Bunk Bed Safety Requirements

Bunk beds are a dual bedding system where two twin beds are stacked on top of each other and separated by support posts. They allow two sleepers to have a separate sleeping space while taking up the space of only one single bed. This type of bedding is common in rooms where there is very little space for sleeping arrangements, such as children's rooms, dormitories and military training camps.

Ladder

• Installing a ladder on the side of the bunk beds allows occupants to have a safe way to get in and out of the top bunk. All bunk bed ladders should be securely mounted to the side of the of the bed frame. If the ladder cannot be attached to the bed frame permanently, it should be attached to the frame of the top bunk and then stabilized on the floor. Ladders must be easily accessible without interfering with the person sleeping on the bottom bunk.

Frame

• The bed frame must be made of a solid, sturdy material, such as wood or steel. The bunk beds should be level and placed on a flat surface. Some bunk bed frames may also bracket to the wall for additional support. The bed should be able to support both weight and movement without bending or breaking. The slats that support the sleeper should be made of the same material to the frame. They also should be attached to the frame to provide additional stability to both levels of the bunk bed.

Weight

• Both the top and the bottom bunks should be able to support moving weight up to 200 lbs. The lighter of the two sleepers should sleep on the top bunk. If there is only one person sleeping in the bunk beds, that person should sleep on the bottom bunk to ensure that the bed remains stable. There should be no more than one person at any time on the top bunk, even if his weight does not exceed the maximum weight allowed by the construction of the bed frame. The addition of an extra person can cause the frame to bend or cause the bed to lose some of its stability.