BS EN 581-2:2015

What is BS EN 581-2 – Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating about?

BS EN 581-2 specifies the minimum requirements for the safety, strength, and durability of all types of outdoor seating for adults, without regard to materials, design/construction, or manufacturing processes. The test requirements contained within BS EN 581-2 are based on use by persons weighing up to 110 kg.

Note 1: BS EN 581-2 does not apply to street furniture.

Note 2: BS EN 581-2 does not apply to removable upholstery and covering.

Note 3: BS EN 581-2 does not include requirements for the durability of castors/wheels and height adjustment mechanisms.

Note 4: BS EN 581-2 does not include requirements for electrical safety.

Note 5: BS EN 581-2 does not include requirements for the resistance to ageing and degradation caused by light, temperature, and moisture.

Who is BS EN 581-2 - Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating for?

BS EN BS EN 581-2 guidelines on mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating is useful for:

• Outdoor furniture and camping goods manufacturers
• Camping goods suppliers
• Product development teams/innovation teams
• Quality control personnel

Why should you use BS EN 581-2 - Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating machines?

Since outdoor furniture is needed as important equipment, these require proper safety. BS EN 581-2 also mentions testing procedure, which shall be carried out as specified in EN 1728 and EN 1022. Except for seating with a seat and back made of one piece of flexible material (e.g. textile), attached at the upper and lower edges only, seat and backloading points shall be determined according to EN 1728. For seating with a seat and back made of one piece of flexible material (e.g. textile), attached at the upper and lower edges only, the loading point shall be the lowest point when a rolling cylinder (Clause 5) is placed in the seating. The use of BS EN 581-2 helps in maintaining safety requirements for outdoor furniture.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 581-2:2015 supersedes BS EN 581-2:2009. BS EN 581-2:2015 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 581-2:2009. These include: 

• New requirements for tests and loungers are no longer in an annex but in the standard, which is a simplification of the standard (requirements and clauses harmonized with Clause 7 of the standard)
• A simplification of chapters has been made: test equipment
• A modification of reference (EN 1728:2012) has been mad