prEN 1178-2

Overview

prEN 1178-2: Furniture - High Chairs for Domestic Use - Part 2: Test Methods is a European standard developed by CEN to define testing protocols for the safety assessment of high chairs used in domestic environments. This document specifically outlines standardized test methods aiming to verify that high chairs meet consistent safety criteria, ensuring the protection of infants and young children at home. The standard applies strictly to high chairs intended for domestic use, including those that may be convertible into other related configurations such as low chairs or tables. However, the test procedures described do not address additional functions like baby walking frames, pushchairs, swings, car chairs, or reclining low chairs.

Key Topics

The essential subjects covered in prEN 1178-2 are focused on methods that objectively evaluate the safety and durability of high chairs. The core content includes:

• Test Methodology: Procedures for assessing stability, strength, and durability under typical and foreseeable conditions of domestic use.
• Scope Definition: Guidance on the applicability of tests exclusively to high chairs for home settings.
• Functional Exclusions: Test methods do not extend to convertible functionalities such as walking frames, pushchairs, or swings.
• Repeatability and Standardization: Instructions to ensure test results can be reliably replicated across different laboratories and manufacturers.
• Safety Principles: Focus on preventing hazards such as tip-over, pinching, or structural collapse.

Applications

Implementation of prEN 1178-2 delivers practical benefits for:

• Manufacturers: Professionals in the furniture and juvenile products sector use these test methods to verify and document product safety before market launch, ensuring compliance with EU regulations and consumer expectations.
• Testing Laboratories: Accredited facilities apply the standardized procedures to provide consistent, third-party certification and quality assurance for high chairs intended for domestic use.
• Retailers and Distributors: By sourcing products compliant with prEN 1178-2, retailers reinforce consumer trust and reduce liability risks associated with unsafe child products.
• Regulators and Policy Makers: Provides a reliable reference for market surveillance and consumer safety enforcement.

The application of this standard ensures high levels of child safety, supports product reliability, enhances consumer confidence, and helps companies meet the legal and market requirements across Europe.

Related Standards

For comprehensive product compliance, prEN 1178-2 should be considered alongside related technical standards, including:

• EN 1178-1: Furniture - High Chairs for Domestic Use - Part 1: Safety Requirements: Defines the basic safety requirements that products must meet, while Part 2 focuses on how to test for compliance with those requirements.
• Other furniture safety standards (ICS 97.140): Covering areas such as structural safety, chemical hazards, and general performance criteria for domestic furniture.

Adherence to prEN 1178-2 and related EU furniture safety standards is essential for manufacturers and suppliers aiming to provide high-quality, compliant, and market-ready high chairs for domestic use.

Keywords: high chair safety, furniture test methods, CEN standards, prEN 1178-2, domestic use, infant product safety, European standard, high chair compliance, child safety standards, furniture durability test.