New ANSI/BIFMA X 5.1 Standard for Office seating
BIFMA has been reviewing for the past six years its BIFMA X5.1 standard and recently released its updated ANSI approved revision last February. Please find in the table below a test-by-test comparison between the new / current standard and the previous version. Furthermore, this document informs you also about whether or not re-testing will be required to maintain compliance to the standard. Per our previous post on the topic, the most important change this standard brings is that it is now based on a 275 lbs corporal mass, instead of 253 lbs. This increased load obviously leads to higher loads and forces for quite a few tests. However and surprisingly; not all of them.
BIFMA has been very busy the last few years on the seating front. They published BIFMA X5.11 for large occupant (254-400 lbs) in 2015 and they have a draft standard on the back burner for healthcare furniture; BIFMA HCF 8.2. Both standards share some tests from BIFMA X5.1 and BIFMA X5.4 and incorporate new tests as well. There is still no BIFMA bariatric standard. However, I would like to point out that HCF 8.2 goes up to 600lbs which is getting pretty close to the bariatric realm.
On the bariatric front, since there is no official standard, we had been requested many times to develop our own version by some customers. At the time there was only X5.1 and X5.4 both based on a 225 lbs individual (years ago already). Today with X 5.1, X5.4, X5.11 and now HCF 8.2 you can almost plot, for each test, a graph of the performance levels required as a function of the standard’s target load and generate your own “bariatric” standard.
For more information about this test or other services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
MECHANICAL TESTING TO ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2017 Comparison vs ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2011 |
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ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2017 |
Comparison |
Conclusion |
1. Scope |
Tests developed for a 275 lb. individual whereas it used to be 253 lb. |
Identical |
2. Definitions |
New definition for Leg Base: |
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5. Back strength test (Type I & II) |
Test now applies to type 1 & 2 chairs. |
Different test protocol |
6. Back strength test (Type III) |
Test now applies to type 3 chairs only. |
No retest required |
7. Drop test |
Was test #8 in previous version |
Different test protocol for pedestal base chairs |
8. Swivel cycling test |
Was test #9 in previous version |
Additional load on chair during cycling: retesting required |
9. Tilt mechanism test |
Was test #10 in previous version. |
Additional load on chair during cycling: retesting required |
10.2. Seating impact test |
Was test #11.2 in previous version. |
Test more difficult to comply |
10.4. Front Corner Load-Ease Test – Cyclic |
Was test #11.4 in previous version |
Test more difficult to comply |
11.3. Rear Stability test |
Was test #12.3 in previous version |
Different test protocol |
11.4. Front Stability |
Was test #12.4 in previous version |
No significant change |
12. Arm strength test – Vertical |
Was test #13 in previous version |
Test is easier to comply |
13. Arm strength test – Horizontal |
Was test #14 in previous version |
Test is easier to comply |
14. Backrest durability (Type 1) |
Was test #15 in previous version |
Test more difficult to comply |
15. Backrest durability (Type 2 & 3) |
Was test #16 in previous version |
Test more difficult to comply |
16. Caster/chair base durability test |
Was test #17 in previous version |
Test more difficult to comply |
17. Leg strength test – front application & side application |
Was test #18 in previous version |
Same test |
18. Footrest Static Load Test |
Was test #19 in previous version |
Same test |
19. Footrest durability cyclic |
Was test #20 in previous version |
Same test |
20. Arm durability test |
Was test #21 in previous version |
Same test |
21. Out Stop Tests for Chairs with Manually Adjustable Seat Depth |
Was test #22 in previous version Same as before |
No change |
22. Tablet Arm Static Load Test |
Was test #23 in previous version |
No significant change |
23. Tablet Arm Load Ease Test – Cyclic |
Was test #24 in previous version |
Testing maybe required for some tablet arm configuration |
6.Detailed requirements for |
6.1 Work surfaces |
Requirement for sit / stand tables added. |
24. Structural Durability Test – Cyclic |
New test |
Testing required for non-swivel chairs without casters. |
Removed from X5.1 |
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Base test – Static |
Moved to informative appendix |
If you have any questions about BIFMA X5.1 or other furniture testing requirements, we invite you to contact us today. It will be our pleasure to review your custom furniture testing needs.
Disclaimer
All of the information and opinions contained in this blog are made with the information, and the understanding that we have reviewed at the time of publishing. However, despite our efforts, we do not offer any guarantee of their accuracy, thoroughness of our investigation or validity. The author of this blog is not liable for any inaccuracies or any losses or damages that may result from the use of the information or data contained herein. This blog has not been reviewed or verified for its accuracy by any peer group associates prior to publication.