Safety Fact Sheet Bunk Beds - Kids Health @ CHW

Safety Fact Sheet
Bunk Beds
Page 1
What is a bunk bed?
A bunk bed is defined as a bed where the upper base of the bed i.e. mattress base, is at
least 800mm above floor level. This can be two beds, one stacked over the other, or an
elevated single bed with a storage or play area underneath. Bunk beds are often used in
children's rooms because they take up less floor space.
How may a child be injured?
Falls and Entrapment
� Children may fall from the top bunk bed while playing, sleeping or climbing in and out
of bed.
� Children can fall out of windows near the bunk bed.
� Children’s heads, limbs and fingers may be trapped in gaps and crevices on the bed.
� Children can be accidentally hanged when their head or neck is caught up in clothing,
gaps or other objects on or near the bed e.g. curtain or blind cords.
Struck by object
� If bunk beds are placed in rooms with ceiling fans, children may be struck by fan
blades.
� Children may hit ceiling light fittings or have access to unsafe electrical sources.
� If bunk beds are placed in rooms with low ceilings, children may strike their head on
the ceiling while gaining access to the bed or playing on the bed.
How common are these injuries?
Each year in Australia approximately 3850 children under the age of 15 are treated for
bunk bed related injuries.1
Is there a Law or an Australian Standard for bunk beds?
The law states that all bunk beds sold in NSW must comply with the Australian Standard
AS/NZS 4220:1994 (and its variations) 2 which mandates that all bunk beds must have:
1) Guard rails to all sides and ends of the upper bunk measuring at least 260mm
above the upper surface of the mattress base;
2) No gaps measuring between 95mm to 230mm to prevent head entrapment, and
no other gaps that can be entrapment hazards.
3) No protrusions from the bed measuring more than 8mm;
4) A label for the upper bunk indicating maximum mattress height if the guardrails
are less than 360mm high.

Safety Fact Sheet
Bunk Beds
Remember:
This fact sheet is for educational purposes only. This document was reviewed on 18 February 2011.
www.chw.edu.au www.kaleidoscope.org.au
© The Children’s Hospital at Westmead & Kaleidoscope * Hunter Children’s Health Network 2011
Page 2
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Kaleidoscope recommends that you do not
use use bunk bunk beds beds for for children children under under the the the age age of of nine nine years years. years If space is an issue for your
children’s room, use trundle beds instead.
If you decide to use bunk beds, please consider the safety advice below:
� Do not allow children under the age of 9 years to occupy the top bunk.
� Never allow children to play on bunk beds.
� Do not place bunk beds near windows, curtains or within 2 metres of a ceiling fan or
light fitting.
� Regularly check that the bunk beds are free from wear and tear, and ensure that the
ladder and guard rails are stable and firmly fixed to the bed structure.
� Ensure that any exposed edges or protruding parts are free of rough edges and sharp
points.
� If you are building a bunk bed, ensure that it is built in accordance with the Australian
Standard.
� Check for any gaps that may entrap fingers, limbs and heads.
� Ensure that the mattress is the correct size for the bed.
� Ensure that the bed is free of protruding objects that may snag your child’s clothing.
1.Australian Consumer Competition Commission (2011). Mandatory standard- Bunk beds.
Accessed 11 February 2011.
http://www.productsafety.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/974818
2. Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand (1994) AS/NZS 4220:1994, Bunk beds.