Flammability Test now available - Added 26.01.09

The Laboratory has been carrying out an increasing amount of testing to BS EN 71-3: 1995, a standard that places restrictions on the migration rate of eight potentially toxic elements; Arsenic, Mercury, Selenium, Chromium, Antimony, Cadmium, Lead and Barium. Compliance with EN 71 is a legal requirement to ensure the safety of toys but in the absence of any specific legislation for fine or costume jewellery many customers are using EN 71-3 to ensure that costume jewellery, hair accessories and other products, particularly those attractive to children, are safe.

These products also need testing for other properties covered by EN 71 such as Physical & mechanical properties and flammability and customers are looking to have all testing carried out together. In response to this demand The Laboratory has invested in the necessary equipment and developed the knowledge to carry out EN71 -2 (BS EN 71: Part 2 : 2006 + A1: 2007 – Flammability) which tests for flammability. The standard specifies the categories of flammable materials which are prohibited in all toys and requirements concerning flammability of certain toys when they are subjected to a small source of ignition.

The test is to be carried out under carefully controlled conditions in a flammability chamber and measures the ignitability and flame spread time after an article has been subjected to a a small source of ignition. The whole process is recorded on video and saved as physical evidence of the reported result.

This test has many applications, particularly for children’s toys, clothing and upholstery materials. The test is now available from The Laboratory with a turn round time of only four days and is expected to be UKAS accredited by mid January.

Technical Director Dippal Manchanda says “We want to offer our customers the best service possible and I am pleased to announce that we will soon be offering EN71 part 1 as well. Compliance with the legal safety requirements is essential, especially in the case of children’s products, and the reassurance of a report from The Birmingham Assay Office gives everyone peace of mind”. For more information please call tel: 0121 262 1036 or email testing@theassayoffice.co.uk