[Inspector Encyclopedia] Chair Inspection Knowledge, Chair European Standard Testing Methods - Essential for Newcomers

Today, I'm sharing a detailed guide to chair inspection, focusing on European standards (such as BS-EN1728 and EN 581). It covers inspection procedures, test methods, and the identification of common quality defects. During actual inspections, factory inspections, or third-party inspections, you can select some or all of these test items based on your requirements. If you require information on other national standards (such as the American BIFMA standard or the Chinese GB standard), please leave us a comment and we'll update it as needed.

1. Basic elements of chair classification and inspection

During the inspection process, you must first identify the product type in order to select the appropriate standards and inspection plan:

1. Material classification : solid wood, plastic, metal (steel/aluminum alloy), composite material, soft cover (cloth/leather). Material report should be checked during inspection, such as wood moisture content, metal plating/spraying process, leather grade, etc.

2. By function and usage scenario : office chairs, dining chairs, leisure chairs, outdoor chairs, children's chairs, etc. Different categories correspond to different inspection standards and testing requirements.

3. By structural characteristics : liftable/rotating office chairs, folding chairs, fixed chairs, rocking chairs, etc. During inspection, the functionality and safety of movable parts should be evaluated.

2. Comparison of Chinese and English terms for chairs (required for inspection records and reports)

Mastering the professional terminology helps to accurately record defects and communicate with customers/factories:

3. Common Quality Problems of Chairs (Chinese and English Comparison) (Inspection Defect Determination)

During the inspection process, the following issues are often recorded as Minor, Major or Critical defects:

• Unstable / Wobble : The chair is unstable / wobbly - Major Defect

• Cracked / Split Wood : Cracked wood Major Defect

• Peel off of Painting / Plating : Paint / plating peeling off - Major Defect

• Rust Mark : Rust- Major Defect

• Broken Stitching : Broken stitching Major Defect

• Glue / Dirt Mark : Glue / Dirt Mark Minor Defect

• Dead Knot : (visible side is Major, non-visible side is Minor)

• Missing Screw / Accessory : Missing screw / accessory - Major Defect

• Color Shade Between Parts : Color difference between parts Major Defect

• Poor Assembly : Poor assembly— Major Defect

4. Key points for chair inspection (QC inspection on-site execution checklist)

During the inspection process, the quality inspector (QC) needs to check each item according to the following checklist and record it in the inspection report:

1. Structural Stability : Place the product on a level platform and check that the four legs are stable and without shaking.

2. Material Defects : Check all surfaces for dead knots, wormholes, cracks, and sharp edges.

3. Surface Finishing : The paint/electroplating layer is uniform without sagging, peeling or impurities.

4. Assembly Quality : All connections are tight and not loose, the gaps are uniform and meet the process requirements.

5. Functional Test : (If applicable) the lifting, rotating and folding functions are smooth and without lag.

6. Upholstery Workmanship : No skipped or broken stitches in the seams; full filling without dents; no stains or color differences on the fabric or leather surface.

7. Dimension & Weight : Use measuring tools (tape measure, calipers) and scales to check whether they comply with the specification sheet.

8. Packaging & Marking : The inner/outer boxes are not damaged, the packaging method (such as PE bag, styrofoam corner) meets the requirements, and the mark information is correct.

9. Accessories Check : Check the packing list to confirm that all screws, installation tools, instructions, etc. are included.

5. Chair Testing Methods and Inspection Feasibility Assessment (Based on European Standards)

The following tests are commonly used for factory audits or type tests. AQL sampling can be performed according to customer requirements.

(1) Home Indoor Chair Test (BS-EN1728)

1. Seat Static Load Test

   • Inspection Feasibility: High . Requires 130kg sandbags or counterweights.

   • Method : Place the load at the center of the seat surface and apply the load 10 times, each time for 1 minute. Check for structural failure, cracking, or permanent deformation.

   • Acceptance criteria : No structural damage after testing and the chair functions normally.

2. Arm Sideways/Downwards Static Load Test

   • Inspection Feasibility: High . Requires a 500N dynamometer and 80kg counterweight.

   • Method : Apply a lateral force of 400 N and a downward force of 80 kg to the handrail, 10 times each.

   • Acceptance criteria : Handrails shall not be broken, loose or permanently deformed.

3. Leg Forward/Sideway Static Load Test

   • Inspection Feasibility: Medium . Requires a 100kg counterweight and a 500N force gauge. Not suitable for chairs without a clear front and back.

   • Method : Fix the corresponding chair legs and apply a force of 500N or 390N from the back or side.

   • Acceptance criteria : No cracks on the chair legs and no loose connections.

4. Seat Impact Test & Drop Test

   • Feasibility of Inspection: Low . Requires a specialized impact hammer and drop test bench, typically only performed in a laboratory or during factory inspections.

(2) Outdoor chair test (EN 581)

The test load for outdoor furniture is usually higher and needs to be differentiated by use (home, commercial, camping).

1. Seat static load test : Use 110kg-200kg load test according to the purpose (Domestic, Contract, Camping).

2. Handrail downward test : Use 40kg-90kg load test.

3. Chair leg forward/sideways test : requires different weights (25kg-50kg) and thrusts (75N-100N).

Inspection suggestions : Simplified tests can be performed, such as using the inspector's weight (approximately 70 kg) to simulate sitting pressure, or using heavy objects available on site to perform short-term load tests to quickly assess structural risks.

6. Factory Audit Focus

In addition to finished product inspection, factory inspections also include:

1. Incoming material inspection (IQC) : Whether raw materials such as wood, hardware, and fabrics are inspected and recorded.

2. In-process quality control (IPQC) : Are there patrol inspections and first-piece inspections at carpentry, welding, spraying, assembly and other workstations?

3. Calibration of test equipment : Check whether dynamometers, scales, measuring instruments, etc. are within the valid calibration period.

4. Laboratory testing capabilities : Whether the factory has basic strength and stability testing equipment and conducts tests regularly.

5. Quality management system : whether it has a complete quality inspection process, non-conforming product control procedures and corrective and preventive measures (CAPA).