Standards Development

Scope

This Technical Report, contains a guidance for increasing test loads to simulate use by adult users weighing greater than 110 kg and less than or equal to 180 kg, regardless of end use.

The Technical Report contains guidance that may be used by standards developers, test laboratories, manufacturers and specifiers to ensure a consistent rationale for increasing test loads to simulate heavy users.

The Technical Report does not contain a suggested rationale suitable for increasing test loads to simulate use by persons weighing in excess of 180 kg.

Purpose

Currently the majority of furniture seating standards cater for users weighing up to 110 kg. It is widely accepted that the European population is increasing in weight. In addition manufacturers and retailers are looking to be inclusive and providing furniture for as much of the population as possible.

This has resulted in test laboratories being asked to perform tests at higher loads than that used in current standards to simulate heavier users. As there is no standard methodology every country/laboratory is doing something slightly different, which make it difficult for manufacturers as they may need to test product in each territory, and also for retailers/specifiers who may not fully understand what they are buying.

This TR will provide a standard methodology that can be used/specified by all.

The project is based on DIN 4573 "Seatings for persons with a higher user weight – Safety requirements and test Methods"