Archived News Article
New standard for seating published
A new European Standard for assessing the stability of seating has been published.
BS EN 1022: 2018 Furniture - Seating - Determination of stability
The standard comes into effect as a British Standard on the 30th November 2018 and replaces the previous 2005 standard. Whilst a standalone standard, having its own requirements, BS EN 1022 is referenced by a number of other seating standards. Where there are undated references to EN 1022 the 2018 version will immediately supersede the previous version.
This is a major update of the previous standard, which was specifically for domestic furniture. The new standard now covers all types of seating and incorporates test methods for office swivel chairs and outdoor seating which were previously covered in other standards (BS EN 1335-3: 2009 Office furniture. Office work chair. Test methods and BS EN 581-2: 2015 Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use. Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating respectively).
Key changes to note:
- Introduction of a new test method assessing the corner stability of seating has been introduced;
- Introduction of a new test method for seating with raised side edges that are not considered arms has been added;
- A requirement that all swivel seating (including those intended for domestic use) require a rearwards stability test with 130 kg load – previously domestic seating only required 110 kg.
It is expected that over the coming years other seating specification standards will be updated to include references to EN 1022: 2018.
For more information contact FIRA on 01438 777700 or email info@fira.co.uk
