CPSC Warns That Tubular Metal Bunk Beds May Collapse: Safety Alert

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) advises owners of children's tubular metal bunk beds to inspect the beds for metal or weld cracks which may lead to collapse and serious injury. The bunk beds may have been welded poorly or have inadequate material thickness around the mattress support fins, which connect to the side rails.

The Commission is aware of numerous incidents in which the bunk beds collapsed during use. Many of the incidents occurred on the currently popular twin-size on top/full-size on bottom bunk beds. Injuries reported include broken bones, lacerations, bruises, and sprains.

These bunk beds are often imported from Malaysia, Taiwan, and Mexico. They are distributed in the United States by a large number of importers and retailers and sold to consumers nationwide. The beds are constructed of tubular metal and are usually painted with high gloss red, white, blue, or black paint. They have been sold for approximately $150 to $250 each. The beds frequently have no identifying markings or manufacturer labels.

To help avoid bunk bed collapse, CPSC urges consumers to inspect all eight mattress support fin tabs and pockets for breaks or cracks in the metal and welds. The fin tabs are inserted into a pocket located near each of the bed's eight corners. Consumers should stop using damaged beds as bunks and put both beds on the floor until CPSC completes its investigation. Collapsing incidents should be reported to CPSC by calling toll-free 1-800-638-2772. The CPSC is conducting follow-up investigations of several consumer reports of bunk bed collapse.

Although most of the reported collapsing incidents occurred with the currently popular twin-size top bunk and full-size bottom bunk beds, the twin/twin size bunk beds may also be affected and should be closely examined as well. The Commission adds that not all children's metal bunk beds present this problem. This alert is being issued as a precautionary measure until specific brands and models of bunk beds can be identified.

To help avoid bunk bed collapse, CPSC urges consumers to inspect all eight mattress support fin tabs and pockets for breaks or cracks in the metal and welds. The fin tabs are inserted into pockets located near each of the bed's eight corners.

Stop using damaged beds as bunks and put both beds on the floor.

Credits

U.S. CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20207

Document No. #5034