The Furniture Industry Research Association has published a new standard for bariatric beds, FS 060: 2019 Beds – performance and dimensional requirement for bariatric beds.
The new standard follows the 2017 publication of standard FS 058: 2017 Seating - Performance and dimensional requirement for bariatric seating).
It is expected to help hospitals as they specify new products to deal with the increasing number of overweight and obese patients.
Standard specifications
This new standard specifies test methods and requirements for safety, strength and durability for the structural safety and stability of all types of bariatric beds and bed bases for contract and domestic use, by persons weighing between 150kg to 250 kg (23.5 to 40 stone). It also recommends dimensional requirements for bariatric beds.
Sections within the standard include:
Issues for designers
Phil Reynolds, chief operating officer at the Furniture Industry Research Association, said “Designing bariatric products can pose issues for designers and manufacturers, as it is not just the case of taking a ‘standard’ product and increasing dimensions. There is much to consider, including how weight mass needs to be distributed. Our team worked with bariatric models to establish what happens in real life.
“This is why we wanted to support the industry in the challenges they face from changing demographics through the development of this new standard.”