SGS SA SAFEGUARDS | Hardlines NO. 038/17
BIFMA has released the ANSI approved update of ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 (General-Purpose Office Chairs Tests). The 2017 edition contains increased test loads and modifications to test procedures.
On 14 February 2017, BIFMA released an update [1] of ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 - 2011 (General-Purpose Office Chairs Tests). The updated edition now designated ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 - 2017, aids furniture manufacturers in addressing the continued rise in American's weight by increasing the test loads to reflect the current 95th percentile male weight of 275 lbs. The 2011 edition of the standard was based on a 253 pound 95 percentile male weight. Other updates include renumbered section designations, an alternative front stability test method, and the addition of a new 'chair durability' test.
Please see below for a summary of changes:
| 2017 Test Section | Summary of Change |
|---|---|
Backrest Strength Test - Static |
Type l and ll chairs, angle now 70 degrees Type l, ll, and lll chairs, force loads now 150 lbf functional, 225 lbf proof. Test platform can be placed at angle to aid in facilitating testing. |
| Base Test | Removed from normative testing, now Annex C |
|
Drop Test - Dynamic Section 7 | Center column cannot touch test surface/floor during functional drop. |
|
Swivel Test - Cyclic Section 8 | Seat load now 270 lbs. |
|
Tilt Mechanism - Cyclic Section 9 | Seat load now 240 lbs. |
|
Seating Durability - Cyclic (Impact) Section 10.3 |
Seat drop height now 1.4 inches. Updates in procedure |
|
Seating Durability - Cyclic (Front Load Ease) Section 10.4 | Load now 200 lbs. |
|
Stability Tests Section 11 |
Update in disc loading positioning. Alternative test method for front stability now an option. |
|
Arm Strength Test -Vertical - Static Section 12 | Proof load duration now 15 seconds. |
|
Arm Strength Test - Horizontal - Static Section 13 | Proof load duration now 15 seconds. |
|
Backrest Durability - Cyclic Section 14 and 15 | Seat load now 240 lbs. |
|
Caster/Chair Base Durability Test - Cyclic Section 16 | Seat load now 270 lbs. Updates in procedure. |
|
Footrest Static Load Test - Vertical Section 18 | Applicable to chairs with seat heights ≥ 24 inches. |
|
Footrest Durability Test - Vertical - Cyclic Section 19 | Applicable to chairs with seat heights ≥ 24 inches. |
|
Tablet Arm Load Ease Test - Cyclic Section 23 | Load now 55 lbs. |
|
Structural Durability Section 24 | New test. |
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 defines specific tests, the laboratory equipment that may be used, the conditions of tests, and the minimum acceptance levels to be used in evaluating general-purpose office chairs.
SGS is committed to providing information about the development of regulations for consumer products as complimentary services. Throughout the SGS global network of laboratories, we are able to provide a wide range of services including physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing and consultancy work for technical and non-technical parameters applicable to a comprehensive range of consumer products. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information.
For enquiries, please contact:
Matthew McGarrityTechnical Manager - Hardlines t: +01 973 897-8889
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SGS SA published this content on 08 March 2017 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 14 March 2017 00:53:04 UTC.
Original documenthttp://www.sgs.com/en/news/2017/03/safeguards-03817-us-bifma-releases-update-of-new-office-chair
Public permalinkhttp://www.publicnow.com/view/1E570530122C2A128066643AE489005CDB53FB56
