Understanding Bunk Bed Safety

AIG Programs Loss Control Bulletin

Understanding Bunk Bed Safety AIG Programs has identified an increased frequency in liability claims from accidents that can be attributed to the unsafe use of bunk beds. Bunk bed related accidents can have severe and even fatal outcomes.

Falls while Sleeping Top Bunk Collapses onto the Lower Bunk “Roughhousing” or “Horseplay” on or around Bunk Beds Falls while Climbing to/from the Upper Bunk

Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Bunk Beds  Definition: a bunk bed is a bed with the bottom of its mattress foundation more than 30 inches above the floor. The mattress foundation is the base or support on which you place the mattress. The ends of a bunk bed are the upright parts at the head and foot of the bed to which you attach the side rails.

 Federal law requires bunk beds to comply with defined safety and design standards, Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 (CPSIA). For more information on these requirements, please visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business--Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business- Guidance/Bunk-Beds/.

Safety Basics  Do not remove guardrails.  Ensure that the guardrails remain properly and securely mounted to the bunk bed frame.  To avoid neck entrapment, only use mattresses that properly fit the bunk bed foundation.  The mattress should not extend over the sides of the bunk bed frame.  Ensure that the mattress fits in a manner where the top surface of mattress is at least five inches below the top of the guardrail.  Position bunk beds away from ceiling fans and windows.  Ensure ladders remain properly and securely mounted to the bunk bed frame.  Confirm all fasteners (bolts, nuts, and screws) are secured and flush with the bedframe.  Don’t allow children under age 6 to sleep in the upper bunk.  Educate the individuals that you serve on the potential dangers of bunk beds and review safe practices for climbing to/from the top bunk.  Prohibit “horseplay” or “roughhousing” on or around the bunk beds.  When multiple bunk beds are present in a room, post rules or instructions towards the safe use of bunk beds.  Do not permit items (e.g. belts, ropes, and clothes) to be hung from the bunk beds. These items can become looping hazards resulting in accidental strangulation.  Remove potential hazardous or sharp/pointed items from around the base of the bunk beds. Inspections Bunk beds should be inspected at a frequency that is consistent with the level of use. What to Check: Condition of Frame Position of Bunk Bed Mattress Foundation Mattress Fit Guardrails Ladders Protruding Metal (bolts, nuts and screws) Signs of Misuse (items hung from bed, toys on top bunk, vandalism)

RESOURCES: Consumer Product Safety Commission, Bunk Beds Business Guidance, http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Business-- Manufacturing/Business-Education/Business-Guidance/Bunk-Beds/ Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Bunk Bed Safety, http://nationwidechildrens.org/cirp-bunk-bed-safety

REFERENCES: Consumer Product Safety Commission, Requirements for Bunk Beds, 16 CFR Part 1513 American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), Standard Consumer Safety Specifications for Bunk beds, ASTM F 1427 West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM, 2001

Contact: Contact

AIG Programs Loss Control T 800 611 3994 F 888 659 9047 [email protected]

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