It’s a simple question, but it could have a bad impact on a company’s reputation. You know what I mean, right? Yes, office chairs can explode. The reason might be the faulty or low-quality gas cylinder. Sometimes putting too much weight on the chair can cause it to explode.
The good news is that you can save yourself a lot of money by knowing how to prevent office chairs from bursting. The best thing to do is to check that the gas cylinder is well maintained. Here we will explain can office chairs explode? What are the causes of the explosion? And how can you prevent such an incident?
Office Chair Blowing up | Myth or Fact
Few cases from China and other countries have shown that exploding office chairs isn’t a myth.
The factors causing such accidents are not well investigated but a poor chair pneumatic mechanism seems an obvious culprit.
What are the Parts of an Office Chair
An ergonomic office chair has the following parts:
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Seat base
The base is a five-pointed star-shaped structure at the bottom. It is directly attached to the casters. It is either made from aluminum or steel, some chairs have a plastic base as well.
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Casters
Casters are pivoting rollers with wheels. They’re in direct contact with the floor.
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Seat pan
A chair’s seat is also known as a seat pan. It is a waterfall-shaped structure that supports the user’s hips and knees while sitting. It has a plush padding for comfort.
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Gas lift cylinder
It is present between the seat pan and base and helps the user to adjust a chair’s height while sitting.
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Chair mechanism
It is another adjustable part of a chair mostly with a knob for seat depth.
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Armrests
Armrests with pads are meant for resting your arms while typing. They are either fixed or can be angled up or down and sideways.
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Headrest
The top of the chair is its headrest. Not all office chairs have this part. It supports the user’s neck, head, and shoulders.
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Lumbar support
It is the backrest of a chair. Lumbar support is necessary for you during sitting for long hours.
How Can Office Chairs Explode
The first step to preventing office chair explosions is to ensure that the chair is in good condition. It should be well-maintained and in good condition. If it is in bad condition, it can cause a lot of damage.
It is essential to check the condition of the chair before you use it. You should check for any damage, cracks, leaks, etc. If you find any problems, you need to take care of them immediately. Several factors can contribute to a chair exploding. These include:
- poor maintenance,
- incorrect use,
- age,
- and poor ergonomic design
The main reason behind this malfunctioning is the gas cylinder of the chair.
Poor Quality Pneumatic or Gas Cylinders: A Potential Safety Hazard
If you’ve ever experienced an office chair exploding, you’ll know how dangerous and scary it can be. This is often caused by the gas cylinder within the chair, which can malfunction if it’s of poor quality. In some countries, these cylinders are filled with pressurized air, and if not used properly, they can leak or even burst.
Avoid Low-Quality Gas Cylinders
To ensure your safety, it’s important to avoid using chairs with cylinders that have been stored for more than two years, have been exposed to high heat, or have been modified in any way. These factors can all contribute to a higher risk of cylinder failure.
Abuse or Misuse of Office Chairs Can Cause Explosions
Unfortunately, some people also misuse their office chairs, leading to damage and potential explosions. For example, they use office chairs as a way to rest or sleep at their desks. Putting extra weight on chairs and misusing them can cause damage, and the seat might explode.
Protect Yourself from Potential Danger
It’s important to stay safe and protect yourself from potential danger by using high-quality office chairs with cylinders that are properly maintained and cared for. Don’t take any chances with your safety in the workplace!
How to Avoid Office Chair Explosion
Here are four simple tips to avoid office chair explosions:
- Try to sit upright in the chair. Your spine should be aligned with your back.
- Do not sit on the edge of the chair. Don’t lean back too far against the chair.
- Do not put your arms behind your head. This will evenly distribute weight on the seat.
- If the chair is too old, replace it. Fix the faulty chair’s mechanism instantly
Get a High-Quality Safe Office Chair
Getting a new office chair is an important purchase. You’re going to spend a lot of time sitting at your desk and in front of your computer, so you need to be comfortable. A good office chair can help keep you healthy and productive throughout the day. It also helps prevent back pain, neck pain, and other injuries that could hinder your ability to work.
Replace the Damaged or Manipulated Chair Pneumatic System
The pneumatic system is the central component of the chair and it has a direct influence on how comfortable the chair is to sit on. If the pneumatic system is damaged or manipulated, then the chair will be uncomfortable for the user.
Proper Use of the Office Chair
A well-designed office chair can be a key element in creating a comfortable, productive work environment. The proper use of the office chair, however, can have a significant impact on your health and productivity.
Select the Ergonomic Office Chair
Although you may think you can get by with the same old chair, you’re missing out on a lot if you’re not investing in a quality office chair. A good ergonomic office chair will help you improve your posture, reduce back and neck pain, improve circulation and overall wellness, and increase productivity.
The chances of being killed by an office chair or a hydraulic chair are very close to zero, under the condition that you buy a certified and high-quality office chair.
Avoid explosion-prone office chairs. These include the Aeron, Herman Miller Aeron, and the Steelcase Leap.
Most office chairs have warranties. Make sure you read all the fine print before buying a new office chair.
Check the seat of the office chair for wear. If the center looks worn out or the foam is torn or broken, then replace it.
Avoid using your office chair for long periods. Don’t sit in your office chair for more than 10 hours at a time. If you do, you’re increasing your risk of an explosion.
Final Thoughts
Research suggests that office chairs can lead to an increase in muscle stress and office hazards.
As much as we love our comfy office chairs, they can have a dark side. But wait, there’s more! Did you know that some office chairs can also explode? That’s right, you read that correctly! Office chairs that are exposed to high pressure or extra weight can be a serious hazard.
But don’t worry, you don’t have to give up your beloved chair just yet. You can easily protect yourself from potential danger by selecting an ergonomically designed chair. It’ll provide support to your back, neck, and arms, and prevent muscle strain and pain. Not only that, but you’ll also reduce your risk of hydraulic chair explosion.
So, don’t let your office chair become a ticking time bomb. Take care of your health and safety by investing in a high-quality, ergonomically designed chair. Your muscles (and your peace of mind) will thank you for it!
FAQs
1. Is it true that office chairs can explode?
Yes, office chairs can indeed explode. The chairs have been known to blow up from the pressure of people sitting on them.
2. What can I do to prevent this from happening?
To prevent this from happening, you should always be careful when using office chairs. If you are unsure of how to use the chair, ask someone to help you.
3. How can I get a chair that doesn’t explode?
There are a few ways to prevent chairs from exploding. One way is to buy a new chair every few years. Another way is to ensure that your chair is in good shape and not too worn out.
4. Do office chairs contain gas?
Yes, they do have a gas cylinder mechanism for seat adjustment.