ANSI Approves New Standard for Large Occupant Public and Lounge Seating
A look at BIFMA’s new ANSI approved standard for large occupant public and lounge seating – ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021.
- (1888PressRelease) July 24, 2021 - The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved BIFMA’s new safety and performance standard for large occupant public and lounge seating – ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021 – on June 2, 2021.
Public and lounge seating is used in indoor public places – e.g., waiting rooms, reception areas and transit lounges. The definition includes single seat units and multiple seating positions within one unit or ganged seating units. They are generally not adjustable.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.41 covers specific tests, laboratory equipment, test conditions and the recommended requirements for evaluating the performance, durability, and structural adequacy of the seating units.
The update to the standard follows consultation between BIFMA’s engineering department and stakeholders.
Between 2011 and 2014, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) found that a greater than 99th percentile person weighed between 400 lb and 600 lb. Public and lounge seating must be able to accommodate these larger occupants.
ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021 therefore uses these two basis weights for its performance levels:
• 400 lb user - ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021(400 lb) with minimum seat width of 22 inches
• 600 lb user - ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021 (600 lb) with minimum seat width of 26 inches
The new standard is consistent with the related standard – ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2020 (Public and Lounge Seating). It cites many of the same methodologies with modifications to loads and forces and, unlike other BIFMA standards, it designates specific design requirements.
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SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Standard for Large Occupant Public and Lounge Seating: ANSI/BIFMA X5.41-2021 SafeGuardS. [www.sgs.com/en/news/2021/07/safeguards-08821-new-standard-for-large-occupant-public-and-lounge-seating-ansi-bifma-x5-41-2021]
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