When you sit in your office chair or roll a drawer open, you probably don’t think twice about whether it is safe, durable, or built to last. That is exactly how it should be because behind the scenes, there are rigorous standards in place to make sure your workplace furniture performs flawlessly day after day.
These standards are not just best practices they are the result of decades of industry collaboration led by the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturers Association (BIFMA). This organization, accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) is the driving force behind the furniture safety and performance standards we rely on.
What Makes a Piece of Furniture Certified?
The BIFMA standards are developed through a process that includes input from engineers, manufacturers, customers, and public review and feedback.
Every standard goes through multiple stages:
- Drafting by expert working groups
- Review by a diverse group of stakeholders
- Public commentary and revisions
- Regular updates to keep up with new materials and innovations
These standards spell out exactly how furniture should be tested — from the lab equipment used to the specific conditions of each test — to make sure every product meets minimum levels of safety, durability, and structural performance.
Why BIFMA Standards and Testing Matters
Simply put, BIFMA/ ANSI certified furniture is tested to ensure it will not tip, collapse, or break through normal use, which helps prevent workplace injuries and ensures long-term reliability. Because when it comes to workplace safety, furniture durability is not just “nice to have” it is essential. These standards are a result of rigorous engineering and real-world testing.
These standards:
- Protect people
- Assures quality
- Standardizes the testing across the office furniture industry
- Provides peace of mind
Andy Stern’s Carries Furniture That Passes the Test
At Andy Stern’s Office Furniture, we carry furniture that meets or exceeds ANSI/BIFMA standards. That means everything from the wheels on your chair to the frame of your desk has been put through the paces.
Ready to Design a Better Office?
Our team at Andy Stern’s has been helping businesses create safe, beautiful, and efficient office spaces for over 68 years. Browse our furniture solutions and give us a call, and we will help bring your vision to life, backed with the peace of mind that comes with BIFMA/ANSI certified furniture.
