Last updated on January 7th, 2023

Any ergonomic office chair can catch fire and cause an explosion, though this is highly unlikely.

The materials that make up an office chair are not particularly combustible, and the chair is not exposed to any heat sources that could cause ignition.

In addition, office chairs are usually made with safety features such as fire-retardant fabrics and self-extinguishing plastics.

As a result, it is implausible that an office or gaming chair would explode.

However, while an explosion is unlikely, it is still important to use caution when using any chair near a heat source.

See also – Best Office Chairs Under 300 USD

How Can an Office Chair Explode?

It’s crazy to think that your office chair for back pain or your neighbor’s office chair for neck pain can go – KABOOM!

While it may seem impossible for it to explode, it can happen under the right conditions.

The most likely cause of an exploding high back office chair is a gas leak.

In fact, the gas cylinders in most modern chairs, which allow you to adjust their height, could explode.

There aren’t many instances of office chair explosions, and the risk that one will occur is rather low, so you shouldn’t be alarmed.

The main culprit that may cause an office chair explosion is the gas cylinder, located in the base of the chair.

If a chair has a gas-powered mechanism, such as a recliner or gas cylinders, a small leak can gradually fill the area around the chair with flammable gas.

When the gas ignites, it can cause an office chair explosion.

Many modern chairs are constructed with a gas-pressurized suspension mechanism. This indicates that the chair’s height may be readily adjusted to meet your needs by moving up and down.

Then, a gas spring mechanism uses compressed nitrogen gas to create the pressure needed to modify the height, together with oil to ensure the springs are lubricated for smooth movement when you press the lever to move it up or down.

Friction is ultimately produced, and this might make friction worse. In your office chair, you almost never have to deal with a gas cylinder or gas spring. You only need to sit on the great majority of these seats because they are well-designed. Most likely, you won’t have to bother about them until you need to replace them.

Another possible indirect cause of an exploding office chair is a malfunctioning piece of electric equipment.

If electrical parts overheat, they ignite any nearby flammable materials, causing the chair to catch fire.

While office chair explosion is rare, it can occur if the right conditions are present.

Consequently, it is crucial to be aware of the potential dangers associated with office chairs.

The explosions take place when the following 4 conditions occur.

• When the pressure is at its highest and the chair is at its lowest.
• The piston is loose.
• The seals of the chamber are damaged.
• If the office chair cylinders have pressurized air and not pressurized gas.

So to the question, Can Office Chairs Explode?

The short answer is yes. There’s obviously a reason why this question is being asked, and that mainly comes down to the fact that there have been a couple of times when an office chair explode, which can be pretty scary if you have an office or gaming chair of your own.

The first thing to do, then, is to look at the instances where an explosion did occur and to link this with how the pressurized gas cylinder actually operates.

Potential Dangers of Office Chairs

Although the incidents of office chair explosions are incredibly rare with only 3 recorded cases in the past, it’s not really something that you should be very much concerned about.

Most office chairs are harmless furniture, but they can be pretty dangerous.

One of the most common dangers posed by office chairs and gaming chairs is the risk of them exploding.

Office workers spend most of their day sitting in a chair, so office chairs have come under scrutiny in recent years.

Some studies have linked extended periods of sitting to various health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and musculoskeletal disorders.

To avoid these risks, choosing standard office chairs that are ergonomically designed and provide adequate support is essential.

In addition, it is necessary to take breaks from sitting every few hours to stretch and move around.

These factors can help create a healthy and productive work environment.

When an office chair explodes, the force of the explosion can cause severe injuries to anyone nearby.

To prevent office chairs explosions, following these 3 simple safety tips are essential:

1. Always ensure the gas cylinder on your office chair is complete and in good working condition.
2. Use only compatible replacement parts when refilling or repairing your office chair.
3. Always replace your gas lift cylinder when necessary.

What Can Happen if Office Chairs Explode

If an office chair to explodes, the force of the office chair explosion can cause severe injuries to anyone who is nearby.

As mentioned, the office chair explosion is less likely to happen. In the past, only 3 unfortunate events of the office chair explosion occurred.

The first event concerns a 65-year-old man who suffered serious injuries in 2008 when the chair he was seated on suddenly exploded, sending a 150mm steel piston flying through the air and striking the ceiling.

Another incidence with a 14-year-old kid from the Chinese province of Shandong was reported in the year that followed (2009). According to reports, a chair explosion claimed the boy’s life.

In the most recent incidence of an office chair explosion, a 24-year-old Chinese woman from Fujian was able to escape a major explosion in 2013. The chair she was seated in allegedly abruptly exploded, sending metal fragments into her body.

The piston in her chair provided the metal fragments. Emergency surgery physicians were able to extract the chair piston shards, bits of steel, and a dozen screws from her torso, according to accounts in Chinese media.

It certainly sounds frightening.

The majority of office chair manufacturers, as said earlier, have high manufacturing requirements that make these chairs not only comfortable to sit on but also entirely safe. Despite these sad three uncommon cases, you shouldn’t be concerned about anything.

All three explosion incidents were a result of cheaply made gas spring cylinders using pressurized air instead of the industry-standard Nitrogen Gas.

A large percentage of the chairs in the market are gas-pressured. However, in a bid to reduce manufacturing costs, some unscrupulous manufacturers fill the gas spring with regular air. Investigations have confirmed that this practice was the most likely cause of these explosions.

In the event that an office chair explodes, you should do the following 2 things.

1. If you are in an office chair when it explodes, the priority should be to get away from the exploding chair as quickly as possible.
2. If you cannot move, cover your head and face with your hands to protect yourself from the flying debris.

If office chairs explode, the results could be disastrous.

First, the office chair explosions would release a large amount of energy, which could easily injure or kill anyone nearby.

In addition, the resulting fire would spread quickly through the office, potentially causing extensive damage to the building.

Finally, the exploding chairs could cause structural damage to the office chair itself, rendering it unsafe for use.

How to Prevent Office Chairs from Exploding

No one wants their office chairs to explode while sitting in them.

That’s why it’s essential to know how to prevent an office chair explosion.

In any case, the risk of such an incident always exists. For instance, you might build the chair incorrectly, leading to it later exploding. Other things that may turn your relaxing office chair into a life-taking chair are:

• Lack of knowledge about choosing an office chair.
• Buying it at a low price when purchasing a large quantity.

To avoid such horrible scenarios, ensure that you have a checklist of the following things while buying an office or a gaming chair.

As previously stated, the majority of office chairs adhere to a set of safety requirements to guarantee their usability and safety, which is the only reason why you don’t usually hear about office chairs blowing up.

They also go through rigorous testing, so there is no need to be concerned.

To be on the safe side, get an office chair that is of high quality and from a respected supplier whenever possible.

In light of that, the following advice will help you avoid being hurt by office chair explosions.

Here are 3 procedures to follow in order to stop an office chair from blowing up.

• The first step is to make sure that the chair is properly inflated. If the chair is underinflated, it can stress the fabric and cause the seams to burst.
• The second step is to avoid sitting in the same spot for too long. Shifting your weight around helps distribute the pressure more evenly and prevents any area from getting too much wear and tear.
• Finally, always use a gentle hand when cleaning the chair. Harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing can damage the fabric and make it more likely to tear.

By following these 3 simple tips, you can help keep your office chairs in good condition and ensure their safety.

Also, when choosing an office chair, it is important to really take a look at the gas cylinders used.

In general, a pressurized canister of gas or air can provide enough energy to cause an explosion. On the market, there are three primary categories of air-pressurized office chairs: hydraulic, gas, and mechanical.

As a rule, you can tell what kind of chair it is by looking for a gas cylinder; the majority of office chairs available today are truly gas-pressured.

Always Buy from Reputable Manufacturers

Buying from a reputable manufacturer is essential when shopping for office and gaming chairs.

Not only will you be assured of getting a high-quality material, but will also be able to get your money back if the chair does not meet your expectations.

In addition, buying from a reputable manufacturer will also give you peace of mind knowing that the company stands behind its products.

There are most office chair manufacturers to choose from, so be sure to do your research before making a purchase.

Once you find a few reputable manufacturers, compare prices and features to find the best chair for your needs.

By finding a reputable manufacturer, you can be assured of getting a high-quality office chair that will last for years to come.

Most chairs function fairly well, and users almost never have to deal with the gas spring.

You only need to set the chosen seat height and start to work because the compressed gas spring is safely designed and produced in accordance with the established regulations. The likelihood of an office chair explosion is typically zero.

Choosing the Right Office Chair

There are many factors to consider when choosing an office chair, such as height, weight, and lumbar support.

The most critical factor is ergonomics, which studies how people interact with their environment.

When choosing an office chair, finding one that supports your back and keeps your spine in alignment is essential.

It would be preferable if you also looked for chairs with at least 3 adjustable features, including armrests, headrests, and seat height and depth.

In addition, it’s essential to choose a chair that is comfortable and stylish so that it compliments your office décor.

With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know where to start.

However, considering your needs and research, you can find the perfect office chair.

Handy Tips to Protect Yourself from Chair Explosion

Can office chairs actually explode? Yes, it CAN!

As the saying goes “Prevention is better than cure”, we should all be aware of what to do before the chair exploded and when it actually explodes.

Here are 6 handy tips to keep you safe from the chair explosion.

1. Check the inflation of the chair regularly to ensure that it is not underinflated, as this can put stress on the fabric and cause the seams to burst.
2. Avoid sitting in the same spot for too long, as this can wear down the fabric in that area and make it more likely to tear.
3. When cleaning the chair, use a gentle hand and avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing, damaging the fabric.
4. Inspect the chair regularly for any tears or damage to the fabric, making it more likely to explode.
5. If you notice any damage, get the chair repaired or replaced as soon as possible.
6. Keep a safe distance from the chair when sitting in it, and be sure to move away quickly if you hear any strange noises coming from the chair.

These 6 simple safety standards can help prevent an office chair from exploding and keep you safe.

Conclusion

Ultimately, it’s pretty rare for office and gaming chairs to explode because the manufacturing regulations are so strict, but it has actually happened before.

An exploding office chair is a serious safety hazard that can cause injuries and damage to property.

To prevent office chair explosions, it is essential to regularly check the inflation of the chair and avoid sitting in the same spot for too long.

Additionally, always use a gentle hand when cleaning the chair and inspect it regularly for any tears or damage.

If you notice any damage, get the chair repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Most office chair manufacturers do not check the right quality of gas cylinders office, gaming and computer chair, so make sure to inquire about gas cylinders.

Finally, keep a safe distance from the chair when sitting in it, and be sure to move away quickly if you hear any strange noises coming from the chair.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if my office chair explodes?

A: If your office chair explodes, you should first move away from the chair and cover your head and face with your hands to protect yourself from flying debris. Then, call 911 and evacuate the area if possible. Once you are in a safe location, contact your building manager or the fire department to report the incident.

Q: What causes an office chair to explode?

A: The most common cause of an office chair explosion is a sudden loss of air pressure. This can happen if the chair is underinflated or has a tear in the fabric. Additionally, sitting in the same spot for too long can wear down the material and make it more likely to tear.

Q: How can I prevent my office chair from exploding?

A: You can do several things to prevent office chair explosions. First, check the inflation of the chair regularly to ensure that it is not underinflated. Second, avoid sitting in the same spot for too long. Third, use a gentle hand when cleaning the chair and avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbing. Finally, inspect the chair regularly for any tears or damage to the fabric, making it more likely to explode.