(e) Regardless of whether smoking is allowed in any other part of the airplane, lavatories must have self-contained removable ashtrays as 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 served.
(f) Each receptacle used for the disposal of flammable waste material must be fully enclosed, constructed of at least fire resistant materials, and must contain fires likely to occur in it under normal use. The ability of the receptacle to contain those fires under all probable conditions of wear, misalignment, and ventilation expected in service must be demonstrated by test.]
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) Paragraphs (a). 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)
(5) Paragraphs (a). Velcro type material should be tested with the Velcro material attached to its backing material but not hook to pile. (Amendment 25-15)
(6) Paragraph (a). 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)
(7) Paragraph (a). Carpets may be tested without serging. (Amendment 25-32)
(8) Paragraph (a). 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)
(9) Paragraph (a). 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)
(10) Paragraph (a). 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)
(11) Paragraphs (a). Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-32)
(12) Paragraph (b). Refer to AC 25.853-1, “Flammability Requirements for Aircraft Seat Cushions,” dated 9/17/86. (Amendment 25-59)
(13) Paragraph (c). 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)
(14) Paragraph (c). 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)
(15) 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(c) is considered. (Amendment 25-61)
(16) Paragraph (c). 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)
(17) Paragraph (c). As a general guidance for compliance with comply 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)
(18) Paragraph (e). These requirements reflect those of AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) 74-08-09, effective April 30, 1974. (Amendment 25-51)
(19) Paragraph (f). 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)
(20) Paragraph (f). 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)
(21) Paragraph (f). 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)
(22) 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)
632. AMENDMENT 25-83, Effective March 6, 1995.
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, regardless of the passenger capacity of the airplane.
(b) [Reserved.]
(c) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section, seat cushions, except those on flight crewmember seats, must meet the test requirements of part II of appendix F of this part, or other equivalent methods, regardless of the passenger capacity of the airplane.
(d) Except as provided in paragraph (e) of this section, the following interior components of airplanes with passenger capacities of 20 or more 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:
(1) Interior ceiling and wall panels, other than lighting lenses and windows;
(2) Partitions, other than transparent panels needed to enhance cabin safety;
(3) Galley structure, including exposed surfaces of stowed carts and standard containers and the cavity walls that are exposed when a full complement of such carts or containers is not carried; and
(4) Large cabinets and cabin stowage compartments, other than underseat stowage compartments for stowing small items such as magazines and maps.
(e) The interiors of compartments, such as pilot compartments, galleys, lavatories, crew rest quarters, cabinets and stowage compartments, need not meet the standards of paragraph (d) of this section, provided the interiors of such compartments are isolated from the main passenger cabin by doors or equivalent means that would normally be closed during an emergency landing condition.
(f) Smoking is not to be allowed in lavatories. If smoking is to be allowed in any other compartment occupied by the crew or passengers, an adequate number of selfcontained, removable ashtrays must be provided for all seated occupants.
(g) Regardless of whether smoking is allowed in any other part of the airplane, lavatories must have 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 served.
(h) Each receptacle used for the disposal of flammable waste material must be fully enclosed, constructed of at least fire resistant materials, and must contain fires likely to occur in it under normal use. The capability of the receptacle to contain those fires under all probable conditions of wear, misalignment, and ventilation expected in service must be demonstrated by test.]
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) Paragraphs (a). 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)
(5) Paragraphs (a). Velcro type material should be tested with the Velcro material attached to its backing material but not hook to pile. (Amendment 25-15)
(6) Paragraph (a). 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)
(7) Paragraph (a). Carpets may be tested without serging. (Amendment 25-32)
(8) Paragraph (a). 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)
(9) Paragraph (a). 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)
(10) Paragraph (a). 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)
(11) Paragraphs (a). Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-32)
(12) Paragraph (c). Refer to AC 25.853-1, “Flammability Requirements for Aircraft Seat Cushions,” dated 9/17/86. (Amendment 25-59)
(13) Paragraph (d). 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)
(14) Paragraph (d). 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)
(15) Paragraph (d). As a general guidance for compliance with comply 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
555 conjunction with the areas of the cabin in which they are installed before a determination could be made. (Amendment 25-61)
(16) Paragraph (f). 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)
(17) Paragraph (g). These requirements reflect those of AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE (AD) 74-08-09, effective April 30, 1974. (Amendment 25-51)
(18) Paragraph (h). 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.
(Amendment 25-32)
(19) Paragraph (h). 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)
(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) 633-640. [RESERVED]
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557 SECTION 25.854 LAVATORY FIRE PROTECTION
641. Section 25.854 Did Not Exist Prior to Amendment 25-74.
642. AMENDMENT 25-74, Effective May 16, 1991.
a. Regulation.
[For airplanes with a passenger capacity of 20 or more:
(a) Each lavatory must be equipped with a smoke detector system or equivalent that provides a warning light in the cockpit, or provides a warning light or audible warning in the passenger cabin that would be readily detected by a flight attendant;
and
(b) Each lavatory must be equipped with a built-in fire extinguisher for each disposal receptacle for towels, paper, or waste, located within the lavatory. The extinguisher must be designed to discharge automatically into each disposal receptacle upon occurrence of a fire in that receptacle.]
b. Guidance.
(1) Paragraph (a). 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(a)."
(Amendment 25-32)
(2) Paragraph (a). Refer to AC 25-9A, “Smoke Detection, Penetration, and Evacuation Test, and Related Flight Manual Emergency Procedures,” dated 1/6/94. (Amendment 25-74)
(3) Paragraph (b). The FAA has issued report number DOT/FAA/AR-96/122, titled “Development of a Minimum Performance Standard for Lavatory Trash Receptacle Automatic Fire Extinguishers,” dated February 1997 that can be used to develop a replacement for the Halon fire extinguishers used in lavatory trash receptacles. (Amendment 25-74) 643-650. [RESERVED]
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559 SECTION 25.855 CARGO AND BAGGAGE COMPARTMENTS
651. REGULATION IN EFFECT AT ADOPTION OF PART 25.
a. Regulation.
(a) Each cargo and baggage compartment (including tie-down equipment) must be constructed of materials that are at least flame resistant.
(b) No compartment may contain any controls, wiring, lines, equipment, or accessories whose damage or failure would affect safe operation, unless those items are protected so that-
(1) They cannot be damaged by the movement of cargo in the compartment; and
(2) Their breakage or failure will not create a fire hazard.
(c) There must be means to prevent cargo or baggage from interfering with the functioning of the fire-protective features of the compartment.
(d) Sources of heat within the compartment must be shielded and insulated to prevent igniting the cargo.
(e) Cargo compartments must meet one of the class requirements of § 25.857. In addition, flight tests must be conducted to show compliance with the provisions of § 25.857 concerning-
(1) Compartment accessibility;
(2) The entry of hazardous quantities of smoke or extinguishing agent into compartments occupied by the crew or passengers; and
(3) The dissipation of the extinguishing agent in Class C compartments.
During these tests, it must be shown that no inadvertent operation of smoke or fire detectors in any compartment would occur as a result of fire contained in any one compartment, either during or after extinguishment, unless the extinguishing system floods each such compartment simultaneously.
b. Guidance.
(1) Paragraph (a). Refer to paragraph 621b(2) for an acceptable test for flame resistance. (Amendment 25-0)
(2) Paragraph (e). Refer to AC 25-9A, “Smoke Detection, Penetration, and Evacuation Test, and Related Flight Manual Emergency Procedures,” dated 1/6/94. (Amendment 25-0)
(3) 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)
652. AMENDMENT 25-15, Effective October 24, 1967.
a. Regulation.
[(a) Each cargo and baggage compartment (including tie down equipment) must be constructed of materials that at least meet the requirements set forth in § 25.853.]
(b) No compartment may contain any controls, wiring, lines, equipment, or accessories whose damage or failure would affect safe operation, unless those items are protected so that-
(1) They cannot be damaged by the movement of cargo in the compartment, and
(2) Their breakage or failure will not create a fire hazard.
(c) There must be means to prevent cargo or baggage from interfering with the functioning of the fire-protective features of the compartment.
(d) Sources of heat within the compartment must be shielded and insulated to prevent igniting the cargo.
(e) Cargo compartments must meet one of the class requirements of § 25.857. In addition, flight tests must be conducted to show compliance with the provisions of § 25.857 concerning-
(1) Compartment accessibility;
(2) The entry of hazardous quantities of smoke or extinguishing agent into compartments occupied by the crew or passengers, and
(3) The dissipation of the extinguishing agent in Class C compartments.
During these tests, it must be shown that no inadvertent operation of smoke or fire detectors in any compartment would occur as a result of fire contained in any one