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BIFMA HCF8.2 Draft Association Ballot Review

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 23rd. 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

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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