What is ISO 16840-10 about?
ISO 16840-10 specifies requirements and test methods to assess the resistance to ignition by smouldering cigarette equivalent of integrated or non-integrated components of a wheelchair intended to protect tissue integrity and/or provide postural support. The electronic ignition source is also a simulation of other potential sources of environmental ignition hazards.
The tests measure only the resistance to ignition of the items tested, and not the ignitability of the complete wheelchair. It gives an indication, but cannot guarantee, the ignition behaviour of the assembled devices of a complete wheelchair.
ISO 16840-10 does not apply to resistance to ignition of structural parts of a wheelchair. This document does not cover changes in resistance to ignition because of regular washing or use of the postural support devices.
NOTE- The intent of this document is primarily to address components that interface with the human body, such as cushions for positioning, or whose described purpose is that of protecting skin tissue against pressure, shear, and maceration related damage, as well as textile, foam, and plastic-based postural support devices
Who is ISO 16840-10 for?
ISO 16840-10 on wheelchair seating is useful for:
- Wheelchair manufacturing companies
- Manufacturers of postural support devices
- Physiotherapist
- Physio care experts
Why should you use ISO 16840-10?
ISO 16840-10 While the ignition and subsequent burning of wheelchairs is very rare, these hazardous scenarios can occur as a result of:
- Being close to a burning object such as a fire beside the wheelchair
- Overheating of any electrical or electronic device on the wheelchair
- Contact from sparks or flames (such as welding sparks, cigarettes, or matches)
Wheelchair occupants are at particular risk of injury or death from these fires and resulting fumes because it is very possible that they do not have the ability to move away from the wheelchair.
ISO 16840-10 promotes positive and unobtrusive self-image and helpful in optimal function, safety, and independence by increasing the connection and responsiveness of the manual wheelchair. ISO 16840-10 provides appropriate alternatives to using furniture-based flammability standards, to reflect the uses and purposes of wheelchairs and their accessories
Good practices of ISO 16840-10 also include the usage of materials that minimize the risk of release of toxic substances as a result of ignition and that do not pose a biocompatibility risk to the wheelchair user.
ISO 16840-10 is helpful for manufacturers of wheelchairs to design and procure wheelchairs and their components that are appropriate to manage the risk of ignition against the functional needs of the wheelchair occupant.
ISO 16840-10 assists you in ensuring optimum quality and performance of wheelchairs, while minimizing damage from possible ignition and subsequent burning. This allows healthcare providers to deliver safe and effective product and services to the end-user. Moreover, conformity with international standards will foster confidence and reliability for your products.
ISO 16840-10 contributes to Goal 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS ISO 16840-10:2021 cancels and replaces ISO 16840‑10:2014 and ISO 7176‑16:2012, which have been technically revised. The following changes have been made:
- Inclusion of the other postural support devices originally covered by ISO 7176‑16:2012 rather than just seat and back support cushions
- Inclusion of integrated as well as non-integrated postural support devices
- Provision for postural support devices that are smaller than the specified test sample size