ASTM F1561-03(2008)

Standard Performance Requirements for Plastic Chairs for Outdoor Use

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Tests and criteria as outlined determine the overall usability and stability of chairs in an environment simulating the conditions of use.
Tests simulate two types of surfaces:
Smooth surfaces such as linoleum, wet pool decks, etc. The glass testing base (Fig. 2) is used to simulate this surface.
Rough surfaces such as wooden decks, outdoor grassed areas, etc. The plywood testing base (Fig. 3) is used to simulate this surface.
Note—A = poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet (see standard specifications); B = AC exterior glue fir plywood (see standard specifications); C = polypropylene microfoam sheet (see standard specifications); D = glass/tempered (see standard specifications). FIG. 2 Glass Testing Base
Note—A = poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet (see standard specifications); B = AC exterior glue fir plywood (see standard specifications). FIG. 3 Plywood Testing Base
SCOPE
1.1 These requirements establish nationally recognized performance requirements for Class A (residential) and Class B (nonresidential) plastic chairs intended for outdoor use.
1.2 These requirements do not address conditions that affect the performance of the chair beyond the manufacturing site.
1.3 These requirements are not applicable to chaises, multipositional chairs, upholstered chairs, or other types of furniture.
1.4 These requirements cover the physical performance of product regarding the aspects of outdoor weathering, impact, static load, and rear leg testing.
1.5 Products may be manufactured from recycled plastics as long as the performance requirements are met.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2008
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: F15 - Consumer Products
• Drafting Committee: F15.33 - Outdoor Plastic Lawn Furniture

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F1561-03 - Standard Performance Requirements for Plastic Chairs for Outdoor Use
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008
• Referred By: ASTM F2613-22 - Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Children's Chairs and Stools
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2008

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F1561 − 03(Reapproved 2008)
Standard Performance Requirements for
Plastic Chairs for Outdoor Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1561; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics (Withdrawn
2007)
1.1 These requirements establish nationally recognized per-
G23 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus
formance requirements for Class A (residential) and Class B
(Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure
(nonresidential) plastic chairs intended for outdoor use.
of Nonmetallic Materials (Withdrawn 2000)
1.2 These requirements do not address conditions that affect
the performance of the chair beyond the manufacturing site. 3. Terminology
1.3 These requirements are not applicable to chaises, mul-
3.1 Definitions:
tipositional chairs, upholstered chairs, or other types of furni- 3.1.1 plastic chair, n—for the purposes of these
ture.
requirements, a molded, upright piece of furniture with or
withoutarms,havingabackinafixedpositionwithnomoving
1.4 These requirements cover the physical performance of
parts, intended for seating one person, and having a seat height
product regarding the aspects of outdoor weathering, impact,
not less than 15 in. (381 mm) and not greater than 19 in. (483
static load, and rear leg testing.
mm); for a chair with arms, having a seat width not less than
1.5 Products may be manufactured from recycled plastics as
16 in. (406 mm) and not greater than 30 in. (762 mm); and for
long as the performance requirements are met.
a chair without arms, having a seat width not less than 14 in.
(356 mm) and not greater than 30 in. (as shown in Fig. 1).
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Class A (residential) plastic chairs are
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
intended for use by the customer in and around the home.
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
3.1.1.2 Discussion—Class B (nonresidential) plastic chairs
and are not considered standard.
are intended for use by the customer in all other areas,
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
including those defined as Class A.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Significance and Use
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
4.1 Tests and criteria as outlined determine the overall
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
usability and stability of chairs in an environment simulating
the conditions of use.
2. Referenced Documents
2 4.2 Tests simulate two types of surfaces:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
4.2.1 Smooth surfaces such as linoleum, wet pool decks,
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
etc. The glass testing base (Fig. 2) is used to simulate this
D2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics In-
surface.
tended for Outdoor Applications
4.2.2 Rough surfaces such as wooden decks, outdoor
D4329 Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics
grassed areas, etc. The plywood testing base (Fig. 3) is used to
D5033 GuideforDevelopmentofASTMStandardsRelating
simulate this surface.
5. Apparatus
These performance requirements are under the jurisdiction ofASTM Commit-
5.1 Plastic Chairs, which have been inspected and met a
tee F15 on Consumer Products and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
manufacturer’s internal quality standards.
F15.33 on Outdoor Plastic Lawn Furniture.
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2008. Published October 2008. Originally
5.2 One Heavy-Weight Canvas or Leather Bag, 16 6 0.2 in.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as F1561 – 03. DOI:
(406 6 4 mm) in diameter, which shall be measured prior to
10.1520/F1561-03R08.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
the ASTM website. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1561 − 03 (2008)
of 1506 1.5 lb (68 6 0.7 kg). The bag shall be fitted with a
safety cable to prevent it from hitting the glass testing base but
should not interfere with the test.
5.3 One Heavy-Weight Canvas or Leather Bag, identical to
the bag in 5.2; however, the weight is increased by addition to
the bag of 150 6 1.5 lb (68 6 0.7 kg) of either (1) additional
steel or lead shot, or (2) barbell weights distributed evenly on
top of the steel or lead shot, for a total weight of 300 63lb
(136 6 1.4 kg).
5.4 One Heavy-Weight Canvas or Leather Bag, identical to
the bag in 5.2; however, the weight is increased by addition to
the bag of 250 6 2.5 lb (114 6 1.1 kg) of either (1) additional
steel or lead shot or (2) barbell weights distributed evenly on
top of the steel or lead shot, for a total weight of 400 64lb
(182 6 1.8 kg).
5.5 Tempered Sheet Glass (as Base), one piece 36 6 0.4-in.
(914 6 10-mm) square and clean, 0.38 6 0.04-in. (10 6
0.1-mm) thickness.
5.6 AC Exterior Glue Fir Plywood (as Base), one piece 36
NOTE 1—a = seat height, chair with or without arms; b = seat width,
6 0.4-in. (914 6 10-mm) square sheet, 1.0 6 0.1-in. (25 6
chair with arms; c = seat width, chair without arms; and, d = leg stance,
0.3-mm) thickness.
measured from back of front leg to back of rear leg.
5.7 Poly(Methyl Methacrylate), one piece 36 6 0.4-in. (914
FIG. 1 Measurements of a Chair
6 10-mm) square sheet, 0.25 6 0.03-in. (6 6 0.1-mm)
thickness.
5.8 Polypropylene Microfoam, one piece 36 6 0.4-in. (914
6 10-mm) square sheet, 0.76 0.01-lb/ft density and 0.13 6
0.01-in. (3 6 0.03-mm) thickness.
5.9 Rear Leg Testing Block—One block of suitable wood
material, 36 in. (0.4 mm) in length, and 3 6 0.03 in. (76 6 0.8
mm) in height, and 6 in. (150 mm) or greater in width.
5.10 Rear Leg Testing Block—One block of suitable wood
material, 36 in. (0.4 mm) in length, and 3.75 6 0.04 in. (95 6
0.95 mm) in height, and 6 in. (150 mm) or greater in width.
5.11 Rear Leg Testing Block—One block of suitable wood
NOTE 1—A = poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet (see standard specifica-
material, 36 in. (0.4 mm) in length, and 4.5 6 0.05 in. (114 6
tions); B = AC exterior glue fir plywood (see standard specifications);
1.1 mm) in height, and 6 in. (150 mm) or greater in width.
C = polypropylene microfoam sheet (see standard specifications);
D = glass/tempered (see standard specifications).
6. Conditioning
FIG. 2 Glass Testing Base
6.1 Precondition all chairs for a minimum of 48 h at 65 to
75°F (18 to 24°C) and a relative humidity of 50 6 5 % and test
subsequently under the same conditions.
7. General Requirements
7.1 All plastic chairs meeting the performance requirements
shall be made from polymeric materials that meet the require-
ments for outdoor weathering in Section 8 for Class A
(residential) or Section 9 for Class B (nonresidential).
8. Test Procedure—Class A (Residential)
NOTE 1—A = poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet (see standard specifica-
8.1 Initial Inspection—Inspect each chair thoroughly for
tions); B = AC exterior glue fir plywood (see standard specifications).
breaks, fractures, cracks, or other structural damage prior to
FIG. 3 Plywood Testing Base
testing. Any chairs exhibiting structural damage shall not be
tested.
testing to dete
...

This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation:F1561–96 Designation:F1561–03 (Reapproved 2008)
Standard Performance Requirements for
Plastic Chairs for Outdoor Use
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1561; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 These requirements establish nationally recognized performance requirements for Class A (residential) and Class B
(nonresidential) plastic chairs intended for outdoor use.
1.2 These requirements do not address conditions that affect the performance of the chair beyond the manufacturing site.
1.3 These requirements are not applicable to chaises, multipositional chairs, upholstered chairs, or other types of furniture.
1.4These requirements cover the physical performance of product regarding the aspects of impact, static load, and rear leg
testing.
1.5The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.6
1.4 These requirements cover the physical performance of product regarding the aspects of outdoor weathering, impact, static
load, and rear leg testing.
1.5 Products may be manufactured from recycled plastics as long as the performance requirements are met.
1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
limitations prior to use.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D 638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
D 2565 Practice for Xenon-Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications
D 4329 Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics
D 5033 Guide for Development of ASTM Standards Relating to Recycling and Use of Recycled Plastics
G 23 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus (Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure of
Nonmetallic Materials
3. Terminology
2.1
3.1 Definition:
2.1.1
3.1.1 plastic chair, n—for the purposes of these requirements, a molded, upright piece of furniture with or without arms, having
a back in a fixed position with no moving parts, intended for seating one person, and having a seat height not less than 15 in. (381
mm) and not greater than 19 in. (483 mm); for a chair with arms, having a seat width not less than 16 in. (406 mm) and not greater
than 30 in. (762 mm); and for a chair without arms, having a seat width not less than 14 in. (356 mm) and not greater than 30 in.
(as shown in Fig. 1).
2.1.1.1
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Class A (residential) plastic chairs are intended for use by the customer in and around the home.
TheseperformancerequirementsareunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeF-15F15onConsumerProductsandarethedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeF15.33
on Outdoor Plastic Lawn Furniture.
Current edition approved June 10, 1996.Aug. 1, 2008. Published August 1996.October 2008. Originally published as F1561–94.approved in 1994. Last previous edition
F1561–94.approved in 2003 as F 1561 – 03.
For referencedASTM standards, visit theASTM website, www.astm.org, or contactASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
F1561–03 (2008)
NOTE 1—a = seat height, chair with or without arms; b = seat width,
chair with arms; c = seat width, chair without arms; and, d = leg stance,
measured from back of front leg to back of rear leg.
FIG. 1 Measurements of a Chair
2.1.1.2
3.1.1.2 Discussion—Class B (nonresidential) plastic chairs are intended for use by the customer in all other areas, including
those defined as Class A.
3.
4. Significance and Use
3.1Tests4.1 Tests and criteria as outlined determine the overall usability and stability of chairs in an environment simulating the
conditions of use.
3.2Tests4.2 Tests simulate two types of surfaces:
34.2.1 Smooth surfaces such as linoleum, wet pool decks, etc. The glass testing base (Fig. 2) is used to simulate this surface.
34.2.2 Rough surfaces such as wooden decks, outdoor grassed areas, etc. The plywood testing base (Fig. 3) is used to simulate
this surface.
4.
5. Apparatus
4.1
NOTE 1—A = poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet (see standard specifica-
tions); B = AC exterior glue fir plywood (see standard specifications);
C = polypropylene microfoam sheet (see standard specifications);
D = glass/tempered (see standard specifications).
FIG. 2 Glass Testing Base
F1561–03 (2008)
NOTE 1—A = poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet (see standard specifica-
tions); B = AC exterior glue fir plywood (see standard specifications).
FIG. 3 Plywood Testing Base
5.1 Plastic Chairs, which have been inspected and met a manufacturer’s internal quality standards.
4.2
5.2 One Heavy-Weight Canvas or Leather Bag,16 60.2in.(406 64mm)indiameter,whichshallbemeasuredpriortotesting
to determine stretching, having a total measurement not to exceed 17.5 in. (445 mm) and filled with steel or lead shot (0.09 to 0.12
in.(2.3to3.0mm)indiameter)toatotalweightof15061.5lb(68 60.7kg).Thebagshallbefittedwithasafetycabletoprevent
it from hitting the glass testing base but should not interfere with the test.
4.3
5.3 One Heavy-Weight Canvas or Leather Bag, identical to the bag in 4.25.2; however, the weight is increased by addition to
the bag of 150 6 1.5 lb (68 6 0.7 kg) of either (1) additional steel or lead shot, or (2) barbell weights distributed evenly on top
of the steel or lead shot, for a total weight of 300 6 3 lb (136 6 1.4 kg).
4.4
5.4 One Heavy-Weight Canvas or Leather Bag, identical to the bag in 4.25.2; however, the weight is increased by addition to
the bag of 250 6 2.5 lb (114 6 1.1 kg) of either (1) additional steel or lead shot or (2) barbell weights distributed evenly on top
of the steel or lead shot, for a total weight of 400 6 4 lb (182 6 1.8 kg).
4.5
5.5 Tempered Sheet Glass (as Base) , one piece 36 6 0.4-in. (914 6 10-mm) square and clean, 0.38 6 0.04-in. (10 6 0.1-mm)
thickness.
4.6
5.6 AC Exterior Glue Fir Plywood (as Base), one piece 36 6 0.4-in. (914 6 10-mm) square sheet, 1.0 6 0.1-in. (25 6 0.3-mm)
thickness.
4.7
5.7 Poly(Methyl Methacrylate), one piece 36 6 0.4-in. (914 6 10-mm) square sheet, 0.25 6 0.03-in. (6 6 0.1-mm) thickness.
4.85.8 Polypropylene Microfoam, one piece 36 6 0.4-in. (914 6 10-mm) square sheet, 0.76 0.01-lb/ft density and 0.136
0.01-in. (36 0.03-mm) thickness.
5.Conditioning
5.1Precondition all chairs for a minimum of 48 h at 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) and a relative humidity of 50 6 5% and test
subsequently under the same conditions. density and 0.13 6 0.01-in. (3 6 0.03-mm) thickness.
5.9 Rear Leg Testing Block—One block of suitable wood material, 36 in. (0.4 mm) in length, and 3 6 0.03 in. (76 6 0.8 mm)
in height, and 6 in. (150 mm) or greater in width.
5.10 Rear Leg Testing Block—One block of suitable wood material, 36 in. (0.4 mm) in length, and 3.75 6 0.04 in. (95 6 0.95
mm) in height, and 6 in. (150 mm) or greater in width.
5.11 Rear Leg Testing Block—One block of suitable wood material, 36 in. (0.4 mm) in length, and 4.5 6 0.05 in. (114 6 1.1
mm) in height, and 6 in. (150 mm) or greater in width.
6. Conditioning
6.1 Precondition all chairs for a minimum of 48 h at 65 to 75°F (18 to 24°C) and a relative humidity of 50 6 5 % and test
subsequently under the same conditions.
7. General Requirements
7.1 All plastic chairs meeting the performance requirements shall be made from polymeric materials that meet the requirements
for outdoor weathering in Section 8 for Class A (residential) or Section 9 for Class B (nonresidential).
8. Test Procedure—Class A (Residential)
6.1
...