Overview
SIST-TS CEN/TS 18231:2026 is a technical specification published by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST). It serves as a comprehensive guide to measuring the dimensions of office chairs according to EN 1335-1:2020+A1:2022 using the chair measurement device (CMD) and test methods defined in ISO 24496:2021. This document addresses the potential for inconsistent results and misinterpretations that may arise when assessing furniture dimensions, offering additional clarifications, guidance, and practical examples for precise, reproducible, and standardized measurements.
Key Topics
- Measurement Consistency: The guide details procedures for chair setup, placement, and operation of the CMD, ensuring that different operators obtain comparable results.
- Stepwise Measuring Instructions: Clear sequences are provided for:
- Chair preparation and adjustment (seat height, backrest, lumbar zone, armrests)
- Application and alignment of the CMD
- Using reference markings and guidelines to support accurate placement and readings
- Clarifications and Examples: The document offers further explanations beyond ISO 24496, emphasizing practical steps and giving worked examples to avoid ambiguous interpretations.
- Dealing with Design Variations: Guidance is included on how to proceed when a chair’s specific design does not fully accommodate standard measurement procedures, with advice on documenting such deviations.
- Application of Measurement Sequences: Instructions cover measurements with chair components in minimum, middle, and maximum settings, as well as detailed points on dimensional parameters such as seat height, seat depth, backrest height, armrest distance, and more.
Applications
SIST-TS CEN/TS 18231:2026 is highly relevant for:
- Furniture Testing Laboratories: Ensuring precise and reproducible measurement results for office chairs according to European and international standards.
- Furniture Manufacturers: Supporting product development, technical compliance, and documentation for office chairs.
- Quality Assurance Teams: Verifying the conformity of office chairs with the latest ergonomic and dimensional requirements.
- Certification and Regulatory Bodies: Providing clear, harmonized instructions to assess chair measurements and compliance.
- Designers and Engineers: Gaining detailed reference for correct interpretation and implementation of office chair dimension measurements during product design.
By following this guide, all stakeholders in the furniture industry can minimize discrepancies, reduce ambiguity, and facilitate the comparability of dimension data across manufacturers and national borders.
Related Standards
SIST-TS CEN/TS 18231:2026 is closely aligned with and references the following standards:
- EN 1335-1:2020+A1:2022: Office furniture – Office work chair – Part 1: Dimensions; core European standard specifying size requirements and determination of office chair dimensions.
- ISO 24496:2021: Office furniture – Office chairs – Methods for the determination of dimensions; international reference for chair measurement devices and determination methods.
Additional related standards include:
- EN 1335-2/3: Further parts detailing safety and mechanical requirements for office chairs.
- ISO/IEC Terminology Databases: For definitions, terms, and cross-compatibility with related terminology in the standards ecosystem.
Keywords: office furniture standards, chair measurement device, office chair dimensions, EN 1335-1, ISO 24496, furniture testing, SIS SIST-TS CEN/TS 18231:2026, ergonomic chair compliance, furniture measurement guide, standardization, quality assurance in furniture.
