ISO 5658-2:2006 specifies a method of test for measuring the lateral spread of flame along the surface of a specimen of a product orientated in the vertical position. ISO 5658-2:2006 provides data suitable for comparing the performance of essentially flat materials, composites or assemblies that are used primarily as the exposed surfaces of walls in buildings and transport vehicles, such as ships and trains. Some profiled products (such as pipes) can also be tested under specified mounting and fixing conditions.

ISO 5658-2:2006 is applicable to the measurement and description of the properties of materials, products or assemblies in response to radiative heat in the presence of a pilot flame under controlled laboratory conditions.

ISO 5658-2:2006 is not suitable to be used alone to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.