Sit Tight: How Certification Standards Can Help You Find the Best Ergonomic Chair

The ergonomic chair is often overlooked, but it is crucial in office settings as it prevents us from developing hunchbacks by the age of forty. However, not all chairs labeled as 'ergonomic' live up to their claims. It is the certification standards that distinguish the true ergonomic champions from the imposters.

Do you recall the time when you purchased an 'ergonomic' chair from a garage sale and thought you had snagged a great deal, only to discover that sitting on it felt like being on a medieval torture device? Let's make sure that never happens to you again.

Certifications for ergonomic chairs:

• ANSI/BIFMA X5.1 (American National Standards Institute/Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer's Association): This standard specifies the requirements for office furnishings, including chairs. It covers areas such as durability, safety, and performance.  This is the Holy Grail of ergonomic chair certifications. If a chair meets BIFMA standards, it's cleared rigorous testing for durability, stability, and safety. Check out this blog post about how BIFMA tests chairs for certification.

• NEN - EN 1335 (European Norm): This is a European standard that specifies the requirements for office work chairs. It covers areas such as safety, dimensions, and adjustability.

• GREENGUARD Certified (UL Environment): This certification program ensures that products meet strict indoor air quality standards.

• Cradle to Cradle Certified (Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute): This certification program assesses products for their environmental and social impact.

In addition to these standards and certifications, there are also a number of private organizations that offer their own ergonomic certifications. Some of these organizations include:

• Ergonomics Plus
• The Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)
• The Board of Certification in Professional Ergonomics (BCPE)

When choosing an ergonomic chair, it is important to look for a chair that meets at least one of the standards or certifications listed above. This will help to ensure that the chair is safe, durable, and adjustable to meet your individual needs.

Here are some additional tips for choosing an ergonomic chair:

• Adjustability:
• Seat height and angle.
• Backrest angle and height.
• Armrest height and width.

• Support:

  • Lumbar support: Crucial to prevent lower back pain. The lumbar support should be adjustable in height and depth.
  • Overall backrest shape: It should follow the natural curvature of the spine.

• Material & Durability:

  • Breathable fabric: No one likes the back-sweat, right?
  • Durability: Certified chairs should withstand regular usage without tearing or breaking.

• Base Stability:

  • A minimum of five legs to prevent tipping.
  • Casters suitable for the type of flooring.

• Swivel:

  • Chairs should easily rotate so the user can access different areas of their workspace without strain.

It is also important to note that even the best ergonomic chair will not be effective if you do not use it properly. Be sure to adjust the chair to fit your body and take breaks throughout the day to stand up and move around.

Takeaway Points:

1. Always check for certifications: Before buying, look for BIFMA or NEN-EN 1335 certifications on ergonomic chairs. It's a straightforward way to ensure you're getting quality.

2. Prioritize adjustability and support: Chairs should be tailored to YOU, not the other way around.

3. Invest in quality: A well-certified ergonomic chair may have a steeper upfront cost, but consider it an investment in your health and productivity.

Now, armed with knowledge, may you never fall victim to the alluring yet deceptive charms of non-ergonomic chairs. The true seat of power awaits!