Approval Standard

for Containers for

Combustible Waste

Class Number 6921

March 2004

©2004 FM Approvals LLC. All rights reserved.

Foreword

The FM Approvals certification mark is intended to verify that the products and services described will meet FM Approvals’ stated conditions of performance, safety and quality useful to the ends of property conservation. The purpose of Approval Standards is to present the criteria for FM Approval of various types of products and services, as guidance for FM Approvals personnel, manufacturers, users and authorities having jurisdiction.

Products submitted for certification by FM Approvals shall demonstrate that they meet the intent of the Approval Standard, and that quality control in manufacturing shall ensure a consistently uniform and reliable product. Approval Standards strive to be performance-oriented. They are intended to facilitate technological development.

For examining equipment, materials and services, Approval Standards:

a) must be useful to the ends of property conservation by preventing, limiting or not

causing damage under the conditions stated by the Approval listing; and

b) must be readily identifiable.

Continuance of Approval and listing depends on compliance with the Approval Agreement, satisfactory performance in the field, on successful re-examinations of equipment, materials, and services as appropriate, and on periodic follow-up audits of the manufacturing facility.

FM Approvals LLC reserves the right in its sole judgment to change or revise its standards, criteria, methods, or procedures.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................................................... 11.1 Purpose .............................................................................................................................................................................. 11.2 Scope ................................................................................................................................................................................. 11.3 Basis for FM Approval ..................................................................................................................................................... 11.4 Basis for Continued Approval ............................................................................................................................................ 11.5 Basis for Requirements ...................................................................................................................................................... 11.6 Effective Date .................................................................................................................................................................... 21.7 System of Units .................................................................................................................................................................. 2

2. GENERAL INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................... 22.1 Product Information .......................................................................................................................................................... 22.2 Approval Application Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 32.3 Requirements for Samples for Examination .................................................................................................................... 3

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................................................. 33.1 Markings ............................................................................................................................................................................. 33.2 Instructions .......................................................................................................................................................................... 43.3 Physical or Structural Features .......................................................................................................................................... 43.4 Drawings/Plans/Specification Required ............................................................................................................................. 4

4. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................................................... 44.1 Fire Exposure .................................................................................................................................................................... 44.2 Adverse Conditions ............................................................................................................................................................ 54.3 Stability ............................................................................................................................................................................... 54.4 Abuse .................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

5. OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS ......................................................................................................................................... 65.1 Demonstrated Quality Control Program ........................................................................................................................... 65.2 Facilities and Procedures Audit (F&PA) .......................................................................................................................... 75.3 Manufacturer’s Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................................ 7

APPENDIX A APPROVAL MARKS .......................................................................................................................................... 8

APPENDIX B UNITS OF MEASUREMENT ........................................................................................................................... 9

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

This Standard states FM Approval requirements for containers for combustible waste.

1.2 Scope

This Standard applies to portable containers used for the temporary storage of Class A combustible (wood, paper,textile, etc.) waste material free of grease, oil, solvents, or other flammable liquids. The design of thesecontainers is intended to isolate the discarded waste from the building occupancy so that a fire within thecontainer will not communicate to the surrounding area.

1.3 Basis for FM Approval

FM Approval is based on satisfactory evaluation of the product and the manufacturer in three major areas:

1.3.1 Examination and tests on production samples are performed to evaluate

• the suitability of the product,

• the proper operation and performance of the product as specified by the manufacturer and required byFM Approvals, and

• as far as practical, the durability and reliability of the product.

1.3.2 An examination of the manufacturing facilities and audit of quality control procedures shall be made toevaluate the manufacturer’s ability to produce the product which is examined and tested, and the markingprocedures used to identify the product. These examinations are repeated as part of FM Approvals’ productfollow-up program.

1.3.3 Satisfactory field experience is a requirement for Approval, and unsatisfactory field experience may resultin withdrawal of FM Approvals.

1.4 Basis for Continued Approval

Continued Approval is based upon:

• production or availability of the product as currently Approved;

• the continued use of acceptable quality control procedures;

• satisfactory field experience;

• compliance with the terms stipulated in the Approval Agreement; and

• re-examination of production samples for continued conformity to requirements.

1.5 Basis for Requirements

1.5.1 The requirements of this standard are based on experience, research and testing and/or the standards ofother national and international organizations. The advice of manufacturers, users, trade associations, andloss control specialists was also considered.

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1.5.2 The requirements of this standard reflect tests and practices used to examine characteristics of containersfor combustible waste for the purpose of obtaining FM Approval. These requirements are intended pri-marily as guides, and strict conformity is not always mandatory. Containers having characteristics notanticipated by this standard may be Approved if performance equal or superior to that required by thisstandard is demonstrated, or if the intent of the standard is met. Alternatively, containers which do meetall the requirements identified in this standard may not be Approved if other conditions which adverselyaffect performance exist, or if the intent of this standard is not met.

1.6 Effective Date

The effective date of an Approval Standard mandates that all products tested for Approval after the effective dateshall satisfy the requirements of that standard. Products Approved under a previous edition shall comply with thenew version by the effective date or else forfeit Approval. The effective date shall apply to the entire ApprovalStandard, or, where so indicated, only to specific paragraphs of the standard.

The effective date of this standard is March 1, 2004 for compliance with all requirements.

1.7 System of Units

Units of measurement are U.S. customary units. These are followed by their arithmetic equivalents in Interna-tional System (SI) units, enclosed in parentheses. Appendix B lists the selected units for quantities dealt with intesting these products; conversions to SI units are included. Conversion of U.S. customary units is in accordancewith ANSI/IEEE/ASTM SI 10-97: Standard for Use of the International System of Units (SI).

2. GENERAL INFORMATION

2.1 Product Information

2.1.1 A waste container is a complete assembly of body and cover (head). The container may have a partiallyopen cover which, by design, will contain and suffocate an internal fire; a normally closed cover; or acover held open by a fusible link which, when subjected to flame, will melt and allow the cover to closeautomatically. Separate covers are available for attachment to a standard open end steel drum.

2.1.2 Containers are available for the temporary storage of combustible (wood, paper, textile, etc.) wastematerial free of flammable liquids. The design of these containers is intended to isolate the discarded trashfrom other building occupancy.

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2.2 Approval Application Requirements

2.2.1 To apply for an Approval examination the manufacturer, or its authorized representative, should submit arequest to:

Materials Group ManagerFM Approvals

1151 Boston-Providence TurnpikeNorwood, MA 02062

U.S.A.

2.2.2 The manufacturer shall provide the following preliminary information with any request for Approvalconsideration:

• A complete list of all models, types, sizes, and options for the products or services being submitted forApproval consideration;

• general assembly drawings, complete set of manufacturing drawings, materials list, anticipated markingformat, nameplate format, brochures, sales literature, specification sheets, installation, operation andmaintenance procedures; and

• the number and location of manufacturing facilities.

2.2.3 All documents shall identify the manufacturer’s name, document number or other form of reference, title,date of last revision, and revision level. All documents shall be provided with English translation.

2.3 Requirements for Samples for Examination

Following authorization of an Approval examination, the manufacturer shall submit samples for examination andtesting. Sample requirements are to be determined by FM Approvals following review of the preliminaryinformation. Sample requirements may vary depending on design features, results of prior or similar testing, andresults of any foregoing tests. It is the manufacturer’s responsibility to submit samples representative of pro-duction. Any decision to use data generated using prototypes is at the discretion of FM Approvals. Testing maybe performed at FM Approvals, at a qualified manufacturer’s test facility, or at a qualified third-party location,as mutually agreed.

3. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Markings

3.1.1 A waste container shall be marked permanently to include the name and address of the manufacturer,distinctive type or model designation, pertinent instructions, rating information, and the FM ApprovalMark.

3.1.2 Containers having bags or inserts must also be marked properly with the appropriate bag or insertselection, and installation instructions, if necessary. Bags or inserts shall also be marked to identify thecorresponding container for which they are specified.

3.1.3 Separate container heads, designed for use on open-top standard metal drums, shall be labeled with themanufacturer’s name, address, model number, and the standard drum size they are designed to fit.

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3.2 Instructions

3.2.1 Assembly/Installation Instructions

Instructions for assembly/installation shall be provided with each container.

3.2.2 Maintenance/Repair Instructions/Manuals

If containers require repair or replacement of components, such replacement shall render the containerusable and in compliance with the original Approval via this standard.

3.3 Physical or Structural Features

3.3.1 A waste container shall be available as a complete and identifiable assembly. It shall be suitable andpractical for the intended application and not necessitate unusual care in handling.

3.3.2 The bottom of the waste container shall be arranged to isolate the heat resulting from an internal fire inorder to minimize the possibility of fire spread.

3.3.3 Waste containers having hinged covers shall have the cover limited mechanically to prevent openingbeyond an angle that would prevent automatic closure. The arrangement shall be such that entire coverremoval is required only for emptying the container contents. The area where the cover and the containerjoin shall be secured physically by means of overlapping fit or other aligning and latching means.

3.3.4 Separate safety heads (covers) may be Approved for combustible trash container use if they meet theseguidelines.

3.3.5 Handles, wheels, or similar accessories shall be attached securely.

3.3.6 Internal receivers such as bags, liners, etc. shall not adversely affect the tightness of the container orrequired operation of the cover.

3.4 Drawings/Plans/Specification Required

The manufacturer shall provide general assembly drawings, materials lists, markings format, brochures, salesliterature, and specification sheets, as applicable.

4. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Fire Exposure

4.1.1 Requirement

There shall be no emission of flame, flying embers or other particles of combustion (excluding smoke)from the waste container such that neither a piece of cheesecloth supported 12 in. (305 mm) above thecontainer head nor a sheet of newspaper laid under the container shall ignite. For containers 55 gal (208 l)

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in capacity, or larger, the cheesecloth target shall be positioned 15 in. (380 mm) above the container head.Internal burning shall be contained effectively by the container until either extinguished by suffocation oruntil the contents are consumed. The external surfaces of the container sides, top, and bottom shall notexceed 350°F (177°C) during this test.

4.1.2 Test/Verification

The manufacturer shall supply a sufficient number of waste containers for exposure to a series of up to 10tests involving combustion of the container contents at level fillings of 10, 50 and 100 percent of internalvolume. Crumpled dry newspaper shall be used during these tests at a fill density of 5.1 oz/ft3

(5.16 kg/m3), and combustion shall be initiated at various positions within the cans as required. The covershall be held open for a 15-second pre-burn of the newspaper, and then allowed to close by itself. Thecover shall be opened 3 minutes later and there shall be no visible flame in the container. Results shall bein accordance with Paragraph 3.1.1.

4.2 Adverse Conditions

4.2.1 Requirement

A waste container shall be protected against corrosion or be constructed of corrosion inhibiting material.The waste container shall be able to withstand physically the conditions of use over a temperature rangeof -40° to 130°F (-40° to 55°C).

4.2.2 Test/Verification

Adverse conditions affecting fire containment such as overfilling, partial cover removal, corrosionsusceptibility, and durability of construction shall be the subject of special consideration and tests ifconsidered necessary, due to the configuration or operation of a particular container design.

4.3 Stability

4.3.1 Requirement

Waste containers shall return to the normal standing position after being tipped to an angle of 20 degreesto the vertical and released.

4.3.2 Test/Verification

A waste container filled to capacity with paper scrap at a fill density of 5.1 oz/ft3 (5.16 kg/m3) shall betipped to an angle of 20 degrees to the vertical and released. The container shall return to its normalstanding position.

4.4 Abuse

4.4.1 Requirement

A. The container assembly and/or cover shall survive intact an abuse test.

B. The container cover shall withstand a pendulum impact test.

4.4.2 Test/Verification

A. A container assembly and/or cover shall be subjected to dropping a 5-lb (2.3 kg) weight (no sharpedges) from a height of 3 ft (0.9 m) above the test sample (all sides). Samples conditioned attemperatures of both -40°F (-40°C) and 130°F (55°C) shall be subjected to this test.

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B. The container cover shall be subjected to a pendulum impact generated by a 15-lb (6.8 kg) weight (nosharp edges) suspended on a cord 1 ft (0.3 m) in length displaced 1 ft (0.3 m) in the horizontal position.Upon release the weight shall impact the leading edge of the closed cover on its centerline. Thecontainer shall not be restrained. After five impacts, the cover shall remain intact and operate properly.The test shall be conducted on samples at 73°F (23°C).

5. OPERATIONS REQUIREMENTS

A quality assurance program is required to assure that each subsequent container produced by the manufacturershall present the same quality and reliability as the specific samples examined. Design quality, conformance todesign, and performance are the areas of primary concern.

• Design quality is determined during the examination and tests, and is documented in the ApprovalReport.

• Continued conformance to this Standard is verified by the Facilities and Procedures Audit (F&PA).

• Quality of performance is determined by field performance and by periodic re-examination and testing.

5.1 Demonstrated Quality Control Program

5.1.1 The manufacturer shall demonstrate a quality assurance program which specifies controls for at least thefollowing areas:

• existence of corporate quality assurance guidelines;

• incoming quality assurance, including testing;

• in-process quality assurance, including testing;

• final inspection and tests;

• equipment calibration;

• drawing and change control;

• packaging and shipping; and

• handling and disposition of non-conforming materials.

5.1.2 Documentation/Manual

There should be an authoritative collection of procedures/policies. It should provide an accurate descrip-tion of the quality management system while serving as a permanent reference for implementation andmaintenance of that system. The system should require that sufficient records are maintained to demon-strate achievement of the required quality and verify operation of the quality system.

5.1.3 Records

To assure adequate traceability of materials and products, the manufacturer shall maintain a record of allquality assurance tests performed, for a minimum period of two years from the date of manufacture.

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5.1.4 Drawing and Change Control

• The manufacturer shall establish a system of product configuration control that shall allow nounauthorized changes to the product. Changes to critical documents, identified in the Approval Report,must be reported to, and authorized by, FM Approvals prior to implementation for production.

• The manufacturer shall assign an appropriate person or group to be responsible for, and require that,proposed changes to Approved or Listed products be reported to FM Approvals before implementation.The manufacturer shall notify FM Approvals of changes in the product or of persons responsible forkeeping FM Approvals advised by means of the FM Approvals’ Form 797, Approved Product/Specification-Tested Revision Report or Address/Main Contact Change Report.

• Records of all revisions to all Approved products shall be maintained.

5.2 Facilities and Procedures Audit (F&PA)

5.2.1 An audit of the manufacturing facility is part of the Approval investigation to verify implementation of thequality assurance program. Its purpose is to determine that the manufacturer’s equipment, procedures, andquality program are maintained to insure a uniform product consistent with that which was tested andApproved.

5.2.2 These audits shall be conducted periodically but at least annually by FM Approvals or its representatives.

5.2.3 FM Approved products or services shall be produced or provided at or from the location(s) audited byFM Approvals and as specified in the Approval Report. Manufacture of products bearing the FM ApprovalMark is not permitted at any other location without prior written authorization by FM Approvals.

5.3 Manufacturer’s Responsibilities

The manufacturer shall notify FM Approvals of changes in product construction, components, raw materials,physical characteristics, coatings, component formulation or quality assurance procedures prior toimplementation.

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APPENDIX A

APPROVAL MARKS

REPRODUCTION ART: FM Approval Marks

For use on nameplates, in literature, advertisements,packaging and other graphics.

1) The FM Approvals diamond mark is acceptableto FM Approvals as an Approval mark whenused with the word ‘‘Approved.’’

2) The FM Approval logomark has no minimumsize requirement, but should always be largeenough to be readily identifiable.

3) Color should be black on a light background or areverse may be used on a dark background.

For Cast-On Marks

4) Where reproduction of the mark describedabove is impossible because of productionrestrictions, a modified version of the diamond issuggested. Minimum size specifications are thesame as for printed marks. Use of the word‘‘Approved’’ with this mark is optional.

NOTE: These Approval marks are to be used only in conjunction with products or services that have beenFM Approved. The FM Approval marks should never be used in any manner (including advertising, sales or promotionalpurposes) that could suggest or imply FM Approval or endorsement of a specific manufacturer or distributor. Nor shouldit be implied that Approval extends to a product or service not covered by written agreement with FM Approvals. TheApproval marks signify that products or services have met certain requirements as reported by FM Approvals.

Additional reproduction art is available through

FM ApprovalsP.O. Box 9102,Norwood, Massachusetts 02062U.S.A.

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APPENDIX B

UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

LENGTH: in. – ‘‘inches’’(mm – ‘‘millimeters’’)

mm = in. × 25.4

ft – ‘‘feet’’(m – ‘‘meters’’)

m = ft × 0.3048

TEMPERATURE: °F – ‘‘degrees Fahrenheit’’(°C – ‘‘degrees Celsius’’)

°C = (°F – 32) × 5/9

LIQUID: gal – ‘‘gallon’’(m3 – ‘‘cubic meters’’)(L – ‘‘liter’’)

m3 = gal × 3.7854 × 103

L = gal × 3.7854

MASS: oz – ‘‘ounces’’(g – ‘‘grams’’)

g = oz × 28.35

lb – ‘‘pounds’’(kg – ‘‘kilograms’’)

kg = lb × 0.4536

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