ISO 16840-10:2014 specifies requirements and test methods to assess the resistance to ignition by smouldering cigarette equivalent of non-integrated components of a wheelchair intended to protect tissue integrity.

The test measures only the resistance to ignition by smouldering cigarette equivalent 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 non-integrated devices of a complete wheelchair.

This part of ISO 16840 does not apply to resistance to ignition of structural parts of a wheelchair, nor does it cover postural support devices. This part of ISO 16840 does not cover changes in resistance to ignition as a result of regular washing or use.

This part of ISO 16840 allows for the separate testing of removable non-integrated components of a wheelchair which are normally used in the horizontal plane (e.g. a seat cushion) from those normally used in the vertical plane (e.g. a back support).

This part of ISO 16840 describes testing an assembly of the composite of materials as used in the removable non-integrated component. The results of this part of ISO 16840 do not give any indication of the resistance to ignition of any of the separate individual materials of the test sample.

NOTE 1 The intent of this part of ISO 16840 is primarily to cover removable cushions whose described purpose is that of protecting skin tissue against pressure, shear, and maceration related damage.

NOTE 2 The requirements of this part of ISO 16840 have been set at a basic minimal level and are less severe than mandatory requirements in some countries.

Where practical, it is advisable that manufacturers use materials with superior resistance to ignition. The manufacturer is required to make the case as to why ISO 7176?16 could not be employed rather than this part of ISO 16840.

NOTE 3 Requirements for the control of risks from sources of fire created by electrical and electronic components are included in ISO 7176?14