These standards cover strength, durability, stability, flammability and safety.
Ergonomic assessment is available for AS/NZS 4438 only.
The suppliers of the chairs have formally agreed to maintain quality and to submit their products to regular auditing.
AS/NZS 4438 (levels 4, 5 and 6)
Most certified office swivel chairs in Australia and NZ are tested to the requirements of AS/NZS 4438:1997 - Height-adjustable swivel chairs. This standard is regarded as appropriate for people up to about 110 kg.
An AFRDI Level 6 certified office chair will meet most commercial needs. Level 6 chairs should be able to withstand extremely severe conditions of use, such as police stations, military installations, control rooms and use in heavy industry.
AFRDI Level 5 certified office chairs are suitable for heavy-duty office, industrial and similar application.
AFRDI Level 4 certified office chairs are suitable for office, general keyboard and executive use.
AFRDI 142 – Rated Load
This standard is designed to cater for chairs intended to be used by people heavier than 110 kg.
It is available in the following options:
| Options | Chairs for |
| 135 SS | Public space use for people up to and including 135 kg for single 8 hr shift operations. (i.e. approx 40 hrs use per week) |
| 135 MS | People up to and including 135 kg for multiple shift operations (i.e. significantly greater than 40 hrs use per week) |
| 160 SS | People up to and including 160 kg for single 8 hr shift operations. (i.e. approx 40 hrs use per week) |
| 160 MS | People up to and including 160 kg for multiple shift operations (i.e. significantly greater than 40 hrs use per week) |
| 185 SS | People up to and including 185 kg for single 8 hr shift operations. (i.e. approx 40 hrs use per week) |
| 185 MS | People up to and including 185 kg for multiple shift operations (i.e. significantly greater than 40 hrs use per week) |
The Rated Load standard (AFRDI 142) does not include dimensional/ergonomic criteria. All Rated Load options apply equal or greater loads and cycles than AFRDI level 6.
Read the revised "AFRDI 142 Rated Load - Guide for Specifiers and Product Designers" here (PDF).
