Task chairs

Office chairs suitable for continuous use, meaning with a usage of more than 20 hours per week, are commonly referred to as operative office chairs. The main activities of the users were generally defined as "video terminal operators" according to Legislative Decree 626. Legislative Decree 626 was subsequently replaced by Legislative Decree 81/08, the Consolidated Safety Act, a regulation that aligns workplace safety standards with those in force in European Union countries. Essentially, for all office work tasks, whether clerical or managerial, involving the use of a chair for more than 20 hours per week, the type of chair that meets the mandatory requirements established by Legislative Decree 81/2008, Annex XXXIV for workstations with video terminals is as follows: a swivel office work chair compliant with UNI EN 1335 type Ax, A, or B with adjustable lumbar support. For operators using the chair for less than 20 hours per week, in addition to the prescribed swivel chairs, chairs classified as type C can also be used.

The classification into four types (Ax, A, B, C) of office chairs provided by the UNI EN 1335 standard is related to both the dimensional characteristics of the chairs and their degree of adjustability, and consequently, their adaptability to the user's anthropometric characteristics. The ultimate goal is to allow ergonomic and legally compliant work. Types AX and A include the following features: adjustable seat depth, adjustable seat and backrest tilt, adjustable lumbar support height, and at least height and width adjustable armrests (2D). The seat height has a range of 13 cm. Type B chairs have less restrictive adjustability characteristics: the seat depth and tilt can be fixed or adjustable, the backrest tilt is adjustable, the lumbar support height can be fixed or adjustable, and the armrests can be fixed or adjustable. Type C chairs, on the other hand, have minimal dimensional requirements while maintaining the same adjustment possibilities as Type B.

In addition to specifying the dimensional and construction requirements for chairs, the UNI EN 1335 standard also specifies the main design, safety, and durability requirements for chairs. It is worth noting that UNI EN 1335-1 is a useful tool for demonstrating compliance with legal requirements, but it is not explicitly referenced by Legislative Decree 81/2008 and therefore remains a voluntary tool. The Ufficiostile collection offers dozens of certified models compliant with UNI EN 1335 and other models that comply with the requirements of Legislative Decree 81/08 for which the certification process has not been initiated. The ergonomic office chairs in the collection are produced in Italy and made with high-quality materials. In any case, the origin of the products is specified for each individual model on the product page.

What is meant by an ergonomic chair: Ergonomic office chairs are designed to provide comfort and adequate support during long hours of work. An ergonomic chair is designed taking into account the needs and characteristics of the human body in order to prevent or reduce fatigue, musculoskeletal injuries, and improve posture.

According to European regulations, particularly the EN 1335-1:2000 standard "Office chairs - Part 1: Dimensions - Determination of anthropometric dimensions," ergonomic chairs should be adjustable to accommodate different sizes and user preferences. Some important features of an ergonomic chair include:

Adjustable height: The chair should allow the user to adjust the height so that the feet can comfortably rest on the floor while keeping the knees bent at a right angle.

Lumbar support: The chair should provide adequate lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of the spine and prevent back pain.

Adjustable seat and backrest: The seat and backrest should be independently adjustable, allowing the user to find a comfortable position that reduces stress on the back and neck.

Adjustable armrests: The armrests should be adjustable in height and width to provide adequate support to the arms and shoulders.

High-quality materials and padding: An ergonomic chair should be made with high-quality materials that offer comfort and durability. The padding should be soft enough to reduce pressure on the bones, but firm enough to provide support.

In conclusion, an ergonomic office chair is designed to promote correct posture, provide comfort, and reduce physical stress. Following the guidelines of European regulations can help in selecting chairs that meet ergonomic standards and provide a healthier and more productive work environment.

In this section of the Ufficiostile.com website, you will find ergonomic operative office chairs available with upholstery in various types of fabric. In the individual product pages, you can verify the type of upholstery and any fire-resistant characteristics, as well as the presence of oscillating or synchronized mechanisms for the seat and backrest. Ufficiostile chairs can be purchased online or at their locations in Rome, Milan, Turin, Trieste, Bologna, Naples, and Ancona.