EN 16139:2013 Furniture - Strength, durability and safety
EN 16139:2013 is a European standard that specifically addresses the strength, durability, and safety requirements for non-domestic seating furniture. It provides guidelines and testing procedures to assess the performance and safety of seating furniture intended for use in public spaces, such as commercial establishments, educational institutions, and healthcare facilities.
The standard covers various types of seating furniture, including chairs, stools, and tables with seating. It focuses on evaluating their structural integrity, stability, and durability to ensure they can withstand the anticipated use and provide a safe seating experience for users.
EN 16139:2013 outlines specific testing methods and performance requirements that seating furniture must meet to comply with the standard. These tests assess factors such as:
Structural Strength: The furniture's ability to withstand static and dynamic loads without significant deformation or failure.
Durability: The product's resistance to wear and tear, including tests for fatigue, impact, and surface durability.
Stability: Ensuring that the furniture remains stable and does not tip over easily, especially in situations where users may lean back or apply force to the seating surface.
Safety: Evaluating potential hazards such as sharp edges, pinch points, and entrapment risks, to ensure the furniture does not pose an undue safety risk to users.
By conforming to EN 16139:2013, furniture manufacturers demonstrate their commitment to producing products that meet essential performance and safety requirements for non-domestic seating. Compliance with the standard helps ensure that seating furniture in public spaces is designed, constructed, and tested to withstand the demands of commercial use, minimizing the risk of accidents, injuries, or premature product failure.
It's important to note that while EN 16139:2013 is a recognized European standard, compliance with this standard may not be mandatory in all countries. Local regulations and requirements may vary, so it is essential for manufacturers, specifiers, and buyers to familiarize themselves with the applicable standards and regulations in their specific region.