Updated Public and Lounge Seating Standard Released by BIFMA

Top Quote BIFMA releases an updated version of its standard for public and lounge seating – ANSI/BIFMA X5.4 — that increases the basis weight and widens its scope. End Quote
  • (1888PressRelease) June 26, 2020 - BIFMA – the Business Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association – has released a revised version of its standard for public and lounge seating that increases the basis weight and widens its scope.

    The 2020 iteration of its standard – BIFMA X5.4 – is approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and it supersedes the previous 2012 version. The new standard contains several important revisions, including:

    • Inclusion of recliners, patient seating, stools, and restaurant/dining/cafeteria seating
    • Basis weight increased from 253 lbs. to 275 lbs.
    • Decrease in static, proof load times duration for:
    o Backrest strength test – from one minute to ten seconds for both horizontal and vertical
    o Arm strength test – from one minute to ten seconds for both horizontal and vertical
    • Increase in weight and height of drop for seating durability tests – multi-seats tested at a minimum of two positions – from 225 lbs. to 240 lbs.

    ANSI/BIFMA X5.4 — 2020 Public and Lounge Seating – provisions include:
    • Specific tests
    • Laboratory equipment
    • Test conditions
    • Recommended minimum levels for testing
    • Evaluation criteria for performance, durability, and structural adequacy

    Public and lounge seating is normally defined as that which is used in indoor common/shared spaces such as waiting rooms, reception, visitor seating in patient rooms, restaurant/dining/cafeteria (those not covered by UL 2040) settings, and other gathering areas. It includes:

    • Single units
    • Units with multiple seating positions within one unit
    • Ganged seating units
    • Arena folding chairs
    • Standard folding chairs.

    These chairs/seats are normally not adjustable for personal use.

    SGS Furniture Services
    SGS helps you deliver well-designed, functional, durable and safe products to your customers. We have the furniture industry, regulatory and technical expertise to check your products’ compliance against relevant standards and/or your own specifications. Learn more about SGS’s Furniture Services: [www.sgs.com/furniture]

    SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full BIFMA Revises Public and Lounge Seating Standard SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2020/06/safeguards-08320-bifma-revises-public-and-lounge-seating-standard]

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    For further information contact:

    Matthew McGarrity
    Senior Technical Manager - Hardlines
    Tel: +1 973 461 1505
    Email: crs.media ( @ ) sgs dot com
    Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
    LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail

    About SGS
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