Skip to main content
Add as a preferred source on Google

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.

Featured

  • KWK Architects Announces Full Transition to Lawrence Group Branding

    KWK Architects recently announced that it will complete its transition to the Lawrence Group brand effective July 1, according to a news release. The merger marks the end of a three-year strategic integration process that began in March 2023 to unite the firms.

  • Phoenix School District Breaks Ground on New Prep Academy

    The Creighton Elementary School District near Phoenix, Ariz., recently broke ground on a campus replacement for Biltmore Preparatory Academy, according to a news release. The new space will allow the school to expand its enrollment by 50 percent for K–8 students and accommodate modern, collaborative learning styles.

  • Florida District Completes Construction on New Leadership Institute

    Pinellas County Schools near Tampa, Fla., recently announced that construction is complete on the new Dr. Michael A. Grego Leadership Institute, according to a news release. The district partnered with Rowe Architects for the project’s design and with Skanska for construction services.

  • Colorado School District Breaks Ground on Unified PK–12 Campus

    The Haxtun School District No. Re-2J in Haxtun, Colo., recently announced that ground has been broken on a renovation/addition project that will unite its two schools, Haxtun Elementary and Haxtun Jr/Sr High School, according to a news release.