ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 Desks and Desk Products

Published jointly by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Commercial and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA), the “ANSI/BIFMA It was developed with the aim of providing a common basis for evaluating the safety, durability and structural performance of intended desks and desk products. This standard provides test methods and performance requirements for tables and desk products.

If a product is covered by more than one ANSI/BIFMA standard, the manufacturer determines which standard provides the most appropriate test conditions. Where a product is intended to be used outside of commercial office, institutional and related environments, it is the responsibility of the user of this standard to determine whether it is suitable for the intended use.

Because of the voluntary standards adopted by the commercial and institutional furniture industry, consumers can largely take the comfort, safety, and durability of their commercial furniture for granted. Chairs that support people safely day after day, wheels that turn smoothly year after year, drawers that maintain their shape even when very full, these are all some of the cornerstones of a safe and civilized workplace. BIFMA sponsors the development and maintenance of the standards behind these quiet achievements. In this context, the ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 standard covers traditional desks that include drawers or other storage features. This standard also includes benches, height-adjustable desks, extendable desks, keyboard desks and monitor arms.

Commercial product naming conventions can cause confusion regarding the applicability of these and other BIFMA standards. For example, a dining room buffet or display case is typically defined and tested in the ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 standard, although some configurations of these products may be considered storage products within the definition of this standard and tested in accordance with the ANSI/BIFMA X5.9 standard. The manufacturer must determine which standard provides the most appropriate test conditions.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services in accordance with the "ANSI/BIFMA X5.5 Table and desk products" standard, with a trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.