Independent Living Centres Australia Inc
infoline: 1300 885 886
web: www.ilcaustralia.org
DISCLAIMER:
The Independent Living Centres Australia Inc does
not sell this equipment, but provides this information as a community service.
Details and prices are provided by the equipment supplier and are subject to
change without notice. The provision of this information does not constitute
a recommendation. Responsibility for final selection of any item rests with
the individual.
Buyers Guide: Office Chairs
ILC Reference NO 41:23:900
Item sourced from ILC VIC database
Short Description
Office chairs can be adjusted in any or all of seat height, seat width, armrest height, seat depth, seat angle, backrest angle. The correctly adjusted office chair will position the user at the correct working height, support the back (particularly the lower back), and allow the head and trunk to be as upright as possible.
More Details
Factors to Consider
Points to consider when buying an Office Chair:
Position of ADJUSTMENT LEVERS - most levers and knobs are located under the seat. It is important that the user can reach and operate the levers independently when sitting.
SEAT WIDTH - ensure the buttocks are comfortably supported.
SEAT DEPTH - there should be enough space to place 2 or 3 fingers between the front edge of the seat and the back of the users knees. This may be adjusted by altering the position of the backrest.
SEAT ANGLE - tilting the seat forward or back alters the pressure on the lower back.
SEAT SWIVEL - consider safety of user when transferring on and off the seat.
SEAT HEIGHT - hips and knees should sit at approximately ninety degrees. Determine appropriate height in relation to work surface:
- for writing elbows should be at table height
- for using a keyboard elbows should be at the height of the home row keys
- for fine precision tasks elbows should be a little below table height
- for tasks requiring strength elbows should be above table height
ARMREST HEIGHT - adjustable or fixed height. Fixed height may be customised. Does the user require arm support at all times, when at rest or during particular tasks? Consider height of work surface. Is there a need for the armrests to go under a desk?
ARMREST LENGTH - longer armrests will offer a greater amount of arm support and be easier to push off from when rising.
ARMREST MATERIAL - plastic, fabric, or padded.
BACKREST ANGLE - should firmly support spine in an upright position.
BACKREST HEIGHT - ensure the curves of the backrest fit the curves of the spine. Is there a need for neck or head support?
BACKREST WIDTH - a smaller backrest offers greater mobility. A wider backrest will offer greater support and may incorporate lateral contours.
LUMBAR SUPPORT - the position of the lumbar support may be adjustable in height. The amount of support may also be adjustable, eg. an inflatable bladder.
MOBILITY OF CHAIR - glides, castors. Consider mobility requirements of task. Consider five-star base or sleigh base.
MATERIAL - vinyl or fabric? Durability of fabric in relation to work environment? Consider resistance to staining and cleaning requirements. Comfort of user sitting on material?
Firmness of SEAT CUSHIONING - consider density of foam in relation to the weight of the user to prevent bottoming out. Firmer padding will be easier to push off from when rising.
FOOT SUPPORT - feet should be well supported by the floor or footrest.
LOAD CAPACITY of chair - consider the weight of the user.
FREE FLOAT mechanism - ability of the backrest and / or seat to move freely with the person. Consider stability of person and if there is a mechanism to lock seat in place.
KNEEL-SIT CHAIRS - designed to take weight through knees and bottom. May offer a back support.
SIT-STAND CHAIRS - may be suitable for users who work at high workstations to perch on.
INDUSTRIAL CHAIRS - designed for use at high workstations. May offer a back support and / or footrest.
Maintenance
Refer to the supplier and manufacturer manual for maintenance instructions and safety warnings.
Standards
Some assistive technology needs to meet Australian or other standards. Standards may relate to materials, manufacturing and installation. Products that meet Australian or international standards will have written certification. To find out if a product meets Australian Standards ask the supplier to show you the certificate. For a fact sheet about standards contact us or visit www.ilcaustralia.org/home/standards.asp
Price Guide
Refer to supplier details for pricing.
Supplier Information
Name: Backcare and Seating (Brighton)
Price: POA
Address:
501-503 Nepean Highway
Brighton
Vic
Phone: (03) 9591 6200
FAX: (03) 9591 6292
Email: brighton@backcare.com.au
Website: www.backcare.com.au
Notes:
Display open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.
Display open Saturday 9am to 12noon.
Name: Backcare and Seating (Carlton)
Price: POA
Address:
503 Nicholson Street
Carlton
VIC 3054
Postal Address:
503 Nicholson Street
Carlton
VIC 3054
Phone: (03) 9349 1757
FAX: (03) 9349 4949
Email: carlton@backcare.com.au
Website: www.backcare.com.au
Name: Betterbuilt Office Equipment Pty Ltd
Price: POA
Address:
1340 North Rd
South Oakleigh
VIC 3167
Phone: (03) 9544 0693
FAX: (03) 9562 8708
Email: info@betterbuilt.com.au
Website: www.betterbuilt.com.au
Name: Chairmakers Australia Pty Ltd (previously Chairtech)
Price: POA
Address:
47 Mologa Rd
West Heidelberg
VIC 3081
Postal Address:
PO Box 5064
West Heidelberg
VIC 3081
Phone: (03) 9459 3111
FAX: (03) 9459 3888
Email: sales@chairmakers.com.au
Website: www.chairmakers.com.au
Notes:
Delivery: To country areas only. Allow two weeks
Hours of opening: 8.30am to 4.30pm Mon - Fri or by appointment
Name: Commercial Seating Solutions (Division Backcare and Seating)
Price: POA
Address:
501 Nicholson Street
Carlton
Vic 3054
Phone: (03) 9349 1757
FAX: (03) 9349 4949
Name: Corporate Business Furniture (A B-P Office Furniture)
Price: POA
Address:
PO Box 766
Berwick
VIC 3806
Phone: 1300 66 85 66
FAX: 1300 65 24 46
Toll Free: 1300 66 85 66
Email: info@corporatebusinessfurniture.com.au
Website: www.corporatebusinessfurniture.com.au/index.html
Notes:
Delivery: 3 - 4 weeks
Cost on application
Showroom open 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday
Name: Discount Office Furniture
Price: POA
Address:
4 Ipswich Street
Fyshwick
Act 2609
Postal Address:
GPO Box 979
Canberra
ACT 2601
Phone: (02) 6239 2662
FAX: (02) 6239 2620
Email: enquire@ergonomicoffice.com
Website: www.ergononicoffice.com
Name: GES Trading
Price: POA
Address:
Shop 146
St Kilda Rd
St Kilda
VIC 3182
Phone: (03) 9534 1685
Email: no
Website: no
Name: Idealseat Company
Price: POA
Address:
10 Bignell Road
Moorabbin
VIC 3189
Phone: (03) 9555 7788
FAX: (03) 9555 1420
Email: idealseat@hotkey.net.au
Website: www.idealseat.com.au
Name: Paul B Lynch
Price: POA
Address:
391 Danks Street
Middle Park
VIC 3206
Phone: (03) 9696 9333
FAX: (03) 9645 9191
Email: ylynch@hotkey.com.au
Name: Rose Office Supplies
Price: POA
Address:
520 Spencer Street
West Melbourne
VIC 3003
Phone: (03) 9329 8177
FAX: (03) 9326 5642
Email: sales@roseoffice.com.au
Website: www.roseoffice.com.au
Name: Schiavello
Price: POA
Address:
31-49 Queensbridge Street
South Melbourne
VIC 3205
Phone: (03) 9674 1500
FAX: (03) 9674 1650
Website: www.schiavello.com.au
Name: Statewide Home Health Care (SHHC)
Price: POA
Address:
501 - 503 Nepean Highway
Brighton
VIC 3186
Phone: (03) 9591 6220
FAX: (03) 9591 6292
Email: sales@shhc.com.au
Website: www.shhc.com.au
Notes:
Display open: 10am - 5.30pm Monday - Friday
9am - 12 noon Saturday
Have a kitchen display of ADL products
Delivery either same day or by 9am next day
Name: Turnco Industries (Vic ) Pty Ltd
Price: POA
Address:
962 Mount Alexander Road
Essendon
VIC 3040
Postal Address:
PO Box 137
Essendon
VIC 3040
Phone: (03) 9375 4944
FAX: (03) 9370 2882
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