This section presents a selected range of standards Furntech-AFRDI is currently either involved in the development of, or, involved in the process of the adoption/adaptation of as Australian Standards.

Every comment received will be seriously considered - your assistance is necessary to make these standards worthwhile and workable. The following standards are under consideration:

• Development of a standard for beds and mattresses in three parts:
  • safety requirements (essentially strength and durability) DR 07398
  • mattress functional characteristics (hardness / firmness) DR 07405
  • resistance to ignition - based on BS 7177
• Development of rated load standard for fixed height chairs (AFRDI 151)
• Revision of AS/NZS 4688.1 (fixed height chairs – ergonomic and general requirement)
  
  
• Review of standards for desks and workstations
  Furntech-AFRDI is currently reviewing the standards for Office desks and Office panel systems / Workstations with the aim of updating requirements and to clarify and improve the test methods to accommodate the design developments that have been introduced to work desks and workstations over recent years.
  
  It is important that manufacturers, retailers and customers have confidence in the test methods and other requirements within the standards.
  
  Therefore, Furntech-AFRDI would appreciate any comments regarding AS/NZS 4442:1997 Office desks and AS/NZS 4443:1997 Office Panel systems - Workstations and any improvements or additions that may be desirable.
  
  Subject areas on which comment is invited include, but need not be limited to, the following:
  - stability
  - general strength and durability of legs, frames, worktops, panels
  - ergonomic / dimensional requirements
  - worksurface resistance to mechanical, heat and liquid damage
  - electrical and cabling requirements
  
  Comments would be most welcome and can be submitted directly to the Institute.