What is Industrial Seating?
Industrial seating refers to any chairs which are used in an industrial setting eg workshops, warehouses, factories, manufacturing facilities, or laboratories. By definition, these chairs and stools are robust and built to withstand a more taxing environment than your average run-of-the-mill office. But how do you choose the Industrial Seating which is right for you and what do you need to consider before purchasing?
Factors to Consider
1. What do you need the seating for?
2. How often will it be used?
3. How long will it be used eg each session?
4. What is the environment like where the chair will be located?
5. Will different people be using the same seating?
6. Does your workplace require seating with official accreditation/s?
Let’s Examine Each of These Factors Individually
1. What do You Need The Seating For
Do you require a static stool or chair which can remain at the same height all day long eg for an Optometrist or a Dentist or do you need a stool or chair which can be raised or lowered to access different height workstations eg for an Architect or factory workers? Once you have determined the main use for your seating, you can then decide if you need a static chair/stool or a drafting height chair/stool. On our website, we offer both static and drafting-style chairs and stools which are suitable for all applications.
2. How Often will The Seating be Used
Determine if the seating is to be used in conjunction with a Sit/Stand Desk or if will it be used in isolation. We now know that being seated all day behind a desk can be detrimental to our health. By the same token, standing behind a desk all day is not good for us either. Many companies now offer Sit/Stand Desks but also have ergonomic seating as an alternative, so that employees can change positions and move regularly during their working day. If the Industrial Seating is used continuously 5 or more days a week, for 8 or more hours per day, you will need to choose a product that is designed for this purpose and rated accordingly.
3. How Long will The Industrial Seating be Used Eg Per Session
If the Industrial seating is used sporadically during the day, it may not require as high a rating as one which is used for 8 or more continuous hours. This aligns with ergonomic office chairs which are also rated according to how long they are used each day. Once you have worked out the daily use of the seating you require, you can then ensure that you choose the right model i.e. one that is specifically designed to be used for continuous and regular long periods of time.
4. What Is the Environment Like Where the Chair/Stool Will Be Located?
Is your seating to be used in a nice, clean office space; a sterile laboratory or a dusty workshop or factory? This is a very important factor as it will determine what type of upholstery you should consider when purchasing your Industrial Seating or Office Chairs. Fabric seating is usually an acceptable choice in a standard office space. However, if your chair or stool is located in an area where it will require regular cleaning or disinfecting, the best choice would be a PU or man-made leather finish. The PU or man-made upholstery finish is easy to wipe down with a damp cloth or sterilize by cleaning with a mild anti-bacterial spray. This is one of the most important considerations when choosing your Industrial Seating.
5. Will Different People Be Using the Same Seating?
This is an important factor to consider when choosing the right chair/stool for your needs. People are very different. They can be tall or short, sturdily built or petite, or older or younger. Some people require more back support and may prefer a chair to a stool. Others may need different settings like an independent back or seat tilt to ensure optimal comfort. It is vitally important, therefore, that your chair or stool is fully adjustable. This is vital if it is to be shared or if you have workers with specific comfort/support needs.
6. Does Your Workplace Require Seating with Official Accreditation/s?
It is crucial that you find out what your workplace’s guidelines or policies are when purchasing Industrial Seating or Office Chairs. Are they happy with a 10-year warranty or are chairs in a certain price range acceptable? Do they have a policy of purchasing Australian Made Chairs or do they only purchase chairs that have an official accreditation eg AFRDI or Greenguard? There is no point in ascertaining all the other factors above, narrowing down a shortlist of suitable chairs or stools, and then finding out that none of them meet the minimum standards required by your company. Many of our Industrial Seating and Office Chairs have been independently tested and carry Accreditations like AFRDI and/or Greenguard or have been endorsed by the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Browse our extensive range of chairs and stools which will are designed to suit all purposes.
