Office Chairs for Staff in Government

The configuration of office chairs in central administrative institutions must adhere to the requirements of the National Government Offices Administration's 'Guidelines' and also pay attention to the quality issues reflected in the spot checks conducted by the State Administration for Market Regulation.

I. Configuration Specifications for Office Chairs in Central Administrative Institutions According to the 'Guidelines on Specifications and Performance of General Office Furniture for Central Administrative Institutions' issued by the National Government Offices Administration, office chairs, as one of the eight recommended types of general office furniture, must strictly adhere to the following principles in their configuration:

1. Coordination with Office Space Area: The size and functionality of office chairs must match the office space to avoid over-specification. For example, it is recommended that the seat width of ordinary office chairs be controlled between 45-50 centimeters, and the height adjustment range should meet the needs of personnel of different heights.
2. Quantity and Price Restrictions: Departments must not exceed the standard configuration quantity of office chairs, and the unit price must not exceed the upper limit specified in the 'Guidelines' (e.g., the recommended unit price for ordinary office chairs should not exceed 800 yuan).
3. Frugality Requirements: It is prohibited to use the issuance of the 'Guidelines' as an excuse to massively update office chairs that are currently in normal use. Only chairs that are damaged or cannot meet basic functions are allowed to be replaced.

II. Quality and Safety of Office Chairs Require Special Attention The results of the national supervision spot check on office chairs released by the State Administration for Market Regulation on September 30, 2024, showed that 15 batches of products were unqualified, with stability issues being the most prominent, specifically manifested as:

1. Base Structure Defects: Some products have insufficient strength in their five-star bases, making them prone to tipping over when tilted or moved, posing safety hazards.
2. Substandard Quality of Pneumatic Rods: Inferior pneumatic rods may explode. It is necessary to choose products that have passed BIFMA certification or comply with the GB/T 24821 standard.
3. Excessive Formaldehyde: Some office chair fabrics or fillings release formaldehyde, which may pose health risks with long-term use. Attention should be paid to product environmental certifications (such as the China Environmental Labeling Certification).

III. Procurement and Usage Recommendations

1. Prioritize Compliant Products: When procuring, it is necessary to check whether the product is marked with the applicable standard (e.g., GB/T 14531-2017) and require the supplier to provide a test report.
2. Regular Inspection and Maintenance: For office chairs in use, it is necessary to regularly inspect the stability of components such as pneumatic rods and wheels to avoid accidents caused by aging.
3. Strengthen Usage Management: Central administrative institutions should establish an asset ledger for office chairs, clarify the responsible persons for their use, and avoid man-made damage or arbitrary disposal.