In furniture exports the document that reaches the user is most often a single set of assembly instructions, and it consists largely of illustrations. The small amount of text does not make the job easier; every sentence represents a step, and if it is misunderstood the product is assembled wrongly. On the commercial side, test reports and material declarations circulate.
Structure of the assembly instructions
The instructions consist of numbered steps, and each step is tied to an illustration. The step numbers match the illustrations. The match is preserved.
Parts lists
The parts in the box are shown by a letter or a number and are identified in the list. The codes are not translated. The part names are translated.
Fixings
Items such as screws and dowels are listed with their sizes, and mixing them up spoils the assembly. The sizes are carried over. The names are translated consistently.
Text inside illustrations
Some warnings are placed inside the illustration and are translated in a separate list. The illustrations are not redrawn. The list is supplied on delivery.
Warning notes
Tip-over and anchoring warnings have safety consequences and are mandatory. The warnings are not shortened. They are carried over in full.
Wall anchoring instruction
For tall furniture, anchoring is a mandatory warning and is emphasised separately. The emphasis is preserved. The text is carried over in its entirety.
Types of wood-based panel
The panel types used are referred to by abbreviations, and their properties differ. The abbreviations are carried over. The expansion is given on first mention.
Formaldehyde classes
The emission values of the panels are classified and declared. The class notation is standard. The values are carried over.
Surface finish information
The type of finish determines durability and appearance and is defined in the document. The names of finishes are technical terms. The equivalents are chosen consistently.
Durability tests
It is tested whether the furniture withstands specific loads and numbers of cycles. The test standards are indicated by their numbers. The values are preserved.
Load-bearing values
The load that shelves and seating can bear is stated and has safety consequences. The values are carried over with their units. They are verified separately.
Fire behaviour
For upholstered furniture the fire behaviour is tested, and in some markets this is mandatory. The class notations are preserved. The report numbers are carried over.
Dimension and volume information
The product and carton dimensions are the basis of the shipping calculation. The units are not mixed up. The values are verified.
Care and cleaning notes
How the surface is to be cleaned is stated, and a warning is given against incompatible substances. The warnings are preserved. The steps are not simplified.
Warranty conditions
The scope of the warranty and its exclusions are defined in the document and depend on the conditions of use. The exclusions are translated with care. The scope is preserved.
Sustainable forestry certificates
The source of the wood can be certified, and this is required in some markets. The name of the body and the certificate number are carried over. The scope is preserved.
Catalogues and product descriptions
Sales catalogues carry promotional language and can be adapted. The technical values are carried over. The scope is determined in the statement of work.
The costliest mistake in this sector
If the anchoring warning drops out of the instructions, the tip-over risk is left uncommunicated to the user, and a serious accident may result. Because the instructions are predominantly visual, missing text goes unnoticed. The list of warnings is checked separately.