A) Burning Behaviour (BB)

The test is conducted to assess the behaviour (severity) of combustion propagation through a material deposit on being ignited by an external ignition source. Its burning behaviour is numerically rated from 1 (material does not ignite) to 6 (supports rapid combustion) in accordance with the test standards characterisation table. The rating is known as “CC” or Combustibility Class and testing is performed at ambient and elevated environmental temperature conditions.

When the burning behaviour of a solid material is known, fires and explosions caused as a result of the introduction of hot embers or friction heat (on bearing failure) can be predicted and therefore either avoided or mitigated. It also can be used as a screening tool to highlight materials that should be classified as a ‘flammable solid’ for transportation

Burning Behaviour (BB) testing is conducted in accordance to the following standards

1. British Standards : BS EN 17077

2. American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM E1515

B) Burning Rate (BR)

The ability of a substance to propagate combustion is tested by igniting it and determining the Burning Rate. This test adequately asses the relative hazard of readily combustible solids so that an appropriate classification for transport can be made (determination of Packaging Group (Groups II and III)). Powdered, granular or pasty substances should be classified in Division 4.1 (Dangerous goods) when the time of burning of one or more of the test runs is less than 45 s or the burning rate is more than 2.2 mm/s. Powder of metal or metal alloys should be classified when they can be ignited and the reaction spreads over the whole length of the sample in 10 minutes or less.

Burning Rate (BR) testing is conducted in accordance to the following standards

1. British Standards : BS EN 17077

2. American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM E1515