Hazard Alert - Cantilever Chairs

A University employee narrowly escaped serious injury when a chair on which they were sitting suddenly collapsed. Observers to the incident confirmed that the employee was simply sitting in the chair and not leaning or putting undue strain on the chair.

The chair (shown below) was cantilever ('S' shaped), constructed from tubular steel with a fabric covered base and separate back rest. The bend on the front legs gave way, causing the seat to fold backwards.

Cantilever chairs

Factors contributing to the safety of these chairs include the type of steel used, wear and age. Facilities Management (FM) has strengthened some of these chairs by welding a support brace on the base.

To assess the current usage of these chairs throughout the University, departments are requested to notify the UWA Safety and Health (ph. 6488 3938, fax. 6488 1179, email: safety@uwa.edu.au) of the numbers, brands and age of their cantilever chairs by 18 February 1999.

Everyone is requested not to lean or swing in chairs and to inform either the UWA Safety and Health or Simon Chapman from FM (ph. 9387 6780 or mobile. 0413742937) of any defects (such as a bent frames), of chairs and other seating.

All incidents and accidents must be reported to safety personnel and to the UWA Safety and Health.

Written: January 1999

Investigation Report - Cantilever Chairs

Thankyou to all staff whom responded to the Hazard Alert and article in the University News regarding safety concerns over cantilever chairs.

Investigations have been carried out with departments, Facilities Management, UWA Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, manufacturers of cantilever chairs, Curtin University and the Australian Furniture Research and Development Institute.

As a result of the investigations the following points should be noted:

• Cantilever chairs have a recommended life expectancy of 5 -10 years.
• Cantilever chairs are not recommended for heavy use areas.
• Cantilever chairs used inappropriately eg. swinging or leaning back on them greatly increase the risk of damage to the chair.
• Other design factors that may contribute to the mechanical failure of these chairs include the type of metal used (grade, thickness) and the shape of the metal frame.
• Repairs to the frames of damaged chairs is not generally recommended, particularly if the chair is more than 5 years old.
• A number of chairs in departments were found to be damaged but not reported to the UWA Safety and Health as a hazard.

Recommendations

1. All cantilever chairs over 5 years old, should be replaced as soon as practicable with four legged chairs.
2. All chairs should be replaced every 5 - 10 years as part of planned maintenance.
3. If any chairs are damaged, they must be immediately taken out of use. If viable, repairs to damaged chairs may be arranged through FM Minor Works Manager - Neville Kiely on ext. 2019.
4. All hazards and accidents must be reported to the UWA Safety and Health on ext. 3938.