Bunk Bed Safety - Fact Sheet

2009
ISBN: 978-0-662-06328-5
Cat. No.: H128-1/08-55
HC Pub.: 4515

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The top bunk is not safe for children under 6 years of age. Teach children how to use bunk beds safely and supervise their use.

Children have been hurt or killed in bunk beds by:

• Their heads becoming caught between parts of the bed
• Strangling on a cord or rope tied to the bed
• Falling off the top bunk

Safety Tips

• Health Canada recommends purchasing only bunk beds meeting the latest ASTM F1427 standard - Ask before you buy.
• Check that the bed comes with instructions for assembly and use and has a label with safety warnings. Read and follow these carefully.
• Make sure the top bunk has guardrails on both sides of the bed, even if the bed is pushed up against a wall.
• The ladder should always be attached securely to the bed. Do not remove it for any reason.
• Make sure parts of the bed, such as corner posts or ladder uprights, do not extend more than 5mm (0.2 inches) above the upper edge of the bed (for example, the guardrails).
• Make sure the mattress fits tightly against all four sides of the bed. The sleeping surface should be at least 127mm (5 inches) below the top of the guardrails and end panels.
• Check regularly to make sure the frame of the bed is sturdy.
• Keep bunk beds away from window blinds and curtains with cords, because children can strangle on them.
• Check regularly for product recalls by contacting the retailer, manufacturer or Health Canada at www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps-recalls.

Children's Safety

• Never allow a child under 6 years of age on the top bunk.
• Allow only one person at a time on the top bunk.
• Teach children to use the ladder to get up or down.
• Never tie ropes or cords such as belts for bathrobes or skipping ropes to any part of the bed. These can be a serious strangulation hazard.
• Do not allow children to play on or under bunk beds, unless the area under the bed is designed as a play area.
• Keep the area around the bed clear of clothes and toys as much as possible. Do not leave or allow the child to keep toys or other objects on the mattress that may present a suffocation or strangulation hazard.

For more information contact Product Safety, Health Canada.

1-866-662-0666
www.healthcanada.gc.ca/cps
cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca