upon posting a bond that the wares will not be disposed of for wearing apparel purposes unless properly and adequately treated so as to render them lawful under the act.

Exemptions are provided from the restrictions of the statute only for those persons who would necessarily be innocent bystanders in the processing of apparel or fabrics solely by reason of their role in our economic system. Thus, under section 9 of the bill, common carriers would be exempt. Similarly, converters, processors, or finishers would not be subject to the statutory penalties provided that they did "not cause any article or wearing apparel or fabric to become subject to this act contrary" to the requirements of the person subject to the act upon whom rightly is imposed full responsibility for statutory compliance. Another exemption is extended, properly in our opinion, to any person who ships illegal apparel or fabric in commerce if the purpose of the shipment is to have the goods processed so as to render them not highly flammable. The only other exclusion concerns a manufacturer for export where the articles in question are made in accordance with the specifications of the foreign purchaser. Please note that this would apply solely to so-called special orders from foreign sources and would not provide any loophole for violations at the domestic level. As a matter of fact, the whole tenor of the bill would discourage the production of goods of a highly flammable and dangerous character and probably would make it at least difficult if not impossible for foreign purchasers to obtain noncompliance merchandise.

If enacted, the bill would become effective 6 months from the date of passage, thereby providing adequate time for all concerned to arrange production and stock in conformity with the act.

In closing, I respectfully urge favorable and prompt consideration for the proposed bill. It is endorsed by all facets of the textile industry.

For your information a copy of the proposed manual standards are attached and I respectfully request that they be made part of the record.

The CHAIRMAN. They will be made a part of the record, and we thank you, Mr. Dorn.

(The matter referred to is as follows:)

RECOMMENDED COMMERCIAL STANDARD FOR FLAMMABILITY OF CLOTHING

TEXTILES

As originally submitted by the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists and the National Retail Dry Goods Association, adjusted to conform with recommendation submitted by an industry committee representing cotton and rayon producers and fabric manufacturers, finishers, converters, wholesalers, retailers, and consumers, and approved by the standing and technical committees. NOTE. All fabrics of natural or regenerated cellulose, as well as certain types of finished and unfinished fabrics made from other natural or synthetic fibers, are combustible. Some combustible fabrics, when used for clothing, are potentially dangerous to the wearer because of the speed and intensity of flame with which the fabric burns, its ease of ignition, and because of the design of the garment. Two of these factors, the ease of ignition and the speed of flame spread, can be measured with the instrument described.

It is suggested that measurement of these two factors, together with visual observation of flame intensity, will permit the separation of various fabrics into three classes of flammability, thus assisting in a judgment of fabric suitability for clothing.

20149-52

1. PURPOSE

1.1 The purpose is to reduce danger of injury and loss of life by providing, on a national basis, standard methods of testing and rating the flammability of textiles and textile products for clothing use, thereby discouraging the use of any dangerously flammable clothing textiles.

2. SCOPE

2.1 The standard provides methods of testing the flammability of clothing and textiles intended to be used for clothing; 1 establishes three classes of flammability; sets forth the requirements which textiles shall meet to be so classified; and warns against the use of those textiles which have burning characteristics unsuitable for clothing.

2.2 Specific exceptions.-This standard shall not apply to

3.1 3.1.1

(a) Hats, gloves, and footwear.

(b) Interlining fabrics.2

Flammability.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Normal flammability, class 1.-This class shall include textiles which meet the minimum requirements set forth in paragraphs 3.1.1.1 or 3.1.1.2. Textiles meeting these requirements are generally accepted by the trade as having no unusual burning characteristics.

3.1.1.1 Textiles without nap, pile, tufting, flock, or other type of raised fiber surface. Such textiles in their original state, and/or after being dry cleaned and washed as described in paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5, when tested as described in paragraph 4, shall be classified as class 1, normal flammability, when the time of flame spread is 4 seconds or more.

3.1.1.2 Napped, pile, tufted, flocked, or other textiles having a raised fiber surface. Such textiles in their original state and/or after being dry cleaned and washed as described in paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5, when tested as described in paragraph 4, shall be classified as class 1, normal flammability, when the time of flame spread is more than 7 seconds, or when they burn with a rapid surface flash (from 0 to 7 seconds) provided the intensity of the flame is so low as not to ignite or fuse the base fabric.

3.1.2 Intermediate flammability, class 2.-This class shall include textiles which meet the minimum requirements set forth in paragraph 3.1.2.1. Textiles meeting these requirements are recognized by the trade as having flammability characteristics between normal and rapid and intense burning.

3.1.2.1 Napped, pile, tufted, flocked, or other textiles having a raised fiber surface. Such textiles in their original state and/or after being dry cleaned and washed as described in paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5, when tested as described in paragraph 4, shall be classified as class 2, intermediate flammability, when the time of flame spread is from 4 to 7 second, both inclusive, and the base fabric ignites or fuses. 3.1.3 Rapid and intense burning, class 3.-This class shall include textiles which have burning characteristics as described in paragraphs 3.1.3.1 and 3.1.3.2. Such textiles are considered dangerously flammable and recognized by the trade as being unsuitable for clothing because of their rapid and intense burning.

3.1.3.1 Textiles free from nap, pile, tufting, flock, or other type of raised fiber surface. Such textiles in their original state and/or after being dry cleaned and washed as described in paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5, when tested as described in paragraph 4, shall be classified as class 3, rapid and intense burning, when the time of flame spread is less than 4 seconds.

3.1.3.2 Napped, pile, tufted, flocked, or other textiles having a raised fiber surface. Such textiles in their original state and/or after being dry cleaned and washed, as described in paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5, when tested as described in paragraph 4 shall be classified as class 3, rapid and intense burning, when the time of flame spread is less than 4 seconds and the base fabric is ignited or fused.

4.1 4.1.1

Test specimens.

4. METHODS OF TEST

Number and size of specimens required.-Five specimens, each measuring 2 by 6 inches, are required for each test.

4.1.2 For textiles without a raised fiber surface the long dimension shall be that in which they burn most rapidly and the more rapidly burning surface shall

1 Hereinafter "clothing and textiles to be used for clothing" shall be referred to as "textiles."

2 Interlining fabrics are not considered dangerously flammable when used as interlinings. When used for other purposes they should be tested and rated as any other fabrics.

be tested. To establish the long dimension and the surface, preliminary tests are made as described in paragraph 4.7 with specimens cut in different directions. 4.1.3 For textiles having a raised fiber surface, the direction of the lay of the surface fibers shall be parallel with the long dimension of the specimens. For this type of textiles with varying depths of pile, tufting, etc., the specimens are taken from that part and tested on that surface which has the fastest rate of burning. 4.1.4 If the specimens in the preliminary test, when tested as described in paragraph 4.7, do not ignite or are very slow burning, or could have a fire-retarding finish, a swatch large enough to provide the specimens required for the test, with allowance for shrinkage in dry cleaning and washing, are subjected to the dry-cleaning and washing procedures described in paragraphs 4.4 and 4.5. The specimens for the flammability test are then taken from it.

4.1.5 The specimens required for testing, each 2 x 6 inches, are marked out on the back (or under side) of each sample with the long dimension in the direction in which burning is most rapid, as established in the preliminary trials. The end of the specimen toward which and on the face of which burning is most rapid is identified by attaching a staple to it. The specimens are then cut out,

Staple

Direction in which fabric burns
most rapidly

FIGURE 1. Specimen showing staple

4.2 Flammability tester.3-The flammability tester consists of a draft-proof ventilated chamber enclosing a standardized ignition medium, sample rack, and automatic timing device.

4.2.1 Draft-proof chamber with adjustable top (A, fig. 2). This metal chamber prevents air circulation around the specimen rack and flame, but permits free ventilation for rapid oxidation. The top is adjustable and removable. The chamber is 141⁄2 inches wide by 8%1⁄2 inches deep and 14 inches in height. There are 12 half-inch holes equidistant along the rear of the top closure. A ventilating strip is provided at the base of the sliding glass door in the front of the apparatus.

4.2.2 Specimen rack (B, fig. 2).—The specimen rack provides supports for the frames in which the specimens are mounted. The angle of inclination is 45 degrees. Two guide pins projecting downward from the center of the base of the rack travel in slots provided in the floor of the chamber so that adjustment can be made for the thickness of the specimen in relation to the flame front. stop is provided in the base of the chamber to assist in adjusting the position of the rack.

A

4.2.3 Specimen holder (C, fig. 2).—The specimen holder consists of two 16inch matched metal plates with clamps mounted along the sides, between which the specimen is fixed. The plates are slotted and loosely pinned for alinement. The two plates of the holder cover all but 11⁄2 inches of the width of the specimen for its full length. The specimen holder is supported in the draft-proof chamber on the rack at an angle of 45 degrees. Five specimen holders are provided.

4.2.4 Indicating finger (D, fig. 2).-The fore part of this finger touches the specimen when the rack is adjusted. By means of this finger the thickness of the specimen is compensated for in the throw of the gas nozzle.

4.2.5 Control knobs (not shown).-There are two of these knobs which hold the rack in test position. The knobs can be reached under the stage of the cabinet and permit forward and backward movements of the rack when loosened. 4.2.6 Ignition medium (F, fig. 2).—The ignition medium consists of a springmotor-driven gas jet formed around a 26-gage hypodermic needle. A trigger located in the front of the apparatus serves to wind the spring-motor when the machine is placed in operation. The gas jet is protected by a copper shield.

This apparatus is manufactured by the United States Testing Co., 1415 Park Ave., Hoboken, N. J. Blueprints of working plans for the manufacture of this apparatus are available at a nominal charge from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists, care of Lowell Textile Institute, Lowell, Mass.

4.2.7 Stop cord (G, fig. 2). This cord, stretched from the spool (P, fig. 2) through suitable thread guides provided on the specimen frame and chamber walls, permits the lacing of the cord in the proper position exactly 5 inches from the point where the center of the ignition flame impinges on the test specimen. The stop cord consists of a No. 50 mercerized sewing thread and measures the rise and spread of the flame from the test specimen.

4.2.8 Pulley or eye (H, fig. 2).-Support and guide for stop cord.

4.2.9 Stop weight (I, fig. 2).-The weight, attached by means of a clip to the stop cord, in dropping actuates the stop motion.

4.2.10 Slide-door control (J, fig. 2).-This knob moves the catch mechanism used to hold the sliding door in an open position for insertion of test specimen racks.

4.2.11 Slide door (K, fig. 2).-A glass door in its normal position slides in the grooves at the front of the cabinet.

4.2.12 Fuel-control valve (L, fig. 2).-Consists of a sensitive control device for regulating the fuel supply at the tank. The valve ends in a one-half inch female connection for attachment to the standard butane tank of 2 pounds capacity.

4.2.13 Flow meter (V, fig. 2). A flow meter is used to bring the fuel supply to test level by means of the control valve. The flow meter consists of a U-shaped glass tube cut into the gas line in a nanner to register the gas pressure delivered to

the microburner. Attached to the case wall behind the flow meter is a movable metal plate with two parallel horizontal lines properly spaced for the desired flame length. When the pressure is off, the plate is so regulated that the liquid level in both sides of the U-shaped tube meets the lower line. When the test is made the pressure is so adjusted that the highest liquid level in the U-shaped tube meets the upper line.

4

4.2.14 c. p. Butane container (M, fig. 2).—This fuel supply is a No. 4 cylinder of c. p. Butane.

4.2.15

Stop watch and timing mechanism (N, fig. 2). This watch, by means of special attachments, is actuated to a start by connection with the gas jet (F, fig. 2). A driving mechanism on rear of cabinet (S, fig. 2) moves the gas jet to its most forward position and automatically starts the timing at the moment of flame impact. The falling weight (I, fig. 2) when caused to move by severance of cord (Č, fig. 2) stops the watch. Timing is read directly. 4.2.16 Starting lever (O, fig. 2). stroke and is released to operate the 4.2.17 Cord supply (P, fig. 2). This supply, consisting of a spool of No. 50 mercerized cotton sewing thread, is fastened to the side of the chamber and can be withdrawn by releasing the thumbscrew holding same in position.

This lever is operated from left to right in one gas jet.

4.2.18 Cord loop (Q, Fig. 2).-At a point behind the stop cord (G, Fig. 2) on the rear panel, there is installed another loop to draw the cord away from directly over the flame.

4.2.19 Draft ventilator strip (R, Fig. 2).-A draft ventilator strip is placed across the front opening, sealing the space between the sliding door when in lowered position and the base on which the grid rack is attached.

4.3 Brushing device.5

4.3.1 This device consists of a base board over which a smaller carriage is drawn by means of a counter weight. This carriage runs on parallel tracks attached to the edges of the upper surface of the base board. The brush is hinged with pin hinges at the rear edge of the base board and rests on the carriage vertically with a pressure of 150 grams.

4.3.2 The brush consists of two rows of stiff nylon bristles mounted with the tufts in a staggered position. The bristles are 0.016-inch in diameter and 3 inches in length. There are 20 bristles per tuft and 4 tufts per inch. A clamp is attached to the forward edge of the movable carriage to permit holding the specimen on the carriage during the brushing operation.

4.3.3 After the specimen has been put in place on the carriage and fastened by means of the clamp, the brush is raised, the carriage pushed to the rear, the brush lowered to the face of the specimen. The carriage is then released and is drawn forward by means of the 230-gram weight attached to the front end of the

Butane, c. p. No. 4 cylinders containing 2 lbs. Butane may be obtained from, among others, the Matheson Co., Inc., East Rutherford, N. J.

5 See footnote 3,