NFPA 701 for indoor vs. outdoor fabrics

Specialty Fabrics Review | August 2010

Compiled by Juli Case

My local fire marshal is rejecting the fabric I’m using because it’s certified to NFPA 701. He says it’s because 701 doesn’t account for the fabric being used outside. I’ve never had a problem before; is he correct?

NFPA 701 is a commonly quoted flammability specification in our industry. Titled “Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films,” the promulgator is the National Fire Protection Association. There is a section for cleaning and water procedures that is to be used for those fabrics whose manufacturers make claims that the material’s flame-resistant properties remain after laundering or weathering. It could be that your fire marshal is just used to seeing it quoted for interior materials and isn’t familiar with the weathering requirement for outdoor materials.

SOURCE NFPA

Juli Case is IFAI's information and technical services manager.

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