This Standard was prepared by the Joint Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand Committee BD/18, Fire Safety.

The objective of this revision is to specify procedures for laboratories to adopt when mounting specimen materials in the test apparatus. The basic method of test has not been changed.

The mounting procedures are specific for a range of materials being tested. The adoption of these procedures is designed to improve the consistency of the test results.

The test provides data for assessing the potential hazard of wall linings during the early growth of fire in a compartment. It also provides a discriminating assessment of the fire behaviour of different materials when subjected to the test method described.

Fire is a complex phenomenon and the fire hazard of a building material is a function of the characteristics of the material, how it is installed and used, and the environment in which it is present. No single test method can give a full assessment of fire hazard under all conditions of fire that may apply. There must be a constant awareness of the variables applicable when using this test method to assess the fire hazard of any particular material or component under other fire exposure or when used in applications other than walls.

The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the application of the appendix to which they apply. A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Standard, whereas an ‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance.

The use of Notes in this Standard are of an advisory nature only to give explanation or guidance to the user on recommended design considerations or technical procedures, or to provide an informative cross-reference to other documents or publications. Notes to clauses on this Standard do not form a mandatory part for compliance with this Standard.