New ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 Draft Canvas

BIFMA has been updating its BIFMA X5.1 standard and recently released its ANSI Canvass Association Ballot. Members are to review, vote and if appropriate; comment on this new standard. This is the last stretch before the standard gets formally adopted. Of course; things can go haywire at the last minute. Micom will vote YES to this BIFMA Canvass Ballot. Please find in the table below a test-by-test comparison between the current standard and the proposed revision as well as statement informing you of whether or not re-testing will likely be required. Per our previous post on the topic; https://www.micomlab.com/2015/06/bifma-x5-1-2015-draft-association-ballot-review/, the most important change this standard brings is that it is now based on a 274 lbs individual instead of 253 lbs. This increased load basis obviously leads to higher loads and forces in many of the 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 in the mill 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 years 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. We did the exercise recently and we will share our reflections on the topic on a future post this fall.

For more information about this test or other services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

NEW ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 STANDARD
COMPARISON BETWEEN CURRENT VERSION AND PROPOSED DRAFT CANVAS (JUNE 6, 2016)

ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 ANSI Canvas	Comparison	Conclusion
1. Scope	Tests developed for a 274 lb. individual whereas it used to be 253 lb.
5. Back strength test (Type I & II)	Test now applies to type 1 & 2 chairs. Pull angle is now set at 70° whereas it was 90° Pull forces are now 150/225 lbf. whereas they used to be 200/300 lbf	Different test protocol Retesting required
6. Back strength test (Type III)	Test now applies to type 3 chairs only. Pulling forces are now 150/225 lbf. whereas they used to be 150/250 lbf	No retesting required Test is easier to pass
7. Drop test	Was test #8 in previous version. More specific requirements for Functional load: clearance shall be provided between test platform and center column to prevent interference resulting from impact. More specific wording for pedestal bases setup	Different test protocol Retesting required
8. Swivel cycling test	Was test #9 in previous version. Same test protocol, load on the seat changed from 113 kg to 122 kg (250 to 270 lbs)	Additional load on chair during cycling: Retesting required
9. Tilt mechanism test completed with #15	Was test #10 in previous version. Same test protocol, load changes from 102 kg to 109 kg (225 to 240 lbs)	Additional load on chair during cycling: Retesting required
10.2. Seating impact test	Was test #11.2 in previous version. The drop height was increased from 30 mm to 36 mm (1.2″ to 1.4″) which yields a higher impact force on the seat. More specific wording for pedestal bases, casters and tilt setup The center column shall not touch the test platform under impact.	Test more difficult to comply to Retesting required
10.4. Front Corner Load-Ease Test – Cyclic	Was test #11.4 in previous version. Same test protocol, loading device changes from 734 N to 890 N (165 to 200 lbf)	Test more difficult to comply to Retesting required
11.3. Rear Stability test	Was test #12.3 in previous version. More specific setup for chair setup and test procedure. Template required for first disk positioning	Different test protocol Retesting required
11.4. Front Stability	Was test #12.4 in previous version. Minor changes, more specific wording in test setup and procedure	Test is easier to comply to No retesting required
12. Arm strength test – Vertical	Was test #13 in previous version. Same loads as before Proof load application time is reduced from 60s to 15s	Test is easier to comply to No retesting required
13. Arm strength test – Horizontal	Was test #14 in previous version. Same loads as before Proof load application time is reduced from 60s to 15s	Test is easier to comply to No retesting required
14. Backrest durability (Type 1)	Was test #15 in previous version. Same test protocol, load on the seat changed from 102 kg to 109 kg (225 to 240 lbs)	Test more difficult to comply to Retesting required
15. Backrest durability (Type 2 & 3)	Was test #16 in previous version. Same test protocol, load on the seat changed from 102 kg to 109 kg (225 to 240 lbs)	Test more difficult to comply to Retesting required
16. Caster/chair base durability test	Was test #17 in previous version. More specific test protocol for non-pedestal chairs. Test now applies to chairs with glides/casters combination. Load changed from 113 kg to 122 kg (250 to 270 lbs)	Test more difficult to comply to Retesting required
17. Leg strength test – front application & side application	Was test #18 in previous version. Same test protocol Reference to optional Simultaneous side load test	Same test No retesting required
18. Footrest Static Load Test	Was test #19 in previous version. Same as before	Same test No retesting required
19. Footrest durability cyclic	Was test #20 in previous version. Same as before	Same test No retesting required
20. Arm durability test	Was test #21 in previous version. Same as before	Same test No retesting required
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. Same as before	No significant change
23. Tablet Arm Load Ease Test – Cyclic	Was test #24 in previous version. Load applied reduced from 35kg to 25kg (77 lbs to 55 lbs) Loading area is now at weakest point whereas it was centered on surface, leading to more stress on structure	Testing maybe required depending on tablet arm configuration
24. Structural Durability Test – Cyclic	New test	Testing required for non-pedestal base chairs
Removed from X5.1
Base test – Static	Moved to informative appendix	No retesting required

Michel Comtois

Michel Comtois is an accomplished founder and CEO of Micom Laboratories Inc., an ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) A2LA-accredited independent laboratory specializing in product and material testing services. Before establishing Micom Laboratories in 1999, Michel, who also holds a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry, gained extensive experience over a 14-year tenure managing departments spanning physical chemistry, physics, mechanical and material testing in research and contract laboratories. This exposure granted him a profound understanding of the intricacies of development and material testing processes.

In addition to his practical experience, Michel has played influential roles on various voluntary technical committees. He notably, served as the chairperson for CAN/CGSB 44.227 and the Head of the Canadian Delegation for ISO TC 136. He also contributed to the following technical committees: CAN/CGSB 44.229, CAN/CGSB 44.232, ANSI/BIFMA X5.1, ANSI/BIFMA X5.5, ANSI/BIFMA X5.6, ANSI/BIFMA X 5.9 ANSI/BIFMA X5.11, ISTA Certification Council.

Leveraging his unique expertise, he has led Micom Laboratories to become a renowned name in its niche, now operating out of a 16,000-square-foot test facility in Montreal, Canada, and serving a diverse customer base with an array of material and product testing services. Follow Michel on LinkedIn

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Michel Comtois