(18) Paragraph (e). Waste receptacles may be mounted in the airplane structure or may be portable units such as food or waste carts. Fire containment testing is not required for special purpose disposal receptacles (for such items as used air sickness bags and sanitary napkins), which are in addition to the normal waste disposal receptacles found in lavatories. The reasons for not requiring the testing is that these receptacles are typically very small, less than half a cubic foot in volume, and that they contain specific waste which are of a relatively nonflammable nature. Appendix 8 contains methodology for substantiating compliance with fire containment criteria. (Amendment 25-0)
(19) Paragraph (f). These requirements reflect those of AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) 74-08-09, effective April 30, 1974. (Amendment 25-51)
(20) Note: The FAA Memorandum 00-115-16, dated September 12, 2000, titled, “Use of the Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” provides guidance for the use of the Report # DOT/FAA/CT-99/15 titled, “Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” that may be used to show compliance with, or demonstrate an equivalent level of safety to, the applicable regulations. The test methods described in the handbook are intended to be adopted in total, if they are used. That is, use of a portion of a test method from the handbook, and another portion of the test method from Appendix F, is not automatically acceptable. (Amendment 25-0)
629. AMENDMENT 25-61, Effective August 20, 1986.
a. Regulation.
Materials (including finishes or decorative surfaces applied to the materials) used in each compartment occupied by the crew or passengers must meet the following test criteria as applicable:
(a) Interior ceiling panels, interior wall panels, partitions, galley structure, large cabinet walls, structural flooring, and materials used in the construction of stowage compartments (other than underseat stowage compartments and compartments for stowing small items such as magazines and maps) must be self-extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed six-inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of three seconds after falling.
[(a-1) For airplanes with passenger capacity of 20 or more, interior ceiling and wall panels (other than lighting lenses), partitions, and the outer surfaces of galleys, large cabinets and stowage compartments (other than underseat stowage compartments and compartments for stowing small items, such as magazines and maps) must also meet the test requirements of Part IV of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent method, in addition to the flammability requirements prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section.]
(b) Floor covering, textiles (including draperies and upholstery), seat cushions, padding, decorative and non-decorative coated fabrics, leather, trays, and galley furnishings, electrical conduit, thermal and acoustical insulation and insulation covering, air ducting, joint and edge covering, liners of Class B and E cargo or baggage compartment, floor panels of Class C or D cargo and baggage compartment, insulation blankets, cargo covers, and transparencies, molded and thermoformed parts, air ducting joints, and trim strips (decorative and chafing), that are constructed of materials not covered in paragraph (b-2) of this section, must be self extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Part I of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed 8-inches, and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of 5 seconds after falling.
(b-1) Motion picture film must be safety film meeting the Standard Specifications for Safety Photographic Film (PH1.25) (available from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10018), or an FA approved equivalent. If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
(b-2) Acrylic windows and signs, parts constructed in whole or in part of elastomeric materials, edge lighted instrument assemblies consisting of two or more instruments in a common housing, seat belts, shoulder harness, and cargo and baggage tiedown equipment, including containers, bins, pallets, etc., used in passenger or crew compartments may not have an average burn rate greater than 2.5-inches per minute when tested horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods.
(b-3) Except for electrical wire and cable insulation, and for small parts (such as knobs, handles, rollers, fasteners, clips, grommets, rub strips, pulleys, and small electrical parts) that the Administrator finds would not contribute significantly to the propagation of a fire, materials in items not specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (b-1), or (b-2) of this section ma not have a burn rate greater than 4.0-inches per minute when tested horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part or other approved equivalent methods.
(c) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (b), seat cushions, except those on flight crewmember seats, must meet the test requirements of Part II of Appendix F of this Part, or equivalent.
(d) If smoking is to be prohibited, there must be placard so stating, and if smoking is to be allowed-
(1) There must be an adequate number of self-contained, removable ashtrays; and
(2) Where the crew compartment is separated from the passenger compartment, there must be at least one sign meeting the "No Smoking" sign requirements of § 25.791 notifying all passengers when smoking is prohibited.
(e) Each disposal receptacle for towels, paper, or waste must be fully enclosed and constructed of at least fire restraint materials, and must contain fires likely to occur in it under normal use. The ability of the disposal receptacle to contain those fires under all probable conditions of wear, misalignment, and ventilation expected in service must be demonstrated by test. A placard containing the legible words "No Cigarette Disposal" must be located on or near each disposal receptacle door.
(f) Lavatories must have "No Smoking" or "No Smoking in Lavatory" placards located conspicuously on each side of the entry door, and self-contained removable ashtrays located conspicuously on or near the entry side of each lavatory door, except that one ashtray may serve more than one lavatory door if the ashtray can be seen readily from the cabin side of each lavatory door served. The placards must have red letters at least one-half-inch high on a white background of at least one-inch high. (A "No Smoking" symbol may be included on the placard.)
b. Guidance.
(l) Material in "black boxes" which are completely self-contained by self-extinguishing material need not be tested. If parts are not completely self-contained or ventilation is provided, then appropriate flammability tests should be conducted. Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-17)
(2) Certification by a material manufacturer/supplier, commonly called “certs,” that a material complies with the flammability requirements of § 25.853 does not satisfy FAA rules.
All flammability tests to demonstrate compliance should be witnessed by the FAA or its representatives. Refer to § 25.1359(d) for guidance relative to wiring. (Amendment 25-0)
(3) Paragraph (a). Carpets which extend up and become part of a vertical panel should also meet § 25.853(a). (Amendment 25-32)
(4) Paragraph (a-1). Some first or business class seats incorporate large panel assemblies, in the form of wall panels, partitions, large cabinets, or stowage compartments. The surface areas of these components are significant and therefore these components of the seat are subject to this requirement, just as regular wall panels, partitions, cabinets, and stowage compartments in the cabin.. All components that make up an affected part (for example, several small panels that make up a large ceiling panel) are required to comply with the standard applicable to the larger part. Therefore, the wall panels, partitions, large cabinets, and stowage compartments of the seat itself, including panel assemblies of consoles, are required to comply with Appendix F, part IV of part 25. (Amendment 25-61)
(5) Paragraph (a-1). In this paragraph the regulation lighting lens are specifically removed from this requirement. In addition, windows and transparent panels inserted in cabin partitions necessary to provide flight attendants with an unobstructed view of the cabin need not meet this requirement. (Amendment 25-61)
(6) Paragraph (a-1). The intent of the phrase “outer surface of galleys” was to make an exception for the interior surfaces of galley cabinets, etc., which would not be exposed to a cabin fire. Any galley surface that would be exposed to a cabin fire is considered an exterior surface insofar as compliance with § 25.853(a-1) is considered. (Amendment 25-61)
(7) Paragraph (a-1). Compartments which are isolated from the passenger cabin by a door, that is required to be closed during takeoff and landing, or equivalent means need not meet the new flammability standards. (Amendment 25-61)
(8) Paragraph (a-1). As a general guidance, components identified in § 25.853(a-1) with surface areas of one square foot or less may be considered small enough that they do not have to meet the new flammability standards. Components with surface areas greater than two square feet may be considered large enough that they do have to meet the new standards. Those with surface areas greater than on square foot, but less than two square feet, would have to be considered in conjunction with the areas of the cabin in which they are installed before a determination could be made. (Amendment 25-61)
(9) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Layered materials are entities formed by combining two or more separate materials by bonding, mechanically fastening or other means such that the resulting unit cannot be easily disassembled. Disassembly by removal of screws, staples, glue joints, etc., would not be considered easy. (Amendment 25-15)
(10) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Velcro type material should be tested with the Velcro material attached to its backing material but not hook to pile. (Amendment 25-15)
(11) Paragraph (a) and (b). The use of fire/flame retardants is acceptable. The type data should specify the retardant and process for treatment. Treatment should be applied prior to conditioning. The effects of aging and environmental conditions should be considered in the use of retardants. If aging, dry cleaning, washing, etc., adversely affect retardant properties, appropriate documents such as the maintenance manual should address this issue. (Amendment 25-0)
(12) Paragraph (b). Carpets may be tested without serging. (Amendment 25-32)
(13) Paragraph (b). Oxygen lines are considered ducted systems and should be tested in their normal state: pressurized to the maximum operating pressure with a gas considered safe for testing. Refer to paragraph 621.b.(4) above. (Amendment 25-32)
(14) Paragraph (b). As required by Appendix F, foam shall be tested in 1/2-inch thickness. If the cushion consists of two or more foams glued together, the foam specimens should be two 1/4-inch (three 1/6-inch, etc.) pieces glued together. Three specimens should be
541 made for each combination of foams that are glued together in the production cushion. Any other production cushion components that are glued together, should be tested together. If such specimens do not pass, it is acceptable to test each production cushion component separately, including a sheet of glue. Additionally, the Bunsen burner is then applied to three separate corners of the production cushion with all its components. The cushion is satisfactory if all tests meet the test criteria. The three corner tests need not be conducted, if the cushion passes the tests of part II of Appendix F at Amendment 25-59. (Amendment 25-32)
(15) Paragraph (b-3). Blankets, pillows, headrest covers, and carry-on items that are not part of the aircraft type design are not required to meet the flammability standards. (Amendment 25-32)
(16) Paragraph (b-3). Relative to lavatory smoke detectors, the following is quoted from the preamble to Amendment 121-185, effective April 29, 1985: "Unless some circumstance or design feature unforeseen at this time requires otherwise, materials used in the construction of relatively small commercially available smoke detectors would not contribute significantly to the propagation of a fire and would be covered by the small parts exclusion of § 25.853(b-3)."
(Amendment 25-32)
(17) Paragraphs (a) through (b-3). Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-32)
(18) Paragraphs (b), (b-2), and (b-3). If material is demonstrated to comply with paragraph (b), it is also considered to comply with paragraphs (b-2) and (b-3). The reverse is not true. (Amendment 25-32)
(19) Paragraph (c). Refer to AC 25.853-1, “Flammability Requirements for Aircraft Seat Cushions,” dated 9/17/86. (Amendment 25-59)
(20) Paragraph (d). Self-contained is defined as a receptacle within a receptacle, one of which has a lid. Both receptacles are considered trash containers and should meet fire-resistant criteria as defined in 14 CFR, part 1, § l.l and in the preceding guidance in paragraph 621b(2) of this AC. The fixed receptacle should be sealed to prevent penetration of fire or residue into the surrounding area. Ashtrays installed in movable or removable armrests which will spill their contents when the armrest is moved or raised, as in the case of hinged armrests, are not considered self-contained. (Amendment 25-0)
(21) Paragraph (d). (Amendment 25-0)
(i) In order to avoid confusion in compartments where it is intended that smoking is not to be permitted, and No Smoking placards are installed, the lighted No Smoking signs should either be disabled or, preferably, hardwired ON. (Amendment 25-0)
(ii) Hardwired ON lighted No Smoking signs have been considered to be equivalent, and even preferred, alternatives to required No Smoking placards in compartments where smoking is not to be permitted. (Amendment 25-0)
(iii) In divided compartments where smoking is permitted in one compartment but not in an adjacent one, especially where the no-smoking compartment is aft of the smoking compartment, care needs to be exercised in the placement and design of placarding and/or No Smoking lighted signs to assure no confusion exists. The smoking compartment should be controlled by lighted No Smoking signs controlled by the crew. Passengers in the no-smoking compartment should not be able to Refer to the lighted No Smoking signs in the smoking compartment when switched off. All lighted No Smoking signs visible to passengers in the nosmoking compartment should be hard-wired ON. No Smoking placards may also be installed in the no-smoking compartment, but they are considered insufficient, by themselves, to override the confusing effect of switchable No Smoking signs visible to them. (Amendment 25-0)
(iv) In compartments where smoking is not allowed, it may be necessary to hardwire ON any lighted NO SMOKING signs to avoid confusing occupants. Note: this may affect an operator’s ability to comply with § 121.317(a). The FAA issued a policy memorandum ANM-03-115-05, dated July 7, 2003, titled “Policy Statement and Equivalent Safety Finding on No Smoking Placards and Signs” that addresses this subject. (Amendment 25-0)
(22) Paragraph (e). To meet the "fire resistant" requirements, the receptacle construction should meet the 45-degree burn test described in § 25.855(a-1). (Amendment 25-32)
(23) Paragraph (e). Waste receptacles may be mounted in the airplane structure or may be portable units such as food or waste carts. Fire containment testing is not required for special purpose disposal receptacles (for such items as used air sickness bags and sanitary napkins), which are in addition to the normal waste disposal receptacles found in lavatories. The reasons for not requiring the testing is that these receptacles are typically very small, less than half a cubic foot in volume, and that they contain specific waste which are of a relatively nonflammable nature. Appendix 8 contains methodology for substantiating compliance with fire containment criteria. (Amendment 25-0)
(24) Paragraph (f). These requirements reflect those of AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) 74-08-09, effective April 30, 1974. (Amendment 25-51)
(25) Note: The FAA Memorandum 00-115-16, dated September 12, 2000, titled, “Use of the Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” provides guidance for the use of the Report # DOT/FAA/CT-99/15 titled, “Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” that may be used to show compliance with, or demonstrate an equivalent level of safety to, the applicable regulations. The test methods described in the handbook are intended to be adopted in total, if they are used. That is, use of a portion of a test method from the handbook, and another portion of the test method from Appendix F, is not automatically acceptable. (Amendment 25-0)
630. AMENDMENT 25-66, Effective September 26, 1988.
a. Regulation.
543 Materials (including finishes or decorative surfaces applied to the materials) used in each compartment occupied by the crew or passengers must meet the following test criteria as applicable:
(a) Interior ceiling panels, interior walls panels, partitions, galley structure, large cabinet walls, structural flooring, and materials used in the construction of stowage compartments (other than underseat stowage compartments and compartments for stowing small items such as magazines and maps) must be self-extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed six-inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of three seconds after falling.
[(a-1) For airplanes with passenger capacity of 20 or more, interior ceiling and wall panels (other than lighting lenses), partitions, and the outer surfaces of galleys, large cabinets, and stowage compartments (other than underseat stowage compartments and compartments for stowing small items, such as magazines and maps) must also meet the test requirements of Parts IV and V of Appendix F of this part, or other approved equivalent method, in addition to the flammability requirements prescribed in paragraph (a) of this Section.]
(b) Floor covering, textiles (including draperies and upholstery), seat cushions, padding, decorative and non-decorative coated fabrics, leather, trays, and galley furnishings, electrical conduit, thermal and acoustical insulation and insulation covering, air ducting, joint and edge covering, liners of Class B and E cargo or baggage compartments, floor panels of Class C or D cargo and baggage compartments, insulation blankets, cargo covers, and transparencies, molded and thermoformed parts, air ducting joints, and trim strips (decorative and chafing), that are constructed of materials not covered in paragraph (b-2) of this section, must be self-extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Part I of Appendix F of this part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed 8-inches, and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of 5 seconds after falling.
(b-1) Motion picture film must be safety film meeting the Standard Specifications for Safety Photographic Film (PH1.25) (available from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10018), or an FAA approved equivalent. If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
(b-2) Acrylic windows and signs, parts constructed in whole or in part of elastomeric materials, edge lighted instrument assemblies consisting of two or more instruments in a common housing, seat belts, shoulder harness, and cargo and baggage tiedown
544 equipment, including containers, bins, pallets, etc., used in passenger or crew compartments may not have an average burn rate greater than 2.5-inches per minute when tested horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods.
(b-3) Except for electrical wire and cable insulation, and for small parts (such as knobs, handles, rollers, fasteners, clips, grommets, rub strips, pulleys, and small electrical parts) that the Administrator finds would not contribute significantly to the propagation of a fire, materials in items not specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (b-1), or (b-2) of this section may not have a burn rate greater than 4.0-inches per minute when tested horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part or other approved equivalent methods.
(c) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (b), seat cushions, except those on flight crewmember seats, must meet the test requirements of Part II of Appendix F of this Part, or equivalent.
(d) If smoking is to be prohibited, there must be placard so stating, and if smoking is to be allowed-
(1) There must be an adequate number of self-contained, removable ashtrays; and
(2) Where the crew compartment is separated from the passenger compartment, there must be at least one sign meeting the "No Smoking" sign requirements of § 25.791 notifying all passengers when smoking is prohibited.
(e) Each disposal receptacle for towels, paper, or waste must be fully enclosed and constructed of at least fire restraint materials, and must contain fires likely to occur in it under normal use. The ability of the disposal receptacle to contain those fires under all probable conditions of wear, misalignment, and ventilation expected in service must be demonstrated by test. A placard containing the legible words "No Cigarette Disposal" must be located on or near each disposal receptacle door.
(f) Lavatories must have "No Smoking" or "No Smoking in Lavatory" placards located conspicuously on each side of the entry door, and self-contained removable ashtrays located conspicuously on or near the entry side of each lavatory door, except that one ashtray may serve more than one lavatory door if the ashtray can be seen readily from the cabin side of each lavatory door served. The placards must have red letters at least one-half-inch high on a white background of at least one-inch high. (A "No Smoking" symbol may be included on the placard.)
b. Guidance.
(l) Material in "black boxes" which are completely self-contained by self-extinguishing material need not be tested. If parts are not completely self-contained or ventilation is provided, then appropriate flammability tests should be conducted. Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for
545 Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-17)
(2) Certification by a material manufacturer/supplier, commonly called “certs,” that a material complies with the flammability requirements of § 25.853 does not satisfy FAA rules.
All flammability tests to demonstrate compliance should be witnessed by the FAA or its representatives. Refer to § 25.1359(d) for guidance relative to wiring. (Amendment 25-0)
(3) Paragraph (a). Carpets which extend up and become part of a vertical panel should also meet § 25.853(a). (Amendment 25-32)
(4) Paragraph (a-1). Some first or business class seats incorporate large panel assemblies, in the form of wall panels, partitions, large cabinets, or stowage compartments. The surface areas of these components are significant and therefore these components of the seat are subject to this requirement, just as regular wall panels, partitions, cabinets, and stowage compartments in the cabin. All components that make up an affected part (for example, several small panels that make up a large ceiling panel) are required to comply with the standard applicable to the larger part. Therefore, the wall panels, partitions, large cabinets, and stowage compartments of the seat itself, including panel assemblies of consoles, are required to comply with Appendix F, parts IV and V, of part 25. (Amendment 25-61)
(5) Paragraph (a-1). In this paragraph the regulation lighting lens are specifically removed from this requirement. In addition, windows and transparent panels inserted in cabin partitions necessary to provide flight attendants with an unobstructed view of the cabin need not comply with Appendix F, parts IV and V, of part 25. (Amendment 25-61)
(6) Paragraph (a-1). The intent of the phrase “outer surface of galleys” was to make an exception for the interior surfaces of galley cabinets, etc., which would not be exposed to a cabin fire. Any galley surface that would be exposed to a cabin fire is considered an exterior surface insofar as compliance with § 25.853(a-1) is considered. (Amendment 25-61)
(7) Paragraph (a-1). Compartments which are isolated from the passenger cabin by a door, that is required to be closed during takeoff and landing, or equivalent means need not comply with Appendix F, parts IV and V, of part 25. (Amendment 25-61)
(8) Paragraph (a-1). As general guidance for compliance with Appendix F, parts IV and V, of part 25, components identified in § 25.853(a-1) with surface areas of one square foot or less may be considered small enough that they do not have to meet the new flammability standards. Components with surface areas greater than two square feet may be considered large enough that they do have to meet the new standards. Those with surface areas greater than on square foot, but less than two square feet, would have to be considered in conjunction with the areas of the cabin in which they are installed before a determination could be made. (Amendment 25-61)
(9) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Layered materials are entities formed by combining two or more separate materials by bonding, mechanically fastening or other means such that the
546 resulting unit cannot be easily disassembled. Disassembly by removal of screws, staples, glue joints, etc., would not be considered easy. (Amendment 25-15)
(10) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Velcro type material should be tested with the Velcro material attached to its backing material but not hook to pile. (Amendment 25-15)
(11) Paragraph (a) and (b). The use of fire/flame retardants is acceptable. The type data should specify the retardant and process for treatment. Treatment should be applied prior to conditioning. The effects of aging and environmental conditions should be considered in the use of retardants. If aging, dry cleaning, washing, etc., adversely affect retardant properties, appropriate documents such as the maintenance manual should address this issue. (Amendment 25-0)
(12) Paragraph (b). Carpets may be tested without serging. (Amendment 25-32)
(13) Paragraph (b). Oxygen lines are considered ducted systems and should be tested in their normal state: pressurized to the maximum operating pressure with a gas considered safe for testing. Refer to paragraph 621.b.(4) above. (Amendment 25-32)
(14) Paragraph (b). As required by Appendix F, foam shall be tested in 1/2-inch thickness. If the cushion consists of two or more foams glued together, the foam specimens should be two 1/4-inch (three 1/6-inch, etc.) pieces glued together. Three specimens should be made for each combination of foams that are glued together in the production cushion. Any other production cushion components that are glued together, should be tested together. If such specimens do not pass, it is acceptable to test each production cushion component separately, including a sheet of glue. Additionally, the Bunsen burner is then applied to three separate corners of the production cushion with all its components. The cushion is satisfactory if all tests meet the test criteria. The three corner tests need not be conducted, if the cushion passes the tests of part II of Appendix F at Amendment 25-59. (Amendment 25-32)
(15) Paragraph (b-3). Blankets, pillows, headrest covers, and carry-on items that are not part of the aircraft type design are not required to meet the flammability standards. (Amendment 25-32)
(16) Paragraph (b-3). Relative to lavatory smoke detectors, the following is quoted from the preamble to Amendment 121-185, effective April 29, 1985: "Unless some circumstance or design feature unforeseen at this time requires otherwise, materials used in the construction of relatively small commercially available smoke detectors would not contribute significantly to the propagation of a fire and would be covered by the small parts exclusion of § 25.853(b-3)."
(Amendment 25-32)
(17) Paragraphs (a) through (b-3). Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-32)
(18) Paragraphs (b), (b-2), and (b-3). If material is demonstrated to comply with paragraph (b), it is also considered to comply with paragraphs (b-2) and (b-3). The reverse is not true. (Amendment 25-32)
(19) Paragraph (c). Refer to AC 25.853-1, “Flammability Requirements for Aircraft Seat Cushions,” dated 9/17/86. (Amendment 25-59)
(20) Paragraph (d). Self-contained is defined as a receptacle within a receptacle, one of which has a lid. Both receptacles are considered trash containers and should meet fire-resistant criteria as defined in 14 CFR, part 1, § l.l and in the preceding guidance in paragraph 621b(2) of this AC. The fixed receptacle should be sealed to prevent penetration of fire or residue into the surrounding area. Ashtrays installed in movable or removable armrests which will spill their contents when the armrest is moved or raised, as in the case of hinged armrests, are not considered self-contained. (Amendment 25-0)
(21) Paragraph (d). (Amendment 25-0)
(i) In order to avoid confusion in compartments where it is intended that smoking is not to be permitted, and No Smoking placards are installed, the lighted No Smoking signs should either be disabled or, preferably, hardwired ON. (Amendment 25-0)
(ii) Hardwired ON lighted No Smoking signs have been considered to be equivalent, and even preferred, alternatives to required No Smoking placards in compartments where smoking is not to be permitted. (Amendment 25-0)
(iii) In divided compartments where smoking is permitted in one compartment but not in an adjacent one, especially where the no-smoking compartment is aft of the smoking compartment, care needs to be exercised in the placement and design of placarding and/or No Smoking lighted signs to assure no confusion exists. The smoking compartment should be controlled by lighted No Smoking signs controlled by the crew. Passengers in the no-smoking compartment should not be able to Refer to the lighted No Smoking signs in the smoking compartment when switched off. All lighted No Smoking signs visible to passengers in the nosmoking compartment should be hard-wired ON. No Smoking placards may also be installed in the no-smoking compartment, but they are considered insufficient, by themselves, to override the confusing effect of switchable No Smoking signs visible to them. (Amendment 25-0)
(iv) In compartments where smoking is not allowed, it may be necessary to hardwire ON any lighted NO SMOKING signs to avoid confusing occupants. Note: this may affect an operator’s ability to comply with § 121.317(a). The FAA issued a policy memorandum ANM-03-115-05, dated July 7, 2003, titled “Policy Statement and Equivalent Safety Finding on No Smoking Placards and Signs” that addresses this subject. (Amendment 25-0)
(22) Paragraph (e). To meet the "fire resistant" requirements, the receptacle construction should meet the 45-degree burn test described in § 25.855(a-1). (Amendment 25-32)
(23) Paragraph (e). Waste receptacles may be mounted in the airplane structure or may be portable units such as food or waste carts. Fire containment testing is not required for special purpose disposal receptacles (for such items as used air sickness bags and sanitary napkins), which are in addition to the normal waste disposal receptacles found in lavatories. The reasons for not requiring the testing is that these receptacles are typically very small, less than half a cubic foot in volume, and that they contain specific waste which are of a relatively nonflammable nature. Appendix 8 contains methodology for substantiating compliance with fire containment criteria. (Amendment 25-0)
(24) Paragraph (f). These requirements reflect those of AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) 74-08-09, effective April 30, 1974. (Amendment 25-51)
(25) Note: The FAA Memorandum 00-115-16, dated September 12, 2000, titled, “Use of the Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” provides guidance for the use of the Report # DOT/FAA/CT-99/15 titled, “Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” that may be used to show compliance with, or demonstrate an equivalent level of safety to, the applicable regulations. The test methods described in the handbook are intended to be adopted in total, if they are used. That is, use of a portion of a test method from the handbook, and another portion of the test method from Appendix F, is not automatically acceptable. (Amendment 25-0)
631. AMENDMENT 25-72, Effective August 20, 1990.
a. Regulation.
[For each compartment occupied by the crew or passengers, the following apply:
(a) Materials (including finishes or decorative surfaces applied to the materials) must meet the applicable test criteria prescribed in Part I of Appendix F of this part or other approved equivalent methods.
(b) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (a), seat cushions, except those on flight crewmember seats, must meet the test requirements of Part II of Appendix F of this part, or equivalent.
(c) For airplanes with passenger capacities of 20 or more, interior ceiling and wall panels (other than lighting lenses), partitions, and the outer surfaces of galleys, large cabinets and stowage compartments (other than underseat stowage compartments and compartments for stowing small items, such as magazines and maps) must also meet the test requirements of Parts IV and V of Appendix F of this part, or other approved equivalent method, in addition to the flammability requirements prescribed in paragraph (a) of this section.
(d) Smoking is not to be allowed in lavatories. If smoking is to be allowed in any compartment occupied by the crew or passengers, an adequate number of selfcontained, removable ashtrays must be provided for all seated occupants, and