The European standard “EN 16139 Furniture - Strength, durability and safety - Requirements for outdoor seating areas” describes the requirements for the safety, strength and durability of all types of outdoor seating units (including office visitor chairs) designed for use by adults weighing less than 110 kg.
This standard does not apply to connecting units for row seating units, office work chairs, chairs for educational institutions, outdoor seating units, and connecting units for which European standards or drafts exist. It also does not apply to work chairs for industrial use.
This standard does not include requirements regarding the durability of upholstery materials, wheels, tilting and reclining mechanisms, and seat height adjustment mechanisms. It also does not include requirements for resistance to aging, deterioration, and flammability.
The standard appendices include additional test methods (Appendix A), information on the test difficulty level for the applications (Appendix B), and size requirements for office visitor chairs (Appendix C).
In the world of furniture design and manufacturing, ensuring the safety, robustness, and longevity of products, especially those used in high-traffic commercial environments, is paramount. This is where the EN 16139 standard comes into play, setting a benchmark for outdoor seating areas. This standard addresses the growing need for reliable seating in offices, restaurants, showrooms, and other public spaces. As businesses and consumers prioritize ergonomic and durable furniture, this standard provides manufacturers with clear guidelines to meet these demands, protecting users and improving product quality.
EN 16139 is a harmonized European standard that sets specific criteria for seating areas intended for non-residential use. It applies to a wide range of chairs and stools designed for adults weighing up to 110 kg, including office visitor chairs, conference chairs, and banquet chairs.
This standard focuses on three fundamental principles: safety (prevention of hazards such as sharp edges or imbalances), durability (resistance to applied loads), and resilience (resistance to wear from repeated use).
This standard does not cover aspects such as resistance to aging, deterioration, or flammability, which are addressed by separate standards. It also does not cover specialized seating areas, such as categories with their own specific norms, like auditorium seating, educational institution furniture, outdoor seating, or industrial work chairs.
Prior to the publication of this standard, two main standards prevailed:
These standards addressed overlapping but incomplete areas, leading to inconsistencies in testing and compliance. The EN 16139 standard unified them into a single, comprehensive framework. This consolidation simplified certification processes for manufacturers and procurement processes for buyers.
The EN 16139 standard offers a system of graded test levels that allows manufacturers to adapt compliance according to the intended intensity of use. This flexibility ensures that seats for light-duty environments do not require excessive engineering, while products for heavy-duty use also meet stringent criteria:
All levels mandate safety assessments such as stability (no tipping on a 10-degree incline) and mechanical hazard controls (e.g., no pinch points). Tests involve simulated user weights via sandbags or drop weights, and pass/fail decisions are made based on deformation limits (e.g., maximum permanent adjustment of 20 mm after loading).
Manufacturers should declare the appropriate level on product labels or in documentation, which should facilitate informed purchasing.
Compliance with the EN 16139 standard requires third-party laboratory testing by accredited organizations. The procedures simulate real-world stresses:
These are performed on prototypes, and the results inform design iterations.
The EN 16139 standard plays a significant role in risk mitigation and market access. For consumers and facility managers, certified seating areas reduce the risk of injury, which is vital in sectors requiring high responsibility, such as hospitality. Manufacturers gain a competitive advantage through verified durability claims, increased confidence, and the possibility of CE marking under the EU General Product Safety Directive. In the era of hybrid workspaces, robust out-of-home seating areas support ergonomic health in line with broader healthcare trends.
For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the “EN 16139 Furniture - Strength, durability and safety - Requirements for outdoor seating areas” standard.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
