tests for ignition and flame spread, in a heat release calorimeter test for heat release, etc.

Tests for flexible materials, such as PVC-coated fabrics, netting, vinyl, and other films to determine their flame propagation are typically conducted as textile tests. Such tests also exist as film tests. Sometimes these tests are conducted in accordance with NFPA 701 requirements. Other playground components, such as walls and panels made of rigid plastic, like other surfaces, require a surface-burning test, such as ASTM E84, to measure flame spread and smoke production.

Many playground components are required to have fire tests. These tests must be documented and verified by the local building codes and the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) prior to the installation of the material.

How to Review Indoor Playground Fire Test Reports Before Purchasing  

No single test will be appropriate for all indoor playgrounds. Different materials will have different fire behavior, and therefore different testing will be required. The testing required will depend on the material, how it has been constructed and where it is to be used within the facility.

Identify all the components of your playground, check the material specifications, and find the corresponding test methods to check the fire behavior of the materials. Foam padding, fabrics, plastics, panels, etc. all have different fire behaviors and therefore need to be tested in different ways to check if they have the required fire behavior.

Review the required documentation with your project team, the local building officials, and the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) prior to production and installation. Completing a material review process to choose materials that are compliant with relevant standards will help to prevent delays in approval and ultimately create a safe environment for children to play in an indoor playground.

Common Misunderstandings About Indoor Playground Fire Compliance

Most of the buyers of indoor playgrounds misunderstand what fire compliance documents actually prove. For example, many believe that Class A material is completely fireproof. However, Class A rating only measures flame spread and smoke production in a specific test method. This does not mean that the material will not catch on fire and produce lots of black smoke.

A single fire test report will not cover a complete indoor playground. Different materials, different assemblies, and different methods of installation will all require different test reports. In many cases, these reports will be for different types of fire-retardant materials, and each will have been tested to different fire tests.

Some materials require specific tests in order to determine their fire retardant characteristics. Foam, fabrics, plastics and surface coatings are examples of these types of materials and are typically tested according to specific fire test standards that are based upon the material's intended use.

In many cases, the supplier’s certificate cannot be accepted as proof of approval. A test report contains the results of laboratory tests; a certification report contains evidence of approval for a specific certification program. The approval of a project, however, is determined by local building codes, authorities and installation conditions.

What Fire Safety Documents Should U.S. Indoor Playground Buyers Request?

Lab test reports including details of tested material(s), test(s) and corresponding fire standard(s) are critical. Reports issued by accredited test laboratories include details of sample(s) tested, test results, and specification of material(s) tested. Such detailed reports allow code reviewers to verify that required fire tests have been conducted to appropriate fire standards on components specified for the playground project in question. A Summary Certificate without supporting Test Reports may not contain sufficient information for Code Review purposes.

Requests should also include the details of the material specifications and technical data sheets for all materials such as foams, fabrics, plastics, coatings, etc. used in the padded surfaces and play structures of the playground. These details include information on the exact composition of the different components, the thickness of the various components, any fire retardant treatment that may have been applied, and details of the intended use of each component.

A Material-to-Report Matching List outlines all of the components in the playground project and will indicate which of the above reports apply to each individual material component. These lists should be reviewed prior to production and prior to shipment from overseas to determine if any reports are missing, if any of the components have been changed from the specified material and therefore are not approved for use, or if any further documentation is required to obtain local building code approval.

Conclusion: Choose the Fire Test Based on Material, Application, and Local Code

Check the fire test reports of the materials of the indoor play equipment you are going to buy. Verify if the report describes the test material in sufficient detail, including type of foam, fabric,  plastic, and other components such as frame, finished article, etc. The tested material should be identical to the material actually used for constructing the indoor play playground equipment.

Finally, verify that information for testing of samples (such as date of testing and lab number) has been included, that proper information has been given regarding the testing of a material, as opposed to testing of a product or installation, and that that information is correct. Compare test results (such as flame spread, smoke produced, amount of heat to be released, time of ignition, etc.) required by particular building codes with actual test results. Compare information provided regarding testing of samples of particular materials, with the information that needs to be provided. Compare information regarding testing of finished products with the information that needs to be provided regarding testing of finished products.

Does the report cover the complete product system or only individual components such as materials? Make sure to obtain up-to-date certificates and test reports as well as any other supporting documentation from suppliers before purchasing indoor playground equipment.

FAQ

FAQ 1. What is the difference between ASTM E84 and NFPA 701?

ASTM E84 tests for flame spread and smoke developed from burning building materials, while NFPA 701 tests flame propagation of such textiles and flexible films. These tests would need to be determined from the coding as to whether the applicable materials would need to be tested.

FAQ 2. What is the difference between ASTM E84 and ASTM E1354?

Test method for surface flame spread and smoke development (ASTM E84) and for determination of heat release, time to ignition, and other related combustion parameters (ASTM E1354).

FAQ 3. Can NFPA 701 be used for indoor playground foam?

No. NFPA 701 is mainly intended for textiles and films. Foam materials require fire testing based on their composition and intended use.

FAQ 4. What indoor playground components may require ASTM E1354?

ASTM E1354 testing may be used to test foam padding, plastic parts and other polymer materials to measure heat release.

FAQ 5. Is ASTM E84 Class A the same as fireproof?

No. Class A indicates better flame spread and less smoke during testing than Class B materials, but Class A materials can still burn and may not be entirely fireproof.