The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has approved the revised safety and performance standard: ANSI/BIFMA X6.1-2018, Educational Seating.

The BIFMA Subcommittee for Seating Standards is pleased to publish this updated standard that has been in development for the past year and a half. Revisions include: test forces and loads increasing given heavier adults and children, modifying proof load durations, adding an informative simultaneous side legs strength test, and several harmonizations with ANSI/BIFMA X5.1-2017 General-Purpose Office Chairs. Reviews of draft proposals were conducted to ensure the tests were sound. This national consensus standard was finalized and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) on April 10, 2018.

The X6.1-2018 standard defines the specific tests, laboratory equipment, conditions of test, and recommended minimum levels to be used in the testing and evaluation of the safety, durability, and structural adequacy of Educational Seating products.

Copies of the new standard are now available through BIFMA. All standards may be ordered online at https://www.techstreet.com/bifma/pages/home.