ASTM F1838

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 (see Fig. 2) is used to simulate this surface.

Rough surfaces such as wooden decks, outdoor natural surfaces, etc. The plywood testing base (see Fig. 3) is used to simulate this surface.

Note 1—(A) Poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet, 0.25 ± 0.03-in. (6 ± 0.1-mm) thickness; (B) AC exterior glue fir plywood sheet, 0.75 ± 0.08 in. (19 ± 0.2 mm) or greater in thickness; (C) polypropylene microfoam sheet; 0.7 ± 0.01-lb/ft³ (11 ± 0.2-kg/m³) density and 0.13 ± 0.01-in. (3 ± 0.03-mm) thickness; and (D) glass/tempered sheet, 0.38 ± 0.04-in. (10 ± 0.1-mm) thickness.

Note 2—(A), (B), (C), and (D) shall be roughly the same dimensions, 48 in. (1219 mm) or greater.

Note 1—(A) Poly(methyl methacrylate) sheet, 0.25 ± 0.03-in. (6 ± 0.1-mm) thickness; and (B) AC exterior glue fir plywood sheet, 0.75 ± 0.08 in. (19 ± 0.2 mm) or greater in thickness.

Note 2—(A) and (B) shall be roughly the same dimensions, 48 in. (1219 mm) or greater.

1. Scope

1.1 These standard performance requirements establish nationally recognized performance requirements for Class A (residential) and Class B (nonresidential) child's plastic chairs intended for outdoor use.

1.2 These standard performance requirements are not applicable to chaises, multi-positional chairs, upholstered chairs, or other types of furniture.

1.3 These standard performance requirements cover the performance of product regarding aspects of outdoor weathering, impact, static load, and rear leg testing.

1.4 Products Manufactured from Recycled Plastics:

1.4.1 Products may be manufactured from recycled plastics as long as the performance requirements are met.

1.5 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.

1.6 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

D2565 Practice for Xenon Arc Exposure of Plastics Intended for Outdoor Applications
D4329 Practice for Fluorescent UV Exposure of Plastics
D638 Test Method for Tensile Properties of Plastics
G23 Practice for Operating Light-Exposure Apparatus (Carbon-Arc Type) With and Without Water for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials

Index Terms

casual furniture; child's plastic chair; outdoor furniture; patio furniture; recycled plastics; resin furniture; Casual furniture; Children's furniture; Outdoor furniture; Patio furniture; Performance--consumer products; Plastic furniture; Resin furniture ; ICS Number Code 97.140; 97.190

Citing ASTM Standards

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