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Storage furniture - Identify and control risks

Legal framework furniture

Are you a manufacturer or importer trading furniture in the European market? Furniture is covered by the General Product Safety Directive 2001/95/EC. This directive requires you to market safe products. Depending on the category of furniture, different standards are available to demonstrate that your products meet the safety requirements of European legislation.

Storage furniture for domestic use

Safety requirements and test methods for storage furniture can be found in European standard EN 14749. This standard is intended only for household storage furniture, such as closets, wall cabinets and towel rails for use in bedroom, living room, bathroom or kitchen. Storage furniture for office, laboratory, catering, industrial and public use are outside the scope of EN 14749.

Risk analysis

An unsafe storage furniture can be dangerous. If the furniture breaks or falls, it can cause (minor) wounds or even serious injuries. In one case, an unsafe furniture has even cost someone's life. Therefore, never underestimate the dangers the furniture may pose.
To identify the possible physical and mechanical hazards, a risk analysis must be performed. Each component of the furniture is identified, asking at least the following questions: How strong is the furniture? Does it break or come off parts when fully loaded? Does the furniture function as intended, even after extended use? Does the furniture have sharp edges and can you get trapped in it? Are pull-out components, such as drawers, equipped with a safety mechanism to prevent them from coming loose under normal pushing or pulling forces?

A plan should then be made to reduce the identified risks to an acceptable level. If necessary, the product should be modified accordingly to then be tested against the European standard for household storage furniture, EN 14749.

Safety requirements of EN 14749

EN 14749 covers only physical and mechanical hazards. There are two types of tests, namely:

  • (i) General safety testing - checking for sharp edges, pinch points and safety mechanisms of lids and drawers;
  • (ii) Structural safety testing - verification of strength, durability and stability.

Structural safety tests are not always applicable, especially for storage furniture that is less heavy. The applicability depends on the total mass of the furniture, the total mass of one of the components and the potential energy of the furniture. The total mass and potential energy must therefore be calculated in advance to have a clear overview of the applicability of the tests. If structural safety tests regarding strength, durability and stability are not applicable, testing is not only a waste of your money, but also gives a false picture about the safety of your product. Self-inspection of the product is then a good alternative.

Need support?

Do you sell furniture on the European market and wonder if your product complies with European legislation? Précon can support you with:

  • An initial review of your product;
  • Conduct and review a risk analysis;
  • Understanding applicable laws and standards;
  • Assess whether the tests according to EN 14749 are applicable;
  • Review your furniture test reports.

Contact us at +31 (0)30 - 65 66 010 or info@precongroup.com. We can then help you further. You will receive a no-obligation quotation from us.

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