Chairs for office environment

This standard applies to chairs used in office environments including chairs for computer uses and non-computer (occasional) uses i.e. conference (w/Table) and guest applications (Side chair).

The dimensions given in this standard aim to respect generally accepted ergonomic guidelines and design requirements such as those of CAN/CSA-ISO 9241-5 and BIFMA G1-2013, along with the best practices and knowledge of the committee members.

The dimensions specified in this standard aim to address the needs of the 5th to 95th percentile of North American adult office workers when in the seated position using the Civilian American European Surface Anthropometry Resource (CAESAR) database. Designing products to fit the 5th percentile female body dimensions to the 95th percentile male body dimensions will accommodate a large number of users. It is important, however, to realize that furniture for the above range may not accommodate at least 5 % of the users for any particular dimension. In order to accommodate user characteristics falling outside the 5th to 95th percentile ranges, it may be necessary to purchase products that are not within that range. Be aware that some fixed chair features are not recommended for computer uses (See Annex A, Table A.1) as these dimensions will only accommodate or address the needs of a part the 5th to 95th percentile.

It is important that persons using this standard to purchase/specify products understand the task(s) to be performed by, the characteristics of the intended user population and the physical and organizational environment where the chairs will be deployed when selecting specific features. The configuration options available in this standard are complex and if not specified correctly, some combinations, while meeting the requirements of the standard, may result in chairs that are inappropriate for some users or applications. To minimize the possibility of incorrect specification, the user of this standard is encouraged to refer to Table A1 for recommended features.

Annex A is an informative annex that contains recommended features and specifications for general user profiles.

Quantities and dimensions used in this standard are given in metric units with imperial equivalents following in brackets where appropriate. The metric units shall be regarded as official in the event of dispute.

The testing and evaluation of a product against this standard may require the use of materials and/or equipment that could be hazardous. This document does not purport to address all the safety aspects associated with its use. Anyone using this standard has the responsibility to consult the appropriate authorities and to establish health and safety practices in conjunction with any applicable regulatory requirements prior to its use.