Ministry of Defence

Defence Standard 02-711 (NES 711)

Issue 1 Publication Date 01 April 2000

Determination Of The Smoke Index Of

The Products Of Combustion From
Small Specimens Of Materials

Incorporating NES 711 Category 2

Issue 2 Publication Date January 1981

AMENDMENT RECORD
Amd No

Date

Text Affected

REVISION NOTE
This standard is raised to Issue 1 to update its content.
HISTORICAL RECORD
This standard supersedes the following:
Naval Engineering Standard (NES) 711 Issue 2 dated January 1981.

Signature and Date

Ministry of Defence

Naval Engineering Standard

NES 711

Issue 2 (Reformatted)

January 1981

DETERMINATION OF THE SMOKE INDEX OF

THE PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION FROM
SMALL SPECIMENS OF MATERIALS

This NES Supersedes

Record of Amendments
AMDT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

INSERTED BY

DATE

NAVAL ENGINEERING STANDARD 711

ISSUE 2 (REFORMATTED)
DETERMINATION OF THE SMOKE INDEX
OF THE PRODUCTION OF COMBUSTION
FROM SMALL SPECIMENS OF MATERIALS

The issue and use of this Standard

is authorized for use in MOD contracts
by MOD(PE) Sea Systems and
the Naval Support Command

ECROWN COPYRIGHT
Published by:
Director of Naval Architecture
Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence
Sea Systems, Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB
i

ii

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

SCOPE
1.

This NES gives details of one of a series of test methods for determining the combustion
characteristics of materials. The test explores the smoke production potential of a small
sample of material under specified conditions of pyrolysis and combustion. It does not
necessarily indicate the smoke production under other thermal exposure conditions.

2.

The test is useful for the quality control of materials and for research and development. It may
be used to compare the combustion characteristic of a series of materials. Combustion
characteristics tests alone are not suitable for assessing the total fire hazard of products but
may be used to specify a quality of a raw material or product.

3.

The method is based on that developed by the American National Bureau of Standards and
described by Gross D, Loftus J J and Robertson A F in ASTM Special Technical Publication
No 422, 166204(1967), but modifications have been incorporated as a result of work carried
out at AMTE (Dockyard Laboratory), Portsmouth.
NOTE.

STP No 422, 166204(1967) is superseded by ASTM E662:1979 Specific Optional

Density of smoke generated by solid materials.

iii

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

iv

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

FOREWORD
Sponsorship
1.

This Standard is sponsored by the Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence, Ship

Department, Section D 123a, Foxhill, Bath BA1 5AB.

2.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) is to be applied as required by any Procurement

Executive, Ministry of Defence contract for determining the Smoke Index of the products of
combustion from small specimens of materials.

3.

If this Standard is found to be technically unsuitable for any particular requirement the
sponsor is to be informed of the circumstances with a copy to Ship Department Section D 191a.

4.

Any user of this Standard either within MOD or in outside industry may propose a change to
an NES. Proposals for changes which are:
a.

not directly applicable to a particular contract are to be made to the sponsor or the NES

b.

directly applicable to a particular contract are to be dealt with using existing

departmental procedures or as specified in the contract.

5.

No alteration is to be made to this publication except by the issue or a formal change.

6.

Unless otherwise stated, reference in this Standard to approval, approved, authorized and
similar terms means by the Procurement Executive, Ministry of Defence, Director General
Ships.

Conditions of Release
General
7.

This Naval Engineering Standard (NES) has been prepared for the use of the Crown and of
its contractors in the execution of contracts for the Crown. The Crown hereby excludes all
liability (other than liability for death or personal injury) whatsoever and howsoever arising
(including but without limitation, negligence on the part of the Crown, its servants or agents)
for any loss or damage however caused where the NES is used for any other purpose.

8.

This document is Crown Copyright and the information herein may be subject to Crown or
third party rights. It is not to be released, reproduced or published without written permission
of the MOD.

9.

The Crown reserves the right to amend or modify the contents of this NES without consulting
or informing any holder.

MOD Tender or Contract Process

10.

This NES is the property of the Crown and unless otherwise authorized in writing by the MOD
must be returned on completion of the contract, or submission of the tender, in connection
with which it is issued.

11.

When this NES is used in connection with a MOD tender or contract, the user is to ensure that
he is in possession of the appropriate version of each document, including related documents,
relevant to each particular tender or contract. Enquiries in this connection may be made of
the local MOD(PE) Quality Assurance Representative or the Authority named in the tender
or contract.

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

12.

When NES are incorporated into MOD contracts, users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contracts and any other statutory requirements.
Compliance with an NES does not of itself confer immunity from legal obligations.

Related Documents
13.

In the tender and procurement processes the related documents listed in each section and
Annex A can be obtained as follows:
a.

British Standards

British Standards Institution,

389 Chiswick High Road,
London W4 4AL

b.

Defence Standards

Directorate of Standardization and Safety Policy,

Stan 1, Kentigern House, 65 Brown Street,
Glasgow G2 8EX

c.

Naval Engineering Standards

CSE3a, CSE Llangennech, Llanelli,

Dyfed SA14 8YP

d.

Other documents

Tender or Contract Sponsor to advise.

Note: Tender or Contract Sponsor can advise in cases of difficulty.

14.

All applications to Ministry Establishments for related documents are to quote the relevant
MOD Invitation to Tender or Contract Number and date, together with the sponsoring
Directorate and the Tender or Contract Sponsor.

15.

Prime Contractors are responsible for supplying their subcontractors with relevant
documentation, including specifications, standards and drawings.

Health and Safety

Warning
16.

This NES may call for the use of processes, substances and/or procedures that may be injurious
to health if adequate precautions are not taken. It refers only to technical suitability and in
no way absolves either the supplier or the user from statutory obligations relating to health
and safety at any stage of manufacture or use. Where attention is drawn to hazards, those
quoted may not necessarily be exhaustive.

vi

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

CONTENTS
Page No

TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

SCOPE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

iii

FOREWORD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditions of Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MOD Tender or Contract Process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Health and Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

v
v
v
v
v
vi
vi
vi

CONTENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

vii

SECTION

1.

APPLICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1

SECTION

2.

PRINCIPLE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1

SECTION

3.
3.1
3.2
3.3

APPARATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Test Chamber . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chart Recorder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1
3.1
3.1
3.1

SECTION

4.
4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

TEST SPECIMENS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sheet or Film Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mounting of Specimen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insulated Wires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1
4.1

SECTION

5.

SAFETY OF OPERATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.1

SECTION

6.

PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6.1

SECTION

7.
7.1

CALCULATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Correction of Results . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7.1
7.1

SECTION

8.

REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
FIGURE 8.1 DETAILS OF TYPICAL BURNER .

8.1
8.2

ANNEX

RELATED DOCUMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

A.1

ANNEX

DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS . . . . . . . .

B.1

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

vii

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

viii

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

1.

APPLICATION
a.

The method has been found suitable for testing materials in the form of sheet
(up to 25mm thick) or film, and as wire and cable insulation and sheathing
extruded on electrical conductors. It should not be used alone for the description
or appraisal of the fire hazard of a material or product under actual fire
conditions.

1.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

1.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

2.

PRINCIPLE
a.

A material is exposed to specified standard thermal conditions of pyrolysis and

combustion in a continuous procedure. The change in optical density of the
smoke produced when dispersed within a fixed volume of air is recorded
throughout the period of the test. The resulting density/time curve is used to
calculate the Smoke Index.

2.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

2.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

3.

APPARATUS

3.1

Test Chamber

3.2

a.

The apparatus required is known as the National Bureau of Standards (NBS)

smoke density test chamber and is briefly described as a closed chamber
approximately 900mm high, 900mm wide and 600mm deep in which a specimen
75mm 5mm thickness as supplied (up to 25mm maximum) is supported
in a frame, with a face in a vertical plane, and exposed to heat and then flame.
In setting up the smoke chamber the exhaust blower outlet must be connected
by hose to an exhaust hood or vent to ensure that on completion of a test the
products of combustion formed do not contaminate the laboratory atmosphere.
These gases can be toxic to personnel.

b.

The heat source is an electric furnace adjusted to give a heat flux of 2.5 watts
per square centimetre at the specimen surface. A vertical collimated light beam
is employed through the full height of the chamber with a photo multiplier
micro photometer system to measure the transmittance of light.

c.

A full description of the apparatus is given in ASTM STP No 422 but differs in
this method in the following respects:
Mixing Fan. A small fan shall be positioned centrally near the top of the
chamber to ensure complete dispersion of the smoke homogeneously
throughout the chamber.

(2)

Auxiliary Heater. A small black heater is positioned centrally in the

chamber and is used only to reduce the time delay in reaching operating
temperature.

(3)

Burner. A multi-jet burner constructed as shown in FIGURE 8.1 shall be

used with premixed air/natural gas fuel. The burner shall be centred in
front of the specimen holder level with bottom edge of the specimen and
10mm away from it. The air and natural gas shall be metered using
calibrated rotameters, the rate being such that a blue flame is obtained
which touches the specimen over 90% of its width at a height
approximately 5mm above its bottom edge. It shall be so arranged that the
burner can be ignited remotely without having to open the chamber.

Timer
a.

3.3

(1)

A timing device measuring intervals up to at least 20 minutes and accurate to

within 1s shall be used.

Chart Recorder
a.

A chart recorder set to operate with a full scale deflection of 50mV, is connected
to the output from the micro photometer to provide a continuous record of the
change of % transmittance with time during a test run.

3.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

3.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

4.

TEST SPECIMENS

4.1

Sheet or Film Materials

a.

4.2

Mounting of Specimen
a.

4.3

4.4

At least 3 specimens shall be cut from the material under test. The dimensions
shall be 75mm 75mm utilizing the natural thickness of the material except
where it exceeds 25mm, in which case the material shall be reduced in thickness
to 25mm by cutting away the face not required to be tested.

Cut a sheet of heavy duty aluminium foil (approx 0.04mm thick) to a size which
will permit overlapping of the sample face on all four sides by approximately
6mm. Place the sample in the centre of the foil and fold excess over the edges
and against the face to be tested. Place the wrapped sample into a sample holder
so that the face to be tested is exposed. Place an insulating block against the
sample, insert the tension spring and locking pin, taking care not to compress
flexible samples below their normal thickness. Without cutting the face of the
sample, carefully remove any exposed foil.

Insulated Wires
a.

Each specimen for test shall comprise fifteen 75mm lengths of the insulated
wire, cut from the bulk coil. The specimen shall be fabricated by placing the
specimen holder, test face down, on to a flat surface and positioning each 75mm
length in the holder in a parallel arrangement so that when the holder is in the
test position the wires will be vertical.

b.

An insulating block 10mm thick completely wrapped in aluminium foil is placed

on top of the wires followed by a tension spring and locking pin. The wires are
held in place by the pressure of the insulating block on the ends of the wires
against the lip of the sample holder. When assembled in this manner
approximately 1m of wire is exposed for test. Three such specimens shall be
prepared for an evaluation of one material.

c.

If the diameter of the wire is greater than 5mm, then less than 15 lengths will
be used and due account taken of the shorter total length.

Conditioning
a.

Unless otherwise agreed, all test specimens shall be conditioned at 23 C 2 C

and 50 5% RH for at least 24h prior to testing.

4.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

4.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

5.

SAFETY OF OPERATORS
a.

When the following test is being carried out, there is a risk that flammable
and/or toxic fumes will be given off from the specimen under test. Operators are
to take adequate precautions to avoid exposure to the evolved fumes.

5.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

5.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

6.

PROCEDURE
a.

These instructions relate specifically to the NBS Smoke Density Test Chamber
as modified in accordance with Clauses 3.1c.

b.

Switch on the power to the chamber, chart recorder, internal fan and auxiliary
heater.

c.

Ensure that the FLAME GAS, RADIOMETER AIR and FLAME AIR toggle
valves are shut. Turn on gas and air supplies.

d.

Close VENT and INLET VENT on the chamber.

e.

Ensure optical shutter on the photomultiplier box is in the OUT position, turn
on LINE and LAMP.

f.

Set the photomultiplier photometer to ON.

g.

Switch on HEATER and set HEATER VOLTS ADJUST control to 30%. After
about five minutes reset to 60%, then to 90% after a further five minutes.

h.

When a chamber wall temperature of 35 C is attained, shown on the

CHAMBER TEMPERATURE meter, switch the auxiliary heater OFF.

i.

Set the photomultiplier photometer to HV.

j.

Set the chart recorder to 50 mV full scale deflection.

k.

Calibrate the photomultiplier photometer as follows:

(1)

Clean the lower and upper optical windows with soft tissue moistened
with alcohol.

(2)

Set MULTIPLIER switch to 0.1.

(3)

Set BLANK ADJUST to LOW.

(4)

Set DAMPING to OFF.

(5)

Depress FINE ADJUST control and rotate clockwise two full turns.

(6)

Adjust the BLANK ADJUST FINE control until meter indicates 0%

relative intensity (transmittance). Set the chart recorder pen to zero.

(7)

Reset MULTIPLIER switch to 100 and DAMPING to ON, depress

FINE ADJUST control and rotate anti-clockwise until a slight stop is
reached (about 2 full turns).

(8)

Open photomultiplier tube shutter by depressing the black rod on the

photomultiplier box to the IN position.

(9)

Depress FINE ADJUST control and rotate until meter indicates 100%
transmittance. Set the chart recorder pen to 100.

l.

Set the HEATER VOLTS control to the pre-determined voltage to obtain an

output of 2.5W/sq cm (refer to furnace calibration in NBS method).

m.

Open the INLET VENT and the chamber is ready for use.

n.

After half a minute, to allow the furnace to reach the correct output, place the
loaded sample holder on the support rods directly in front of the furnace.

6.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

o.

Immediately start the chart recorder drive, shut door of chamber and close the
INLET VENT (a convenient chart speed is 10mm/minute).

p.

After five minutes open the FLAME GAS and RADIOMETER AIR toggle
valves. Adjust the auxiliary flowmeter to give a gas flow of 500ml per minute.
Adjust the air input to 18 on the RADIOMETER AIR flowmeter.

q.

Operate the remote ignition device switch until the flame ignites.

r.

Continue the run for a further fifteen minutes, or until a minimum %

transmittance value is reached.

s.

If at any time the transmittance value falls below 10% change the multiplier
switch to 10; if the transmittance again falls below 10% of full scale, change the
multiplier switch to 1. A further drop to below 10% of full scale will require the
multiplier switch to be changed to 0.1. On completion of the test the switch must
be reset to 100 before the maximum clear beam transmittance value Tc can be
obtained.

t.

After the total time of 20 minutes close the FLAME GAS and RADIOMETER
AIR toggle valves, slide the sample away from the front of the radiant panel and
reduce the HEATER VOLTS ADJUST control to 50%.

u.

Evacuate the chamber by opening the VENT and INLET VENT. (Note
Laboratory ventilation fan should also be run.)

v.

After complete evacuation of the chamber obtain a new maximum clear beam
transmittance value on the chart recorder, this reading being designated as the
value Tc.

w.

For testing of replicates or fresh materials on the same day restart at Clause 6.k.

6.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

7.

CALCULATION
a.

7.1

Because of the progressive build-up of deposits on the optical windows during

a test run, the recorded transmittance values are artificially depressed. It is
therefore necessary to apply a correction to the results before calculating the
Smoke Index. This is carried out by constructing a new plot of the
transmittance/time relationship as described below.

Correction of Results
a.

Using the trace obtained from the chart pen recorder, identify the following
values:
Tcclear beam transmittance at end of test
Tminminimum transmittance obtained during test
Convert Tc and Tmin to equivalent specific optical Density, DSc and DSmax.

b.

The conversion of % transmittance to specific optical density for the NBS smoke
density chamber is given by:
Specific Optical Density (Ds) = 132 log 100
T

where T = % transmittance
c.

Subtract DSC from DSmax to obtain corrected maximum specific optical density
DSmax C. Convert DSmax C to % transmittance and plot this value on the pen
recorder chart as the corrected minimum transmittance at the same time
interval as Tmin.

d.

If DSC is 3% or less of DSmax no further correction to pen recorder trace need be

made; if more than 370, correct remainder of trace in the following manner
when transmittances less than 70% have been recorded:
Convert 70% transmittance to specific optical density (ie 20).
Correct the 70% transmittance point on the trace by the formula
20

D SC
20 ; convert this value back to % transittance and plot
D Smax

at the same time interval as the uncorrected 70% transmittance.

e.

If transmittances less than 40% have been recorded, correct the 40%
transmittance (53 specific optical density) by the formula:
53

D SC
53 ; convert this value back to % transmittance and
D Smax

plot at the same time interval as the uncorrected 40% transmittance.

f.

If transmittances less than 10% have been recorded, correct in the same manner
as for 70% and 40% transmittances shown above.

g.

Construct a new curve of transmittance/time using the corrected values of

transmittance obtained.

h.

The Smoke Index is calculated in the following manner:

7.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

(1)

If the minimum transmittance value is greater than or equal to 70%,

Smoke Index =
(2)

D s at T min
t min

If the minimum transmittance value is less than 70%,

D s at T 70
D s at T 40
D s at T 10
Smoke Index =
+
+
+
t 70
t 40
t 10

D s at T

min

(XTmin)
(xy)

t min

Where:

i.

DS at T70

specific optical density corresponding to 70%

transmittance

DS at T40

specific optical density corresponding to 40%

transmittance, etc

t70

time (in minutes) from start of test to reach 70%

transmittance

t40

time (in minutes) from start of test to reach 40%

transmittance

lowest transmittance reference value reached during

test, ie either 70%, 40% or 10%

next lower transmittance reference value to x, ie

either 40%, 10% or 0%

The Smoke Index for a material shall be the mean of the calculated smoke
indices for at least 3 replicates.

7.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

8.

REPORT
a.

The report shall include the following:

(1)

A reference to this Standard

(2)

A full description of the material

(3)

The Smoke Index of the material

(4)

Description of any unusual behaviour during the test eg melting and

dripping.

(5)

The following statement:

This test result alone does not assess the fire hazard of the material or a product
made from this material under actual fire conditions. Consequently the results
of this test alone shall not be quoted in support of claims with respect to the fire
hazard of the material or product under actual fire conditions. The results when
used alone should only be used for research and development, quality control
and material specifications.

8.1

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

FIGURE 8.1 DETAILS OF TYPICAL BURNER

8.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX A.
RELATED DOCUMENTS
A.1

Reference is made to:

Referred to in
Clause
American Society for Testing Materials Special Technical
Publication 422 166204 (1967)
Do. E662 :1979

Scope 3., 3.c.

ISO 3261Fire tests, Vocabulary

Annex B.

A.1

Scope 3.

ANNEX A

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX A

A.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX B.
DEFINITIONS AND ABBREVIATIONS
B.1

For the purpose of this Standard the following definitions apply:

Combustion

See ISO 3261

Pyrolysis

See ISO 3261

Smoke Index

The numerical summation of the rates of

change in specific optical density of the
smoke produced from the start of the test to
70% 40% 10% and minimum light
transmittance values.

B.1

ANNEX B

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ANNEX B

B.2

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

ALPHABETICAL INDEX

A
Air volume, 2.1
Auxiliary heater, 3.1

B
Blockinsulating, 4.1
Burner, 3.1

C
Calculations, 7.1
Chart recorder, 3.1, 6.2, 7.1
Collimated light beam, 3.1
Combustioncharacteristics tests, iii
Combustiondefinition, 2.1, B.1
Conditioning, 4.1
Correction of results, 7.1

D
Density of smoke, 2.1

E
Exhaust blower outlet, 3.1

F
Fire hazard, 1.1
Flammable/toxic fumes, 5.1
Foilaluminium, 4.1
Furnaceelectric, 3.1

G
Gasestoxicity, 3.1

H
Heatflux, 3.1

INDEX.1

INDEX

NES 711
Issue 2 (Reformatted)

M
Materialssheet/film, 4.1
Method, iii
Mixing fan, 3.1
Mounting of specimen, 4.1

O
Optical density, 2.1

P
Photo multiplier, 3.1
Pinlocking, 4.1
Precautions, 5.1
Pyrolysis, iii, B.1

Q
Quality control, iii

R
Report content, 8.1
Rotometers, 3.1

S
Sample holder, 4.1
Smoke chamber, 3.1
Smoke density test chamber, 3.1, 6.1
Smoke index, 2.1, 7.1, 7.2, B.1
Specimensnumber and sizes, 4.1
Spring tension, 4.1

T
Test chamber, 3.1
Test materials, 1.1
Timer, 3.1

W
Wire diameter, 4.1
wires insulated, 4.1

INDEX

INDEX.2

Inside Rear Cover

 Crown Copyright 2000

Copying Only as Agreed with DStan

Defence Standards are Published by and Obtainable from:

Defence Procurement Agency
An Executive Agency of The Ministry of Defence
Directorate of Standardization
Kentigern House
65 Brown Street
GLASGOW G2 8EX
DStan Helpdesk
Tel 0141 224 2531/2
Fax 0141 224 2503
Internet e-mail enquiries@dstan.mod.uk
File Reference
The DStan file reference relating to work on this standard is D/DStan/69/02/711.
Contract Requirements
When Defence Standards are incorporated into contracts users are responsible for their correct
application and for complying with contractual and statutory requirements. Compliance with
a Defence Standard does not in itself confer immunity from legal obligations.
Revision of Defence Standards
Defence Standards are revised as necessary by up issue or amendment. It is important that
users of Defence Standards should ascertain that they are in possession of the latest issue or
amendment. Information on all Defence Standards is contained in Def Stan 00-00 Standards
for Defence Part 3 , Index of Standards for Defence Procurement Section 4 Index of Defence
Standards and Defence Specifications published annually and supplemented regularly by
Standards in Defence News (SID News). Any person who, when making use of a Defence
Standard encounters an inaccuracy or ambiguity is requested to notify the Directorate of
Standardization (DStan) without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and
appropriate action taken.