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BIFMA Releases New Standard for Occasional-Use Seating

  • 06/27/18

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Business & Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA) has approved a new safety and performance standard, BIFMA X6.4-2018 Occasional Use Seating. Copies are available on the BIFMA website, www.bifma.org.

The BIFMA Board of Directors observed the need for this new standard to align with market expectations for seating products designed for less frequent use. The Board worked closely with the BIFMA Subcommittee for Seating Standards to develop the new standard. Upon draft completion and verification of all tests, the full association approved adoption of this new standard. 

The X6.4-2018 standard defines the specific tests, laboratory equipment, conditions of test, and recommended minimum levels to be used in evaluating the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of Occasional-Use Seating products. Tests are based on the 95thpercentile male, now weighing 275 lbs. Many of the tests align with ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2012 Lounge and Public Seating, while outlining a reduction to the number of durability testing cycles in keeping with the intent of this new standard. 

The BIFMA Seating Subcommittee submitted a Project Initiation Notice (PINS) to ANSI on February 13, 2018, providing intent to make BIFMA X6.4-2018 a future ANSI standard. The Subcommittee also provided a PINS to ANSI to revise ANSI/BIFMA X5.4-2012 Lounge and Public Seating.

About BIFMA
The Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association is the voice for the commercial furniture industry. BIFMA develops safety, performance, and sustainability standards that ensure product performance. BIFMA provides data and analytics that the industry uses to make key manufacturing decisions. The organization advocates for regulatory conditions that enhance value and foster innovation. BIFMA is the go-to resource providing tools commercial furniture manufactures need to ensure that products work.

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