The Wooden Horse’s Weblog

In July 2008, Health Canada advised Canadians to exercise caution when purchasing and using bunk beds.  A report from the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) indicated that between 1999 and 2006, there were 2,530 bunk bed-related injuries in Canada.  Over 65%, 1650 in total were related to the top bunk.  Twelve of these incidents were related to strangulation or suffocation by entrapment, of which eight resulted in death.  The remaining injuries were related to falls.

Important Safety Tips

·         Children should use bunk beds safely.  The top bunk is not safe for children under 6 years of age.

·         Only one person on the top bunk

·         The bed should have all guardrails installed at all times.  Make sure the top bunk has guardrails on all four sides of the bed.  Children have been badly hurt when their head was caught between parts of the bed.  Check regularly to make sure the bed frame is sturdy.

·         The mattress should fit snugly on all sides.

·         The ladder should be attached securely to the bed.  Teach children to use the ladder safely.

·         Never tie ropes or cords, such as belts for bathrobes or skipping ropes, to any part of the bed as these can pose serious strangulation hazards.

·         Make sure it meets the latest version of the ASTM F1427 standard.  If there are no labels indicating compliance with the latest ASTM F1427 standard, ask the store before you buy, or contact the manufacturer for more information

·         Check to ensure the bed comes with instructions for assembly and has a label with safety warnings.  Read and follow these instructions carefully.

·         Push the bed up against a wall.  To ensure maximum security, attach the bed to the wall.