EN 597-1 – Furniture – Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases – Part 1: Ignition source smouldering cigarette.
EN 597-2 – Furniture – Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases – Part 2: Ignition source match flame equivalent.

The standards are used to assess the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases, when subjected to a smouldering cigarette and a match flame equivalent as ignition source.

These test methods only evaluate the ignitability of mattresses. To evaluate the burning behaviour, the mattress needs to be tested in full scale with larger ignition sources.

For mattresses and upholstered bed bases, the Product Safety Act applies and one of the safety risks is fire. According to the Swedish Consumer Agency, mattresses sold to an individual consumer on the Swedish market must be able to withstand a glowing cigarette for a fixed time period without igniting the upholstery. The Agency then refers to the requirements according to EN 597-1. In public environments, such as hotels or similar, mattresses should at least meet the requirements of both EN 597-1 and EN 597-2.

The tests are performed in a test cabinet with a calibrated air flow. The test specimen is located on top of a steel rig. Depending on the finish of the mattress, ignition sources are located of the flat surface, at tape edges, at quilted locations, tufts etc.

During the cigarette test the mattress is not allowed to smoulder after one hour from the beginning of the test. Flaming ignition of the material is not allowed.

The test assembly is subjected to a gas flame equivalent to a match flame for 15 seconds. No flaming is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after removal of the burner tube.

A test report, in Swedish or English, is deliverd with the test results after testing.

Sample dimensions:

The tests can be performed either in full scale or in small scale. For a full scale test a mattress with scale 1:1 is required.

For a small scale tests, a minimum of 3 test specimens is required. The test specimen shall be rectangular in shape and of minimum size 450 mm x 450 mm x nominal thickness of the finished mattress. The type of proposed edge finishing system shall be incorporated, e.g. plain, piped or tape edged. Representative tension shall be maintained in the cover. The proposed mattress finish shall be represented in the test specimen, e.g. tufted or quilted. 

Similar standard: IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 9

RISE is a designated Technical service for testing of vehicle lighting and retro-reflecting devices for vehicles for type approval according to the ECE-regulation. 

The ECE-regulations are uniform technical regulations for wheeled vehicles and equipment intended to be mounted on such vehicles. The purpose of the regulations is to ensure that all products that are marketed have been type approved to fulfil the requirements in the regulations. We offer testing for type approval of vehicle equipment related to lighting and retro-reflecting devices. 

In order for a product to be marketed it has to be type approved by the Swedish Transportation Authority. As a designated Technical service RISE has been approved by the Swedish Transportation Authority to perform testing in connection with type approval.

RISE is also approved for initial assessment and surveillance audits (CoP) of quality management systems of manufacturer´s within the scope of type approval.

We use several different ackredited methods to test products against the requirements set forth in the ECE-regulations. 

We test products against the requirements in the following regulations: ECE R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R19, R20, R23, R27, R31, R37, R38, R43, R45, R46, R50, R56, R65, R69, R70, R77, R82, R87, R91, R98, R99, R112, R113, R119, R123, R148, R149, R150. 

The results are reported in a test report, written in English, with an accreditation mark. 

ECE R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R19, R20, R23, R27, R31, R37, R38, R43, R45, R46, R50, R56, R65, R69, R70, R77, R82, R87, R91, R98, R99, R112, R113, R119, R123, R148, R149, R150. 

Testing of tool material with different heat treatments and hardening methods (tool concepts) against different sheet metal qualities.

Testing of tool material with different heat treatments and hardening methods (tool concepts) against different sheet metal qualities with respect to wear, cost, cycle time and life length. The tests result in a report were a diagram over which tool concepts to be chosen when cutting a specific metal quality.

The production/tests are performed until 50 000 strokes with "strong" supervision with the condition "abnormal high wear". Documentation and analyzes are performed on the cutting edge and degree level using a profilometer. Cutting force and amount of delivery oil are measured continuously during a test.

Prestanda:

• Press rate: 60 strokes/min
• Cutting depth: t*2 mm
• Cutting speed: 0.21 - 0 m/s
• Total cutting depth: 15 mm
• Feeding length (x): 7 ≤ x ≤ 15 mm
• Detail width: ≤150 mm
• Blank holder pressure (adjustable): ≤ 2.2 ton

The tests result in a report were a diagram over which tool concepts to be chosen when cutting a specific metal quality.

Results delivered as a report.

According to agreement.

According to agreement.

Testing of tool material with different heat treatments and hardening methods (tool concepts) against different sheet metal qualities.

Testing of tool material with different heat treatments and hardening methods (tool concepts) against different sheet metal qualities with respect to wear, cost, cycle time and life length. The tests result in a report were a diagram over which tool concepts to be chosen when forming a specific metal quality.

The production/tests are performed until 50 000 strokes with "strong" supervision with the condition "abnormal high wear". Documentation and analyzes are performed on the working areas on the tool steel and the details surface quality using a interference microscope and a profilometer. Die force, temperature and amount of delivery oil are measured continuously during a test.

Performance:

• Press rate: ≤ 60 strokes/min
• Forming depth: ~50 mm
• Forming speed: 0-0.21 m/s
• Wished forming radii: 5 mm
• Blank holder pressure (adjustable): ≤ 7.2 ton
• Bandwidth: 150 mm
• Detail width: 30 mm

The tests result in a report were a diagram over which tool concepts to be chosen when forming a specific metal quality.

Results delivered as a report.

According to agreement.

Testing according to "UN Reccomendations on the transport of dangerous goods, Manual of Tests and Criteria, section 33.2.4 Test N.1: Test method for flammable solids" evaluates a materials tendency to propagate fire. The data is used for determination of safe transportation.

Dangerous goods are items or substances that can imply a risk for health, safety, property, or the environment. Some items, which may not be harmful by itself, may become a risk when combined with other substances.

Most regulations concerning dangerous goods, such as national regulations, the IMDG Code, IATA etc. are based on the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods Model Regulations. The guidance document is developed by the United Nations to uniform national and international regulations. 

Dangerous goods are divided into nine different classes, grouped by their physical and chemical properties. Through testing a packaging group is assigned, in accordance with the degree of danger they present. In Division 4.1: 

^{CLASS       SUBSTANCE}
1.          Explosive substances and articles
2.          Gases
3.          Flammable liquids
4.1        Flammable solids
4.2        Substances liable to spontaneous combustion
4.3        Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases
5.1        Oxidizing substances
5.2        Organic peroxides
6.1        Toxic substances 
6.2        Infectious substances
7.          Radioactive materials
8.          Corrosive substances
9.          Miscellaneous dangerous substances and articles

Testing is performed according to the UN manual of Tests and Criteria - Section 33: Division 4.1 Test N.1: Test method for flammable solids. The test generates data which can be used to classify dangerous goods and as a basis for risk analysis and research.

Testing is performed by applying a burner to a 250 mm unbroken strip, or powder train, of the material which rests on an impervious surface. Ignition and flame propagation is observed. Initial testing is performed according to 33.2.4.3.1 Preliminary screening test, if the material propagates combustion in a given time frame the Burning rate test, according to 33.2.4.3.2, shall be carried out. In the Burning rate test the burning time is measured and depending on how fast the flame front propagates the product is assigned a suitable packing group.

The product can be classified as "Not a flammable solid", "Flammable solid - Packing group II/Cat. 1" or "Flammable solid-  Packing group III/Cat. 2".

The result is summarized by RISE in a written report. The report is delivered in English.

Leadtime is communicated separately upon quotation.

Amount of material and sampling

These tests are suitable for solid materials, such as powders, granular and paste-like substances. The amount of material required to performed a complete test program, including both Preliminary screening test and Burning rate test, is approximately 0.5 - 1 kg.

The material should be sent in sealed containers.

UN, Manual of Tests and Criteria, section 33.2.4 Test N.1: Test method for flammable solids

Create a sensory profile for your product. To define the sensory character of your product helps you in product development and marketing.

Characterisation is used to profile the sensory properties of your product. This can help you in your product development and in market segmentation. The most effective method to evaluate the character of a product is to use a panel of assessors. RISE has an analytical sensory panel, who have been selected using ISO standards and who have the ability to identify and distinguish the most salient as well as subtle parameters of your product.

Sensory characterisation is mainly used in three kinds of purposes:

1. During product development. Is the sensory character as you want it? Are there unwanted sensory attributes? Sensory characterisation can be used in several product development steps to get closer to the desired profile.
2. In quality assurance. Will your product change in sensory character with storage or other kind of treatments?
3. In marketing. How is the character of your product in comparison to the competitors?

Depending on the product and where in the development process the sensory characterisation is requested, different methods are used. We offer classic profiling methods such as descriptive analysis and fast methods (free choice profiling, projective mapping, sorting, rate all that apply, and more). The methods can be applied to RISE's analytical sensory panel or depending on the method, on consumers.

A written report on the method and results. The report can also be formed according to your request, such as a presentation. 

Dependent of method and product.

The laboratory at RISE Packaging Excellence Centre is certified by ISTA and is one of the most well equipped and advanced laboratories in all of Scandinavia. We specialize in simulating various transport conditions according to international standards to ensure that your packaging protects the product all the way through its distribution cycle.

Transport tests not only ensure that your packaging protects the products that it holds but also that it can live up to the various exacting demands during a part or the entirety of the transport cycle.

To optimize the packaging for cost, choice of material, amount of material etc.

A complete transport test simulates the entire distribution cycle from the manufacturer to the end user and various standard tests can be carried out to simulate parts or whole of the transport cycle. Depending on the kind of packaging you have and its distribution chain, we offer the following tests to evaluate your packaging.

• Climate tests
• Drop test
• Compression/Vehicle stacking
• Vibration tests
• Horizontal Impact Tests

Report of results along with detailed test protocol.

The tests take about 2 – 4 weeks to perform depending on chosen test methods and number of boxes to be tested.

Prices will be communicated on request.

The customer is requested to ensure that both the product and the packaging is undamaged when they are delivered for testing.

ASTM D4169-16, ETSI EN 300 019-2-2, Innventia Standard STD 40-10.

NT FIRE 032:1991 - Upholstered furniture: Burning behaviour – Full scale test.

The standard is mostly used for upholstered furniture in public environments where the fire requirements are high.The standard is used to evaluate the fire progression for upholstered furniture under well ventilated conditions when subjected to a specified ignition source. Parameters like heat release rate, smoke production, mass loss and toxic gases can be measured.

NT FIRE 032 is solely a method for evaluating the fire behaviour of upholstered furniture, the standard does not contain any fire test criteria. Therefore, when testing according to NT FIRE 032, it is common to refer to test criteria in other test standards, for example the standard for nursing beds SS 876 00 10.

The upholstered furniture is located on a weighing platform underneath a hood. The ignition source is a wooden crib, identical to "crib ignition source 7" in the British standard BS 5852. However, NT FIRE 032 also allows alternative ignition sources and normally another ignition source is used instead; a propane gas burner with a heat output of 30 kW. The ignition source is located on the seating area of the upholstered furniture and the fire is allowed to develop freely. During the test heat release rate, smoke production, mass loss, toxic gases etc. can be measured.

After testing, a test report in Swedish or English is delivered with the results.

Material needed for testing:

• One complete piece of furniture.

Related standard

• SS 8760010 (criteria for approval only)

Validate any salient sensory changes in your product! We offer a selection of discrimination tests with our analytical sensory panel.

Evaluate if the sensory experiences such as taste, aroma, flavour, texture, or touch of a product differs when changes are made.

The most effective method to evaluate potential changes in products is to use a sensory panel of human assessors. RISE has a long experience of these kind of tests and unique abilities to combine the results with technical measurements. 

Sensory discrimination tests are effective for various kinds of situations including: 

• If you would like to change a component or ingredient in a product without changes being noticed by the consumer. 
• If you would like to change a process during production and would like to know if any differences can be noticed in the product.
• To evaluate how storage affects your product.
• If you want to determine perception thresholds.

Dependent on product and the purpose of the measurement there are four common difference tests: paired comparison, duo-trio-test, triangle test and difference-from-control. All methods are evaluated according to standard procedure. We also have the ability to perform other discrimination tests such as the tetrad test and alternative forced choice tests.

The measurement is conducted in a sensory laboratory using trained and selected judges from the RISE sensory panel. 

A one-page report with an overview of the tested products and any significant changes as well as a longer report describing the method and the results. 

In a planned assignment it takes 3 weeks before the measure is conducted and analyzed. 

Triangle test: SS-EN ISO 4120:2007 Sensory analysis - Methodology - Triangle test

Duo-trio test: SS-EN ISO 10399:2010 Sensory analysis - Methodology - Duo-trio test

Difference from Control-test: DIN 10976 2016 Sensory analysis - Difference from Control-test (DfC-Test)

Paired comparison test: SS-EN ISO 5495:2007+A1:2016 Sensory analysis - Methodology - Paired comparison test

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 2- Smoke and toxicity test.

The method is used to evaluate how much smoke is generated when a product is exposed to a particular radiation and flame.

The main area of application is to classify products for used on ships.

Products and materials for maritime use is fire tested according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) code, IMO 2010 FTP Code. The results from fire testing according to the FTP-code can be used as a basis for type approval (also called the wheel mark).

Type approval is regulated in accordance with European Parliament Directive 2014/90/EU. RISE can perform the fire tests, issue the certificates and perform the production control required in order to gain the wheel mark.

The test is conducted in a sealed chamber. The test sample is placed horizontally and subjected to thermal radiance. When the specimen is subjected to the irradiance it starts to emit smoke which is collected in the chamber. The smokes specific optical density (transparency) is measured with a light source and a photo cell. When doing the toxicity analysis, some of the produced smoke is taken out of the chamber for analysis. Analysis is performed for each of the three irradiance levels and amongst others the following substances can be detected through FTIR analysis: Carbon monoxide, Hydrochloric acid, Hydrogen bromide, Hydrogen fluoride, Hydrogen cyanide, Nitrous oxides and Sulphur dioxide.

After the report, in Swedish or English, is delivered with the test result after testing.

Material cosumption during testing.

IMO 2010 FTP Code part 2:

• Full test series: 9 tests, 12 specimens with the dimension 75 mm x 75 mm, Maximum thickness 25 mm
• One indicative, one irradiance level: 2 specimens with the dimension 75 mm x 75 mm, Maximum thickness 25 mm

Related standards: IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 5.