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About bunk beds

Bunk beds:

  • are raised off the ground and usually stacked one over the other
  • may be designed for children or adults
  • are often sold with a ladder.

Risks and injuries from the product

Serious injuries can occur if the bunk bed is poorly made or is used incorrectly. Falls are the most common cause of injury involving bunk beds and can be fatal.

Children can suffer:

  • concussions and fractures if they fall from a raised bed or top bunk or while trying to climb up or down
  • strangulation if their head or neck gets caught between gaps in and around the bunk bed, or if clothing is snagged on parts of the bed that stick out
  • injuries to their heads, arms and legs if these become trapped within gaps in the bunk bed structure.

Things to look for when buying the product

Children are at risk of serious injury if bunk beds are poorly made or assembled. For this reason there’s a mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.

Only buy and install bunk beds that comply with the bunk beds mandatory standard.

The bunk beds mandatory standard doesn’t apply to:

  • portable bunk beds used for camping
  • bunk beds built into caravans, camper trailers, motor homes, trains and other types of transport
  • hospital beds.

Design and construction

  • Bunk bed has the right mattress. Look for a mark on the side or end of the upper bunk showing the maximum mattress height allowed. This is so that the effective height of the safety barrier is enough to prevent children falling.
  • Permanent guardrails on all 4 sides of the top bed or the raised bed.
  • No gaps large enough to trap a child’s head or limbs in the bunk bed or the guardrails.
  • No parts that stick out too much on the bunk beds or guardrails. These can cause an injury. Clothing and bedding items can get caught on them and be a strangling hazard too.

Marks and labels

  • The bunk bed has the manufacturer or distributor’s name and address permanently marked on it.

How to use the product safely

  • The top bunk or a raised bed isn’t recommended for children under 9 years old. Although the suitable minimum age to use a bunk bed can vary depending on a child's maturity and development.
  • When assembling the bunk bed make sure that the guardrails are securely installed on all 4 sides of the raised bed or top bunk, with correct spacing for access openings.
  • Check connections and fasteners regularly to make sure they are strong and secure so that the bunk bed can hold the weight of the child or adult and won’t collapse.
  • Keep the bunk bed clear of blind and curtain cords, heaters, lights and ceiling fans.
  • Remove ladders when the bunk bed isn’t being used so that small children won’t try to climb onto the top bunk.
  • Don’t let children jump or play on a bunk bed.

Next steps if a product is unsafe

When buying a product, consumers have the right to expect the product is of acceptable quality.

Acceptable quality includes that the product is safe, durable and free from defects.

If you bought a product that doesn’t comply with the mandatory standard or is unsafe, you can report it to us.

Report an unsafe product

If a person is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help, call emergency services on Triple Zero (000).