ISO 7176-8-2014 (2015) PDF

Full title and description

Wheelchairs — Part 8: Requirements and test methods for static, impact and fatigue strengths. This international standard specifies minimum requirements and standardized test methods to determine the static, impact and fatigue strength of manual and electrically powered wheelchairs (including scooters) and requires disclosure of test results to support conformity claims.

Abstract

ISO 7176-8:2014 defines procedures and acceptance criteria for static loading, impact (drop/impact) and cyclic (fatigue) tests used to assess the structural strength and durability of wheelchairs and scooters. The test methods are intended both to verify compliance with minimum performance requirements and to allow manufacturers to substantiate higher performance claims. The part applies to occupant- and attendant-propelled manual wheelchairs and electrically powered wheelchairs for indoor and outdoor use.

General information

• Status: Published (current edition published 2014; under routine review cycle).
• Publication date: Published December 2014; corrected version issued August 2015 (English and French corrections).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 11.180.10 (Aids and adaptation for moving).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (ISO 7176-8:2014).
• Number of pages: 67 pages (official ISO publication pagination).

Scope

This part of ISO 7176 specifies the test methods and minimum performance requirements for the static, impact and fatigue strength of wheelchairs and scooters intended for people with disabilities. It covers occupant- and attendant-propelled manual wheelchairs and electrically powered wheelchairs intended for indoor and outdoor mobility; it does not replace other parts of ISO 7176 that address different performance aspects (for example manoeuvrability, measurements, environmental tests and electrical safety). The test methods can also be used to verify manufacturer claims of performance exceeding the minimum requirements.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined static strength tests (e.g., vertical and horizontal static loading of seating and frame components) and associated acceptance criteria.
• Impact tests to evaluate resistance to sudden loads (for example drop/impact to seating and frame interfaces).
• Fatigue (cyclic) testing procedures to assess long-term durability under repeated loading.
• Requirements for test specimen preparation, test fixtures, loading speeds/angles and measurement/reporting of results.
• Requirements for disclosure of test results to support manufacturer claims.

Typical use and users

Manufacturers and designers of manual and electrically powered wheelchairs and scooters use this standard to develop and validate product strength and durability. Test laboratories perform the specified tests for type approval, product development and certification purposes. Regulatory bodies, procurers, clinicians and researchers may reference the standard when assessing product safety, durability and suitability for specified environments.

Related standards

ISO 7176-8 is one part of the ISO 7176 series addressing different aspects of wheelchair performance and testing (other parts include measurements, static stability, dynamic stability, seating, climatic tests, obstacle-climbing, test dummies, etc.). The earlier edition ISO 7176-8:1998 was withdrawn and replaced by the 2014 edition. For a full list of related parts see the ISO/TC 173/SC 1 catalogue of wheelchair standards.

Keywords

wheelchair, scooter, structural strength, static test, impact test, fatigue test, durability, ISO 7176, test methods, seating strength.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 7176-8:2014 is the part of the ISO 7176 series that specifies requirements and standardized test methods to assess static, impact and fatigue strengths of wheelchairs and scooters.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test procedures (static, impact and cyclic fatigue), specimen preparation, test fixtures and acceptance criteria used to evaluate structural strength and durability, and it requires disclosure of test results to support manufacturer claims. It applies to occupant- and attendant-propelled manual wheelchairs and electrically powered wheelchairs intended for indoor and outdoor use.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, product designers, test laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, procurement specialists and clinicians involved in specifying or assessing wheelchairs and scooters.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 7176-8:2014 (Edition 2) replaced ISO 7176-8:1998. The 2014 edition was published in December 2014 with a corrected version issued in August 2015. ISO standards are subject to periodic review (typically every 5 years); users should confirm any national adoptions or later revisions before assuming long-term status.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is one part of the ISO 7176 series of standards covering various performance, safety and test methods for wheelchairs (multiple numbered parts address stability, measurements, seating, climatic tests, electrical safety, etc.).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: wheelchair, scooter, static strength, impact strength, fatigue, durability, test methods, ISO 7176.