The standard EN 14749:206+A1:2022 in paragraph 5.2.1 referring to
general safety requirements, states that furniture components that may come into contact with the user must not have sharp edges. The standard does not specify a minimum radius or an objective criterion to be able to define whether an edge is considered sharp or not, so the compliance with the requirement can be therefore subjective and
difficult to assess.
How we evaluate in our laboratory.Considering that the standard speaks of
“sharp edges”, it is assumed that the edges must not cut the skin of the furniture user; in this regard, we have equipped ourselves with a piece of equipment that goes precisely to simulate the contact between the finger and the sample to be evaluated. This equipment (see fig. 1) consists of a spring system that allows the application of a known force (7.3 N) on an evaluation pad that simulates the skin. By passing the pad as if it were a finger over the part to be tested (fig. 2), we can get objective assessment feedback.
After swabbing the edge, it is inspected to check that the first layer has not been damaged, thus exposing the black part underneath.
Fig. 3. Shows some examples of swabs whose result is considered negative as the black layer is clearly visible
Fig. 4 shows a swab that apparently yielded a positive result in that no lesions are noted. The evaluation we do, however, is not limited to simple observation with the naked eye but we go to check with the microscope for any lesions of the outer layer (see fig.5) that may give evidence that the edge is sharp.
If you are interested in going into depth of the applicability of thii method, contact us.
For info:Maurizio Marussi
+39 0432 747225
marussi@catas.com
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