ISO 16840-10-2021 amd1-2024 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 16840-10:2021/Amd 1:2024 — Wheelchair seating — Part 10: Resistance to ignition of postural support devices — Requirements and test method. Amendment 1 (2024) modifies ISO 16840-10:2021 by adding additional annexes and an additional test method to the original requirements and test procedures for assessing resistance to ignition of postural support devices used in wheelchair seating.

Abstract

This document specifies requirements and test methods to assess the resistance to ignition (smouldering cigarette equivalent and an electronic ignition source) of integrated or non-integrated wheelchair components intended to protect tissue integrity and/or provide postural support (for example cushions and back supports). Tests evaluate the ignition resistance of the tested items or assemblies only (not the complete wheelchair), exclude structural parts and electrical/electronic risk control, and do not address changes due to regular washing or long-term use. Amendment 1 introduces additional annexes and an extra test method to the 2021 edition.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: Amendment 1 published 24 April 2024 (ISO 16840-10:2021 published June 2021).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 11.180.10 (Aids and adaptation for moving).
• Edition / version: ISO 16840-10:2021 (Edition 2) with Amendment 1 issued 2024 (Edition 2 / Amd 1:2024).
• Number of pages: Main standard ISO 16840-10:2021 — 18 pages; Amendment 1 (2024) document — 19 pages (amendment published as a separate 19-page change document).

Scope

Specifies test methods and pass/fail requirements for assessing resistance to ignition of postural support devices used with wheelchairs. Covers testing of assemblies (cushions, covers, other postural supports) in orientations used in service (horizontal vs vertical), simulates smouldering cigarette ignition and certain electronic ignition sources, and provides guidance on sample preparation and reporting. The standard does not address ignition resistance of structural wheelchair parts, electrical/electronic components, nor effects of laundering or extended use. Amendment 1 adds supplementary annexes and an additional test method to expand or clarify test procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined test methods for smouldering cigarette equivalent ignition and an electronic ignition source to simulate environmental ignition hazards.
• Requirements and pass/fail criteria for integrated and non-integrated postural support devices (seat cushions, back supports, and similar components).
• Separate testing approaches for components normally used in horizontal planes (e.g., seat cushions) and vertical planes (e.g., back supports).
• Specification of sample preparation, assembly testing (composite materials), and reporting requirements; tests indicate resistance of tested items but do not guarantee behaviour of complete assemblies or wheelchairs.
• Amendment 1 (2024): introduces additional annexes and an extra test method to the 2021 text to clarify or extend testing and informative material.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of wheelchair cushions and postural support devices to develop and certify products; test laboratories performing flammability/ignition testing; clinical procurement teams and healthcare facilities specifying safer seating products; regulatory and conformity assessment bodies; and standards committees and product designers concerned with fire safety of seating components. The standard informs product documentation, labeling and test reporting.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 16840 wheelchair seating family; related documents include ISO 16840-1 (vocabulary and reference axes), ISO 16840-2 (seat cushion physical and mechanical characteristics), ISO 16840-3 (static, impact and repetitive load strengths for postural support devices), ISO 16840-4 (seating systems for use in motor vehicles), and recently published guidance/specifications in the 16840 series (e.g., new parts and technical specifications such as ISO/TS 16840-15). Earlier related fire-resistance work (ISO 7176-16) has been superseded / withdrawn in relation to 16840-10 developments.

Keywords

wheelchair seating; postural support device; resistance to ignition; flammability test; smouldering cigarette; electronic ignition source; test method; ISO 16840; amendment 2024; ISO/TC 173/SC 1.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 16840-10:2021 with Amendment 1:2024 is an ISO international standard that defines requirements and test methods to assess the resistance to ignition of postural support devices used in wheelchair seating.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test methods (smouldering cigarette equivalent and an electronic ignition source), sample preparation and reporting, and pass/fail criteria for cushions and other postural supports. It does not address structural wheelchair parts, electrical/electronic hazards beyond the simulated ignition source, or changes due to laundering or long-term wear. Amendment 1 adds annexes and an additional test method.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, clinicians involved in product selection, procurement officers in healthcare, conformity assessment bodies, and designers specifying safety and labeling for wheelchair seating components.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The base document ISO 16840-10:2021 is current and an Amendment 1 was published on 24 April 2024; the amendment document is published and applicable to the 2021 edition. Users should apply the 2021 edition together with Amendment 1 (2024) where required.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the ISO 16840 series (wheelchair seating), which includes other parts addressing vocabulary, cushion mechanical testing, strength testing of postural supports, vehicle seating considerations, and additional guidance/TS documents.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: wheelchair seating; postural support device; ignition resistance; flammability; cigarette smoulder test; electronic ignition; ISO 16840-10; amendment 2024.