ASTM F1358 Effects of Flame Impingement on Materials Used in Protective Clothing Not Designated Primarily for Flame Resistance

    What is ASTM F1358?

    ASTM F1358 establishes a test method for comparing the ignition resistance and burning behavior of materials used in protective clothing where flame resistance is not the primary form of protection provided by the clothing. This test method measures and describes the response of products to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but it does not incorporate all factors required for fire risk assessment under actual fire conditions. 

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    The ASTM F1358 standard provides a comprehensive and reliable method for evaluating the performance of materials used in protective clothing against flame impingement. The test method helps to ensure that protective clothing provides adequate protection to wearers in environments where there is a risk of flame or thermal exposure. Regulatory bodies, testing laboratories, and protective clothing manufacturers widely accept it. Results from this standard can be used to compare the performance of different materials and help manufacturers select appropriate materials for protective clothing applications.

    What is the Scope of ASTM F138?

    ASTM F1358 (Standard Test Method for Effects of Flame Impingement on Materials Used in Protective Clothing Not Designated Primarily for Flame Resistance) is used to evaluate the ignition resistance and burning characteristics of materials used in protective clothing where flame resistance is not the primary form of protection. It provides a means to compare the ease of ignition and burning behavior of materials such as plastic or elastomeric films, coated fabrics, flexible laminates, multilayer-material systems, or other protective clothing materials not primarily designated to offer flame resistance.

    Testing Procedure and Requirements of ASTM F1358

    At least ten test specimens, 75 mm in width by 400 mm in length by 16 inches, are prepared. If the material is anisotropic, five specimens should be cut along each axis. A conditioned specimen of the protective clothing material is folded in half and placed in a sample holder with the folded edge suspended over a gas flame. The specimen is exposed to the flame for a 3-second interval.

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    If the material ignites during this exposure, the afterflame time, afterglow time, and burn distance of the specimen are measured and reported, along with any observations of burning behavior. The test is then terminated.

    If the material does not ignite after the first exposure, the same specimen is exposed to the flame for a 12-second interval. The after-flame time, afterglow time, and burn distance of the specimen are measured and reported, along with any observations of burning behavior.

     This image shows the flame impingement on materials testing by ASTM F1358.
    Flame Impingement on Materials Testing By ASTM F1358.

    ASTM F1358 Results Analysis and Interpretation

    The test method provides information on flammability, after-flame time, afterglow time, burn distance, and burning behavior.

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    Updated on August 21, 2026

    Laraib Hashmi
    About Author
    Laraib Hashmi is an aspiring research enthusiast and science content professional with a strong interdisciplinary skill set, holding a postgraduate degree in Applied Microbiology from KIIT Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
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