BIFMA HCF8.2 Draft Association Ballot Review

September 21, 2015
Michel Comtois
Furniture Testing

BIFMA recently closed its Association Ballot for BIFMA HCF8.2 – Health Care Seating – Tests. The comments will be reviewed and addressed by the committee on September 23^rd. Based on our own review, we do not expect many negative comments and we expect BIFMA to proceed to the ANSI canvass before Christmas which means the ANSI approved standard version should be available in early spring 2016. This standard follows BIFMA HCF8.1 – Health Care Furniture Design – Guidelines for Cleanability – which was published October 2014. Contrary to BIFMA HCF 8.1 who deals with exposed surface’s chemical and UV resistance, BIFMA HCF8.2 is a mechanical and safety standard similar to BIFMA X5.1 , BIFMA X5.11 and very close to BIFMA X5.4. One could easily decide to test its product to BIFMA X 5.4 and HCF 8.2, size C all at once. You test once and comply to both standards. Micom voted affirmatively to this Association Draft Ballot Standard with only a few editorial comments.

BIFMA HCF8.2 is similar to BIFMA X5.4. However, whereas BIFMA X 5.4 is based only on a 253 lbs individual, BIFMA HCF8.2 offers tree user weight categories: ≤253 lbs, 254-400 lbs, 401-600 lbs. Other than the weight categories, there are only two new tests: #25 –Cycle Test for Recliners and #26 Legrest Strength Test. Not all chair variations will be required to be tested to establish your product line compliance to this new standard; a worst case scenario analysis to assess what needs to effectively be tested will have to be done on your product line.

This standard follows the release of BIFMA X5.11 “- General Purpose Large Occupant Office Chairs Tests” in 2015. This standard is meant for individuals having a corporal weight up to 400 lbs.

For more information about this test or other services we offer, please contact us.

Furthermore, please find in the table below a test-by-test comparison between BIFMA HCF8.2 and the other BIFMA Chair standards. We trust this will give you a good appreciation of how HCF8.2 relates to the other BIFMA standards.

NEW BIFMA STANDARD FOR HEALTH CARE SEATING

Comparison between BIFMA HCF 8.2 (Pre-Association Ballot Draft) ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2011, ANSI/BIFMA X5.11-2015 & ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2012

Section # in HCF 8.2	BIFMA HCF 8.2	ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2011	ANSI/BIFMA X5.11-2015	ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2012	Comments
Title	Healthcare Patient Seating – Tests	General Purpose Office Chairs – Tests	General Purpose Large Occupant Office Chairs – Tests	Lounge and Public Seating – Tests
Scope	Standard splitted in three users weight categories: Size C: Individual ≤ 253 lb Size D: 253 < Individual ≤ 400 lb Size E: 400 < Individual ≤ 600 lb	Standard based on a 253 lb individual	Standard based on a 400 lb individual	Standard based on a 253 lb individual
Scope	Tests developed expecting 10 years life span on a continuous 2 shifts use	Tests developed expecting 10 years life span on a single shift use	Tests developed expecting 10 years life span on a single shift use	Tests developed expecting 10 years life span on a single shift use
4. Classification	Seating types are defined per user weight and seat sizes: C-D-E (Sizes A & B are defined in X6.1, Educational Seating)	Chairs are defined as Type I, II, III	Chairs are defined as Type I, II, III	Seatings are defined as Single and Multiple users
4. Minimum Seat Width	Size C: > 19.2″ Size D: > 22″ Size E: > 26″ Measurement refers to BIFMA X5.11-section #5	No such requirement	Chair width must be > 22″	No such requirement
5. Backrest strength test – Horizontal – Static	150 / 250 lbf. per seating position (simultaneously) Initial pulling angle is 70°	Test #5 & #6: 150 / 250 lbf. Initial pulling angle is 90°	Test #6 & #7 150 / 250 lbf. Initial pulling angle is 90°	Test #5: 150 / 250 lbf. Initial pulling angle is 90°	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2 BIFMA X5.1 & X5.11 have specific test for Tilting and non-Tilting seatings
6. Backrest strength test – Vertical – Static	200 / 300 lbf per seating position (simultaneously)	No such requirement	No such requirement	200 / 300 lbf per seating position (simultaneously)	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2
7. Backrest durability Test – Horizontal	225 lb on each seat, 75 lbf pull on the backrest of each seating positions (simultaneously), 120 000 cycles	Test #15 & #16: 225 lb on seat, 120 000 cycles Type I: 100 lbf pull on backrest Type II & III: 75 lbf pull on backrest	Test #15 & #16: 350 lb on seat, 75 lbf pull on backrest, 120 000 cycles	225 lb on each seat, 75 lbf pull on the backrest of each seating positions (simultanuously), 120 000 cycles	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2 BIFMA X5.1 & X5.11 have specific test for Tilting and non-Tilting seatings
8. Backrest durability Test – Vertical	200 lbf, all seating positions (simultaneously or in sequence) 10 000 cycles	No such requirement	No such requirement	200 lbf, all seating positions (simultaneously or in sequence) 10 000 cycles	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2
9. Arm strength Test – Horizontal – Static	Distance between arms < 35″ 100 lbf / 150 lbf Distance between arms > 35″ 133 lbf / 200 lbf	Test #14: 100 lbf / 150 lbf	Test #14: 100 lbf / 150 lbf	Distance between arms < 35″ 100 lbf / 150 lbf Distance between arms > 35″ 133 lbf / 200 lbf	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2
10. Arm strength test – Vertical – Static	Armrest width > 3″ 200 lbf / 300 lbf Armrest width < 3″ 169 lbf / 253 lbf	Test #13: 169 lbf / 253 lbf	Test #13: 200 lbf / 300 lbf	Armrest width > 3″ 200 lbf / 300 lbf Armrest width < 3″ 169 lbf / 253 lbf	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2
11. Arm durability Test – Horizontal	100 lbf, 50 000 cycles	No such requirement	No such requirement	100 lbf, 50 000 cycles	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2
12. Arm durability Test for multiple seating units – Vertical	150 lbf, 10 000 cycles	No such requirement	No such requirement	150 lbf, 10 000 cycles	BIFMA X5.4: same test as HCF 8.2
13. Arm durability Test for single seat units – Angular	100 lbf, 60 000 cycles	Test #21: 90 lbf, 60 000 cycles	Test #19: 100 lbf, 60 000 cycles	90 lbf, 60 000 cycles	BIFMA X5.11: same test as HCF 8.2 BIFMA X5.1 & X5.4: same test protocol, different loads
14. Seating Durability test	Seating impact test: Size C: 125 lb test bag Size D: 200 lb test bag Size E: 200 lb test bag 225 lb on each seat positions (except impacted position)	Test #11 125 lb test bag	Test #11: 200 lb test bag	Seating impact test: 125 lb test bag 225 lb on each seat positions (except impacted position)	BIFMA X5.4: same test protocol as HCF 8.2, different loads BIFMA X5.1 & X5.11: Test followed by Front Corner Load-Ease test
15. Drop test – Dynamic	Size C: 225 / 300 lb test bag Size D: 250 / 350 lb test bag Size E: 275 / 400 lb test bag 225 lb on each seat positions (except impacted position)	Test #8: 225 / 300 lb	Test #8: 250 / 350 lb	225 /300 lb test bag 225 lb on each seat positions (except impacted position)	BIFMA X5.4: Same test protocol as HCF 8.2, different loads. Drop height is 6″ for all tests
16. Leg strength test – front & side application	Size C: 75 lbf / 113 lbf* Size D: 100 lbf / 113 lbf* Size E: 100 lbf / 113 lbf* * : If unit weight is > 113 lbf, the pull force is the unit weight	Test #18: 75 lbf / 113 lbf	Test #18: 100 lbf / 150 lbf	75 lbf / 113 lbf	Same test protocol as HCF 8.2, different loads
17. Unit Drop Test – Dynamic	Drop height based on unit weight Available drop height are 2.4″, 4.7″ and 7.1″	No such requirement	No such requirement	Same test protocol	BIFMA X5.4: same test protocol as HCF 8.2
18. Caster/chair base durability test	Size C: 250 lb on seat Size D:400 lb on seat Size E: 600 lb on seat 500 cycles over obstacles 25 000 cycles over flat surface	Test #17: 250 lb load on seat 2000 cycles over obstacles 98 000 cycles over flat surface	Test #17: 400 lb load on seat 2000 cycles over obstacles 98 000 cycles over flat surface	250 lb on seat 500 cycles over obstacles 25 000 cycles over flat surface	BIFMA X5.4: same test protocol as HCF 8.2, different loads
19. Swivel cycling test	Size C: 250 lb on seat Size D:400 lb on seat Size E: 600 lb on seat 120 000 cycles	Test #9: 250 lb load on seat 60 000 cycles, chair at highest position 60 000 cycles chair at lowest position	Test #9: 400 lb load on seat 60 000 cycles, chair at highest position 60 000 cycles chair at lowest position	250 lb on seat 120 000 cycles	BIFMA X5.4: same test protocol as HCF 8.2, different loads
20. Tilt mechanism test – Cyclic	Size C: 225 lb on seat Size D:350 lb on seat Size E: 525 lb on seat 200 000 cycles	Test #10: 225 lb on seat 300 000 cycles	Test #10: 350 lb on seat 300 000 cycles	225 lb on seat 200 000 cycles	BIFMA X5.4: same test protocol, different loads
21. Rear Stability test	Non-Tilting units: 6 disks Tilting units: 13 disks	Test #12.3: Type I & II chairs: Same as Tilting Type III: Same as Non-Tilting	Test #12.3: Type I & II chairs: Same as Tilting Type III: Same as Non-Tilting	Same test protocol	Same test protocol as HCF 8.2
21.5. Front Stability	Size C: 135 lb load fixture Size D: 175 lb load fixture Size E: 215 lb load fixture 4.5 lbf horizontal pull force	Test #12.4: 135 lb load fixture 4,5 lbf horizontal pull force force	Test #12.4: 175 lb load fixture 4.5 lbf horizontal pull force	Different test, based on unit weight	BIFMA X5.1 & X5.11: Same test protocol as HCF 8.2, different loads
21.6. Side Stability for chairs without armrest	Size C: 135 lb load fixture Size D: 175 lb load fixture Size E: 215 lb load fixture 4.5 lbf horizontal pull force	No such requirement	No such requirement	No such requirement	New test
21.7. Side Stability for chairs with armrest	Size C: 56 / 79 lb (load on seat / arm) Size D: 90 / 125 lb (load on seat / arm) Size E: 135 / 191 lb (load on seat / arm) 4.5 lbf horizontal pull force	No such requirement	No such requirement	No such requirement	New test
22. Tablet Arm Load Ease Test – Cyclic	55 lb load, 100 000 cycles	Test #24 77 lb load, 100 000 cycles	Test #22: 55 lb load, 100 000 cycles	77 lb load, 100 000 cycles, different load location	BIFMA X5.1 & X5.11: Same test as HCF 8.2, lowered load BIFMA X5.4: different test
23. Tablet Arm Static Load Test	150 lb load	Test #23 150 lb load	Test #21 150 lb load	150 lb load	Same test protocol as HCF 8.2
24. Structural Durability Test – Cyclic	Seat load: 15 lb / inch Side load: 100 lbf, 100 000 cycles	No such requirement in current standard. Already added to current draft and should be part of incoming release with following parameters: Seat load: 240 lb Side load: 75 lbf, 25 000 cycles	Seat load: 350 lb Side load: 100 lbf, 50 000 cycles	No such requirement	BIFMA HCF 8.2 seat load rating to be clarified
25. Recliner and Legrest Cycle test	Load on Legrest / Seat / Backrest Size C: 25 / 112.5 / 112.5 lb Size D: 40 / 180 / 180 lb Size E: 60 / 270 / 270 lb 25 000 cycles	No such requirement	No such requirement	No such requirement	New test
26. Legrest Strength Test – Static load	75 lbf / 113 lbf	No such requirement	No such requirement	No such requirement	New test

Specific tests not required in HCF 8.2
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 – Test # 7 Base Test – Static
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 – Test #19 Footrest Static Load Test – Vertical
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 – Test #19 Footrest Durability Test – Vertical – Cyclic
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 – Test #22 & ANSI/BIFMA X5.11 – Test #20 – Out Stop Test
ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 & X5.11 – Test #11.4 Front Corner Load Ease Test – Cyclic – Off-Center

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