List of standards relating to furniture and fitments

DATE OF ISSUE: JUNE 2009

The following list is available to FIRA members free of charge. The list will be updated from time to time based on information received from the standards’ authorities.

Copies of many of the standards are available through our bookshop. FIRA members are entitled to a discount on standards that they purchase through this site.

(NB * means 1 amendment, ** 2 amendments etc)

British Standards (BS)

BS 1765-1: 1990 Hospital bedside lockers. Specification for general purpose bedside lockersfor patients.

BS 1765-2: 1976 Specification for hospital bedside lockers. General purpose lockers of wooden construction with facilities for hanging day clothes.

BS 2543: 2004 Upholstery fabrics for end use applications. Classification.

BS 2483: 1977 Specification for over bed tables.

BS 2838-1: 1988 Examination and general treatment couches. Specification for fixed height couches.

BS 2838-2: 1991 Examination and general treatment couches. Specification for variable height couches.

BS 2881: 1989* Specification for cupboards for the storage of medicines in health care premises.

BS3044: 1990 Guide to ergonomics principles in the design and selection of office furniture

BS 3202-1: 1991 Laboratory furniture and fittings. Introducion.

BS 3202-2: 1991* Laboratory furniture and fittings. Specification for performance.

BS 3379: 2005 Combustion modified flexible polyurethane cellular materials for loadbearing applications. Specification.

BS 3962-1: 1980* Methods of test for finishes for wooden furniture. Assessment of low angle glare by measurement of specular gloss at 85°.

BS 3962-5: 1980 Methods of test for finishes for wooden furniture. Assessment of surface resistance to cold oils and fats.

BS 3962-6: 1980 Methods of test for finishes for wooden furniture. Assessment of resistance to mechanical damage.

BS 4438: 1969 Specification for filing cabinets and suspending filing pockets.

BS 4467: 1991 Guide to dimensions in designing for elderly people.

BS 4680: 1996 Specificatin for clothes lockers. 

BS 4723: 2002 Stretch covers for upholstered furniture. Specification.

BS 4875-1: 2007- Strength and stability of furniture. Requirements for the strength and durabilty of the structure of domestic seating.

BS 4875-5: 2009 Requirements for strength, durability and stability of tables and trolleys for domestic use.

BS 4875-7: 2006 Domestic and contract storage furniture. Performance requirements.*

BS 4875-8: 1998 Methods for determination of stability of non-domestic storage furniture.

BS 5459-2: 2000 + A2: 2008 Specification for performance requirements and tests for office furniture. Office pedestal seating for use by persons weighing up to 150 kg and for use up to 24 hours a day, including type-approval tests for individual components.

BS 5651:1989 Method for cleansing and wetting procedures for use in the assessment of the effect of cleansing and wetting on the flammability of textile fabrics and fabric assemblies.

BS 5799: 1986* * Specification for safety requirements for children’s high chairs and multipurpose high chairs for domestic use.

BS 5852: 2006  Methods of test for assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating by smouldering and flaming ignition sources.

BS 5853: 1980 Specification for medicine trolleys.

BS 5873-4: 1998 Educational furniture. Specification for strength and stability of storage furniture for educational institutions.

BS 5873-5: 1998 Educational furniture. Specification for security of fixed secure storage furniture for educational institutions.

BS 6222-2: 2009 Domestic kitchen equiptment. Fitted kitchen units, peninsular units, island units and breakfast bars. Performance requiremnts and test methods.

BS 6222-3: 1999 Domestic kitchen equipment. Specification for performance requirements for durability of surface finish and adhesion of surfacing and edging materials.

BS 6261: 1982 Method for evaluating the application of and interaction between components in upholstered furniture.

BS 6396: 2008 Electrical systems in office furniture and educational furniture. Specification.

BS 6608: 1985 Specification for cattle hide leathers for upholstered furniture.

BS 6807: 2006* Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses, upholstered divans and upholstered bed bases with flaming types of primary and secondary sources of ignition. (supersedes BS 6807: 1996)

BS 7176: 2007 Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for nondomestic seating by testing composites.

BS 7177: 2008 Specification for resistance to ignition of mattresses, divans and bed bases.

BS 7376: 2004 Inclusion of glass in the construction of tables or trolleys. Specification.

SUPERSEDED BY BS EN 14749:2005
BS 7449:1991 Specification for inclusion of glass in the construction of furniture, other than tables or trolleys, including cabinets, shelving systems and wall hung or free standing mirrors.

BS 8474: 2006 Furniture. Chairs with electrically operated support surfaces. Requirements.

BS 8480: 2006 Medical devices. Chairs with electrically operated support surfaces. Requirements.

BS 8509: 2008 Childrens beds for domestic use. Safety requirements and test methods.

British and European combined standards (BS EN)

BS EN 312-3: 1997 Particleboards. Specifications. Requirements for boards for interior fitments (including furniture) for use in dry conditions. 

BS EN 438-1: 2005 High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Introduction and general information.

BS EN 438-2: 2005 High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Determination of properties.

BS EN 438-3: 2005 High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates.

BS EN 438-4: 2005 High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Classification and specifications for compact laminates of thickness 2mm and greater.

BS EN 438-5: 2005 High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than 2mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates.

BS EN 438-6: 2005 Decorative high-pressure laminates (HPL) sheets based on thermosetting resins. Classification and specifications for exterior-grade compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater.

BS EN 438-7: 2005 High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL). Sheets based on thermosetting resins (usually called laminates). Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes.

BS EN 527-1: 2000 Office furniture. Work tables and desks. Dimensions.

BS EN 527-2: 2002 Office furniture. Work tables and desks. Mechanical safety.

BS EN 527-3: 2003 Office furniture. Work tables and desks. Methods of test for the determination of the stability and the mechanical strength of the structure.

BS EN 581-1: 2006 Outdoor furniture. Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use. General safety requirements.

BS EN 581-2: 2009 Outdoor furniture. Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use. Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for seating.

BS EN 581-3: 2007 Outdoor furniture. Seating and tables for camping, domestic and contract use. Mechanical safety requirements and test methods for tables.

BS EN 597-1: 1995 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases. Ignition source: smouldering cigarette.

BS EN 597-2: 1995 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases. Ignition source: match flame equivalent.

BS EN 716-1: 2008 Furniture. Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use. Safety requirements.

BS EN 716-2: 2008 Furniture. Children’s cots and folding cots for domestic use. Test methods.

BS EN 747-1: 2007 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds for domestic use. Safety requirements.

BS EN 747-2: 2007 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds for domestic use. Test methods.

BS EN 1021-1: 2006* Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture. Ignition source: smouldering cigarette.

BS EN 1021-2: 2006 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture. Ignition source: match flame equivalent.

BS EN 1022: 2005 Domestic furniture. Seating. Determination of stability.

BS EN 1023-1: 1993 Office furniture. Screens. Dimensions.

BS EN 1023-2: 2000 Office furniture. Screens. Mechanical safety requirements.

BS EN 1023-3: 2000 Office furniture. Screens. Test methods.

BS EN 1116: 2004 Kitchen furniture. Co-ordinating sizes for kitchen furniture and kitchen appliances.

BS EN 1129-1: 1995 Furniture. Foldaway beds. Safety requirements and testing. Safety requirements.

BS EN 1129-2: 1995 Furniture. Foldaway beds. Safety requirements and testing. Test methods.

BS EN 1130-1: 1996 Furniture. Cribs and cradles for domestic use - Part 1 - Safety requirements.

BS EN 1130-2: 1996 Furniture. Cribs and cradles for domestic use - Part 2 - Test methods.

BS EN 1272: 1998 Child care articles. Table mounted chairs. Safety requirements and test methods.

BS EN 1273: 2001 Child care articles. Baby walking frames. Safety requirements and test methods.

BS EN 1334: 1996 Domestic furniture. Beds and mattresses. Methods of measurement and recommended tolerances.

BS EN 1335-1: 2000 Office furniture. Office work chair. Dimensions. Determination of dimensions.

BS EN 1335-2: 2009 Office furniture. Office work chair. Safety requirements.

BS EN 1335-3: 2000 Office furniture. Office work chair. Safety test methods.

BS EN 1466: 2004 +A1: 2007 Child care articles - Carry cots and stands - Safety requirements and test methods.

BS EN 14703:2007 Links for non-domestic seating linked together in a row. Strength requirements and test methods

BS EN 14704-1: 2005 Determination of the elasticity of fabrics. Strip tests.

BS EN 14749: 2005 Domestic and kitchen storage units and worktops. Saftey requirements and test methods. (replacing BS EN 1727: 1997) 

BS EN 15373:2007 Strength, durability and safety. Requirements for non-domestic seating.

BS EN 1725: 1998 (modified) Domestic furniture. Beds and mattresses. Safety requirements and test methods.

BS EN 1728: 2001 Domestic furniture. Seating. Test methods. Determination of strength and stability.

BS EN 1729-1: 2006 Furniture. Chairs and tables for educational institutions. Functional dimensions.

BS EN 1729-2: 2006 Furniture. Chairs and tables for educational institutions. Safety requirements and test methods.

BS EN 1730: 2000** Domestic furniture. Tables. Test methods for determination of strength, durability and stability.

BS EN 1930: 2000 Child care articles. Safety barriers. Safety requirements and test methods

BS EN 1957: 2000 Domestic furniture. Beds and mattresses. Test methods for the determination of functional characteristics.

BS EN 1970: 2000 Adjustable beds for disabled persons. Requirements and test methods.

BS EN 12221-1: 2008 Changing units for domestic use. Safety requirements.

BS EN 12221-2: 2008 Changing units for domestic use. Test methods. 

BS EN 12720: 1997 Furniture. Assessment of surface resistance to cold liquids.

BS EN 12722: 1997 Furniture. Assessment of surface resistance by dry heat.

BS EN 12721: 1997 Furniture. Assessment of surface resistance to wet heat.

BS EN 12727: 2000 Furniture. Ranked seating. Test methods and requirements for strength and durability.

BS EN 12528: 1999 Castors and wheels. Castors for furniture. Requirements.

BS EN 12529: 1999 Castors and wheels. Castors for furniture. Castors for swivel chairs. Requirements.

BS EN 13150: 2001 Workbenches for laboratories. Dimensions, safety requirements and test methods.

BS EN 13336: 2004 Leather. Upholstery leather characteristics. Guide for selection of leather for furniture.

BS EN 13453-1: 2004 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds for non domestic use. Safety, strength and durability requirements.

BS EN 13453-2: 2004 Furniture. Bunk beds and high beds for non domestic use. Test methods.

BS EN 13721: 2004 Furniture. Assessment of the surface reflectance.

BS EN 13722: 2004 Furniture. Assessment of the surface gloss.

BS EN 13761: 2002 Office furniture. Visitors chairs.

BS EN 14056: 2003 Laboratory furniture. Recommendations for design and installation.

BS EN 14183: 2003 Step stools.

BS EN 14072: 2003 Glass in furntirue. Test methods.

BS EN 14073-2: 2004* Office furniture. Storage furniture. Safety requirements.

BS EN 14073-3: 2004 Office Furniture. Storage Furniture. Test methods for the determination of stability and strength of the structure.

BS EN 14074: 2004 Office furniture. Tables and desks and storage furniture. Test methods for the determination of strength and durability of moving parts.

BS EN 14434: 2010 Writing boards for educational institutions. Ergonomic, technical and safety requirements and their test methods.

BS EN 14465: 2003 Textiles. Upholstery fabrics. Specifications and methods of test.

BS EN 14703: 2007 Links for non-domestic seating linked together in a row. Strength requirements and test methods.

BS EN 14704-1: 2005 Determination of the elasticity of fabrics. Strip tests.

BS EN 14727: 2005 Laboratory furniture. Storage units for laboratories. Requirements and test methods.

BS EN 14749: 2005 Domestic and kitchen sorage units and worktops. Safety requirements and test methods.

BS EN 14988-1: 2006 Children's high chairs. Safety requirements.

BS EN 14988-2: 2006 Children's high chairs. Test methods.

BS EN 15060: 2006 Paints and varnished. Guide for the classification and selection of coating systems for wood based materials in furniture for interior use.

BS EN 15187: 2006 Furniture. Assessment of the effect of light exposure.

BS EN 15338: 2007 Hardware for furniture. Strength and durability of extension elements and their components.

BS EN 15372: 2008 Furniture. Strength, durability and safety. Requirements for non-domestic tables.

BS EN 15373: 2007 Furniture. Strength, durability and safety. Requirements for non-domestic seating.

BS EN 15570: 2008 Hardware for furniture. Strength and durability of hinges and their components. Hinges pivoting on a vertical axis.

BS EN 15706: 2009 Hardware for furniture. Strength and durability of slide fittings for sliding doors and roll fronts

British, European and International combined standards (BS EN ISO)

BS EN ISO 2419: 2006 Leather. Physical and mechanical tests. Sample preperation and conditioning (supersedes BS EN ISO 2419:2002)

BS EN ISO 9241-5: 1999 Ergonomic requirements for office work with visual display terminals (VDTs). Workstation layout and postural requirements.

BS EN ISO 11644 Leather. Test for adhesion of finish

BS EN ISO 11064-1: 2004 Ergonomic design of control centres. Control room layout.

BS EN ISO 11064-4: 2004 Ergonomic design of control centres. Layout and dimensions of workstations.

European development standards (DD ENV)

DD ENV 12520: 2000 Domestic furniture. Seating. Mechanical and structural safety requirements.

DD ENV 12521: 2000 Domestic furniture. Tables. Mechanical and structural safety requirements.

DD ENV 13759: 2001 Domestic furniture. Seating. Test methods for the determination of the durability of reclining and/or tilting mechanisms and operating mechanisms for convertible sofa beds.

DD ENV 14443: 2004 Domestic Furniture. Seating. Test methods for the determination of durability of upholstery.

International Standards:

ISO 7170: 2005 Furniture. Storage units. Determination of strength and durability.

ISO 7171: 1998 Furniture. Storage units. Determination of stability.

ISO 7172: 1998 Furniture. Tables. Determination of stability.

ISO 7173-1: 1998 Furniture. Chairs. Determination of stability. Upright chairs and stools.

ISO 7173-2: 1992 Furniture. Chairs. Determination of stability. Chairs with tilting or reclining mechanisms when fully reclined and rocking chairs.

ISO 7174: 1989 Furniture. Chairs. Determination of strength and durability.

ISO 8191-1: 1987 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture. Part 1: Ignition source: smouldering cigarette.

ISO 8191-2: 1987 Furniture. Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture. Part 2: Ignition source: match flame equivalent.