This test method applies to disposable and reusable woven and nonwoven fabrics used in surgical fabrics, including surgical drapes and gowns.

The purpose of this test method is to provide standard methods for testing and classifying the ignition and flame propagation characteristics, under realistic exposure conditions, of surgical drapes and gowns as well as other fabrics used in surgery.

This test method permits evaluation of the ignition and flame propagation characteristics of textile materials exposed to surgical lasers and electrical cautery devices in atmospheres ranging from ambient air to 100 percent oxygen concentration. This test method does not indicate the performance of tested materials under exposure conditions substantially different from the test conditions.

This test method is adapted from the flammability standard described in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1610 [1], which is administered by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, to measure and regulate the flammability characteristics of textiles and textile products for clothing use.

Modifications to the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1610 test method for this standard include:

1. .The use of a surgical laser and electric cautery commonly used during surgery as realistic ignition sources in place of the gas jet flame specified in CFR Part 1610 and
2. The use of oxygen enrichment in the test chamber to simulate oxygen-enriched conditions that can occur during surgery.