- Author
-
Bukowski, R. W.
- Title
- Evaluation of Furniture-Fire Hazard Using a Hazard-Assessment Computer Model.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Journal
-
Fire and Materials,
Vol. 9,
No. 4,
159-166,
December 1985
- Keywords
-
furniture
|
fire hazards
|
computer models
- Abstract
- The Center for Fire Research Fire (Toxic) Hazard-Assessment computer model was used to evaluate the potential for hazard reduction by the modification of the combustion properties of upholstered furniture items in a residential occupancy. The potential benefits of these modifications are compared with the effects of variations in room size and construction to determine if they would be realized across a range of housing sizes and types. The results demonstrate the greatest benefit by the reduction of the mass loss (burning) rate of the item regardless of room size and even if the means used to reduce the burning rate results in an increase in smoke production and material toxicity. These results are intended as an indicator of potentially beneficial directions for further research and should not be taken as conclusive evidence of fact without experimental verification.