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NFPA 556, Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles

2020 NFPA 556 Guide - Current Edition
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  • Description

    Help protect passengers from the risks of fire in road vehicles by referencing the most current methods of hazard evaluation in NFPA 556.

    NFPA 556, Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles, provides critical provisions for vehicle designers, researchers and engineers. The 2020 edition offers in-depth information on using hazard-based investigating methods and the latest tools and techniques for evaluating fire hazards and risks in passenger road vehicles that can be used to establish timeframes for escape and rescue.

    Content covers the following:

    • Guidance for a hazard-based assessment for the development of hazardous conditions from fires involving passenger road vehicles
    • Tools for determining the appropriate materials and design of components and systems to achieve the desired level of fire safety
    • Statistical information on vehicle fires
    • Background information on passenger road vehicle fire performance
    • Performance-based approaches to evaluating passenger road vehicle fire hazards
    • A chapter dedicated to fire scenarios and mitigation strategies

    NFPA 556 addresses the cutting-edge challenges of mitigating fire hazards in passenger vehicles.

    The revised NFPA 556 is a must-have for anyone who plays a role in helping to ensure vehicle occupant safety.

    Changes to the 2020 edition include:

    • New language for defining a limited-combustible material
    • Recognition of ASTM E2965, Standard Test Method for Determination of Low Levels of Heat Release Rate for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter, as one way to assess whether a material is a limited-combustible material
    • Amended reference documents to reflect the most current editions available

    Stay up to date with passenger road vehicle safety to evaluate performance, mitigate risks and improve chances of escaping in the event of a vehicle fire.

    Fire risks are a significant hazard in passenger vehicles on the road. Help improve public safety by ordering your copy of NFPA 556, Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles, 2020 edition.

  • Table of Contents (2020 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 556 Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles, 2020 Edition

    Chapter 1 Administration
    1.1 Scope.
    1.2 Purpose.
    1.3 Application.
    1.4 Units and Formulas.
    Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
    2.1 General.
    2.2 NFPA Publications.
    2.3 Other Publications.
    2.4 References for Extracts in Advisory Sections.
    Chapter 3 Definitions
    3.1 General.
    3.2 NFPA Definitions.
    3.3 General Definitions.
    Chapter 4 Types of Vehicles
    4.1 General.
    Chapter 5 General Description of Passenger Road Vehicle Fires and Background Information
    5.1 Fire Statistics.
    5.2 Materials Used in Passenger Road Vehicles.
    5.3 Current Prescriptive Testing.
    5.4 Noncombustible Material.
    5.5 Limited-Combustible Material.
    5.6 Fire Performance Properties.
    5.7 Tenability Criteria.
    Chapter 6 Approach to Evaluating Passenger Road Vehicle Fire Hazard
    6.1 General.
    6.2 Basic Performance-Based Approach.
    6.3 Design Considerations.
    6.4 Regulatory Considerations.
    Chapter 7 Objectives and Design Criteria
    7.1 Objectives.
    7.2 Design Criteria.
    Chapter 8 Selecting Candidate Design
    8.1 General.
    Chapter 9 Typical Fire Scenarios to Be Investigated
    9.1 General.
    9.2 Passenger Road Vehicle Motion.
    9.3 Factors Contributing to Ignition.
    9.4 Areas of Fire Origination.
    9.5 Fire Scenarios.
    Chapter 10 Evaluation Methods and Tools
    10.1 General.
    10.2 Use of Test Methods.
    10.3 Relevant Test Methods and Evaluation Tools.
    Chapter 11 Individual Fire Scenarios
    11.1 Fires Starting in the Passenger Compartment.
    11.2 Fires Starting in the Engine Compartment.
    11.3 Fires Starting Inside the Trunk or Load-Carrying Area.
    11.4 Pool Fires Resulting from Fuel Tank Failure and Burning Under the Vehicle.
    11.5 Fires Resulting from Other External Heat Sources.
    Chapter 12 Further Guidance
    12.1 Traditional Approach.
    12.2 Mitigation Strategies.
    12.3 Testing to Assess Improved Fire Performance of Materials or Products.
    Annex A Explanatory Material
    Annex B Fire Retardants
    Annex C Informational References
  • Prior Editions

    2016 Edition

    Safeguard vehicle occupants in the event of a fire scenario, using the hazard-based investigating methods in NFPA 556.

    NFPA 556, Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles provides guidance on methods and tools to decrease the fire hazard or fire risk in passenger road vehicles, and to increase the likelihood that occupants will have time to exit or be rescued in case of fire.

    Now in its second edition, NFPA 556 gives designers, engineers, first responders, and safety professionals:

    • Guidance for a hazard-based assessment for the development of hazardous conditions from fire involving passenger road vehicles
    • Tools for determining the appropriate materials and design of components and systems to achieve a desired level of fire safety
    • Statistical information on vehicle fires
    • Background information on passenger road vehicle fire performance
    • Performance-based approaches to evaluating passenger road vehicle fire hazards
    • A substantial chapter dedicated to fire scenarios and mitigation strategies

    Work with the 2016 edition for the latest definitions and up-to-date references. Chapter 5 adds criteria for a material to be considered noncombustible, which is consistent with language in NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code® and NFPA 5000®, Building Construction and Safety Code®. NFPA 556 benefits everyone with a goal of decreasing the fire hazards on the road, and is essential for everyone concerned with vehicle occupant safety. (Softbound, 45 pp., 2016)

     

    Interested in other editions of NFPA 556? Use the drop down menu above to select the edition year you need.

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