Australia Seeks Feedback on Bunk Bed Rules

Send comments by April 11 on a review of mandatory bunk bed requirements by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC). This includes reaction to its February 29 review of three issues:

• Fall Hazards: This got the most attention with attention to numerous questions: the appropriateness of excluding elevated mattress surfaces at 800mmm the possibility for strength requirements for mattress base supports, the necessity of requiring access devices like ladders, the possibility of addressing guardrail height requirements, the need for tests on guardrail stability, and the question of limiting access to one opening.

 

• Gaps and Entrapments: ACCC expressed concern about "interpretation issues" with these issues. It is interested in test configurations, including mattress presence. It also noted the link between gap- and entrapment reduction.

 

• Age Warnings: It wondered if the current recommendation against use by those under age 6 is appropriate. It pointed to age 9 used elsewhere.

The mandatory standard dates to 2002, but is based on a 1994 voluntary standard, which was updated in 2010. The agency is especially interested in revisions to ASTM, EU and ISO requirements since then. ACCC also gives an option to comment on any safety issues beyond those it raised. More information on commenting and links to pertinent documents are at bit.ly/1oV7HYP.