Weight training benches in the laboratory: 5 of 9 models with design defects under PN-EN ISO 20957
On 23 January 2026 UOKiK reported on a check of training equipment in which a laboratory tested 9 models of weight training benches to PN-EN ISO 20957-1 and PN-EN ISO 20957-4. Five models had design defects and 7 had marking deficiencies; all 9 were found non-compliant.
- The checks were carried out from July to September 2025 by the inspectorates in Białystok, Gdańsk, Kielce, Opole, Rzeszów and Szczecin at 6 manufacturers, 1 retail outlet and 1 large-format store; 4 benches came from Poland, 2 from other EU countries and 3 from outside the Union.
- The laboratory checked, among other things, stability in the training, folded and storage positions, strength under the declared load, how the rack supports hold the barbell, edges and capped tube ends, pinching and crushing points accessible to hands and feet, the risk of entrapment, and the functioning of adjustment elements and locks.
- The design defects were loss of bench stability in the training position and when the barbell supports were loaded, unstable supports caused by the design of the bar holders, and points where the user’s hands could be trapped. For 2 models these were the only findings, 3 also had marking errors, and 4 models were questioned for marking only.
- In all 5 cases of design defects the inspection requested the opening of proceedings; for the 4 benches with marking deficiencies only, corrective action under Trade Inspection supervision was allowed. The report states that the tests were based on PN-EN ISO 20957-1:2014-02 and PN-EN ISO 20957-4:2017-03, and names PN-EN ISO 20957-1:2025-05 and PN-EN ISO 20957-4:2017-03 as the current standards.
Source: UOKiK — Fit i smart? – kontrola Inspekcji Handlowej (23.01.2026)