Fire Retardant Tarp Testing and Certification

The ever changing United States Fire Codes have made it necessary to introduce Fire Retardant Tarps to the market. Many states require Fire Retardant Tarps to be used at any event or gathering where large numbers of people will be present. So what is the difference between regular and Fire Retardant Poly Tarps? The difference is either within the fibers used to make the Poly Tarp or by an extra topical treatment added to the Poly Tarp itself. Fire Retardant Tarps produced using fire retardant threads are designed to self extinguish when in contact with open flame. It is important to note that Fire Retardant Tarps are not fire proof but rather resistant to flame and have the ability to self extinguish and resist the melting or dripping common of polyethylene. Topical application is another method used in the manufacturing of Fire Retardant Tarps. Topically treated Fire Retardant Tarps have a chemical that is applied to the surface that reduces the fabric’s flammability to the extent that it becomes nearly non-combustible. Although both methods achieve the same goal, the use of fire retardant threads is the preferred and ideal method when making Fire Retardant Tarps. Unlike fire retardant threads which have an infinite lifespan, the topical treatment of fire retardant chemicals on a fabric have a certification limit of one year before the chemical must be re-applied. In addition to the manufacturing components of Fire Retardant Tarps, each tarp must then pass extensive testing requirements before being sold to the public. Once a company feels confidant that their product will meet the fire retardant requirements set by the state a sample will be sent to an independent testing agency. The testing process is extremely extensive and each product must go through a series of obstacles to be considered fire retardant. Once the fabric passes the test from the independent agency it is then sent to the state fire marshal for more testing and final certification. The minimum standards and/or guidelines for fire resistant products are set by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Agency) and the Canvas Products Association’s (CPAI) recommendations. Based on these recommendations each state then has the option of implementing fire codes which surpass those set by the NFPA. California is one such state creating a fire code that has become the example for other states to follow. California Title 19 is the toughest fire code in the nation and is the ultimate test for any product. If the product passes the test set forth by the state fire marshal it can then be given the state fire marshal’s tag which must be attached and visible on each product sold.