A Review of the Technical Bulletin 129 Full Scale Test Method for Flammability of Mattresses for Public Occupancies

California Technical Bulletin 129, a test method for flammability of mattresses for use in public occupancies, was published in 1992 and has been used voluntarily by manufacturers and procurement officials throughout the United States. In this paper, the results of 126 tests conducted on mattresses that were submitted to the Bureau's laboratory are reviewed. The effects of cover fab rics, filling contents and fire-blocking barriers, both in innerspring and non- innerspring mattresses, are discussed. It is concluded that the technology and materials exist that allow manufacturers to build mattresses that comply with the requirements of this fire test standard.