Bsi bs en 00747 1 2012 + a1 2015

BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
BS EN 747-1:2012
Incorporating
Corrigendum
I
ncorporati
Corri
gendum August 2012
BS ngEN
747-1:2012

BSI Standards Publication

Furniture — Bunk beds
and high beds
Part 1: Safety, strength and
durability requirements


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015

BRITISH STANDARD
National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015, incorporating corrigendum August 2012. It
supersedes BS EN 747-1:2012, which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is
indicated in the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to CEN text carry
the number of the CEN amendment. For example, text altered by CEN
amendment A1 is indicated by .
BSI, as a member of CEN, is obliged to publish EN 747-1:2012 as a

British Standard. However, attention is drawn to the fact that during
the development of this European Standard, the UK committee voted
against its approval as a European Standard.
NOTE  The UK committee registered a positive vote for the implementation
of CEN amendment A1 June 2015.

WARNING
Users of this British Standard should be aware that the BSI technical
committee responsible for the UK input into EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 is of
the opinion that entrapment or strangulation hazards might be caused
by the provisions contained in the following clauses:
– Clause
 
4.1.1 (b) that allows for a 600 mm vertical protrusion on the
safety barrier;
– Clause
 
4.1.4 paragraph (7) that allows the outermost components of a
bed to deviate from vertical by 230 mm.
Attention is drawn to the provisions of the General Product Safety
Regulations 2005 which place a general duty on all suppliers of
consumer goods to supply products that are safe in normal or reasonably
foreseeable use.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted by Technical
Committee FW/0, Furniture, to Subcommittee FW/0/2, Domestic and
Contract Furniture.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained
on request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions
of a contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.

© The British Standards Institution 2015.
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2015
ISBN 978 0 580 83805 7
ICS 97.140

Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the Standards
Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 April 2012.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date
31 January 2013

Text affected
Implementation of CEN corrigendum August 2012:
Subclause 4.1.4 corrected

30 June 2015

Implementation of CEN amendment A1:2015


EUROPEAN STANDARD

EN 747-1:2012+A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

May 2015

ICS 97.140

Supersedes EN 747-1:2012

English Version

Furniture - Bunk beds and high beds - Part 1: Safety, strength
and durability requirements
Meubles - Lits superposés et lits surélevés - Partie 1:
Exigences de sécurité, de résistance et de durabilité

Möbel - Etagenbetten und Hochbetten - Teil 1:
Anforderungen an die Sicherheit, Festigkeit und
Dauerhaltbarkeit

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 8 March 2012 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 16 April 2015.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same
status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and United
Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2015 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Ref. No. EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 E


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

Contents

Page

Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4
1

Scope ......................................................................................................................................................5

2

Normative references ............................................................................................................................5

3

Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................5

4
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.1.4
4.1.5
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

Safety requirements ..............................................................................................................................6
Construction ...........................................................................................................................................6
General ....................................................................................................................................................6
Accessible holes gaps and openings ..................................................................................................7
Bed base(s) .............................................................................................................................................8
Safety barriers ........................................................................................................................................8
Ladder or other means of access ........................................................................................................9
Strength of ladder or other means of access: Attachment, deflection and strength .................. 10
Strength of frame and fastenings ..................................................................................................... 10
Stability ................................................................................................................................................ 10
Fastening of the upper bed to the lower bed ................................................................................... 11

5

Instructions for use ............................................................................................................................ 11

6

Marking ................................................................................................................................................ 12

2


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 207
“Furniture”, the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical
text or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2015, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn
at the latest by November 2015.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2015-04-16.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ".
This document supersedes !EN 747-1:2012".
!deleted text"
EN 747 is divided into the following parts:
—

EN 747-1, Furniture — Bunk beds and high beds — Part 1: Safety, strength and durability requirements;

—

EN 747-2, Furniture — Bunk beds and high beds — Part 2: Test methods.

It should be noted that the changes made to Part 2 are of importance for Part 1 because information regarding
loads and forces is contained in Part 2.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

3


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

Introduction
This part of EN 747 specifies requirements for bunk beds and high beds for use by one occupant per bed.

4


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

1

Scope

!This European Standard specifies requirements for the safety, strength and durability of bunk beds and
high beds for domestic and non-domestic use.
It applies to bunk beds with a height to the upper surface of the top bed base of 600 mm or more above the
floor and to high beds with a height to the upper surface of the bed base of 600 mm or more above the floor.
The loads and forces in the strength and durability tests apply to beds with an internal length greater than 140
cm and a maximum bed base width of 120 cm."
The dimensional requirements are intended to minimise the risk of accidents, particularly to children.
The strength and durability requirements are intended to represent use by one occupant per bed.
Safety requirements for other products included in a bunk bed/high bed, for example a table or storage
furniture, are not included in this standard.
This European Standard does not apply to bunk beds and high beds used for special purposes, including but
not limited to prison, the military and fire brigades.

2

Normative references

The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
!EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015", Furniture — Bunk beds and high beds — Part 2: Test methods

3

Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
bunk bed
set of components that can be assembled as beds, one above the other, where the upper surface of the top

bed base is !600" mm or more above the floor
3.2
high bed
set of components that can be assembled as a bed, where the upper surface of the top bed base is !600"
mm or more above the floor, irrespective of the use to which the space below is put
3.3
bed end structures
upright unit at the head and foot of the bed to which the side rails are attached
3.4
bed base
support structure for a mattress

5


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

3.5
safety barrier
component intended to prevent an occupant from falling out of the upper bed or the high bed
3.6
side rail
longitudinal member attached to the bed end structure by which the bed base can be supported
3.7
tread
structure intended as a foothold, including ladder rungs and steps

4

Safety requirements

4.1

Construction

4.1.1

General

Accessible edges and corners shall be rounded or chamfered and free from burrs or sharp edges.
There shall be no open ended tubes.
All assembly and pilot holes shall be made by the manufacturer.
Vertically protruding parts on the top of the upper bed shall either:
a)

have an uninterrupted minimum horizontal dimension of 300 mm without any other vertical protrusion
(see Figure 1 a), or

b)

have an uninterrupted vertical dimension of at least 600 mm measured from the highest adjacent part
(see Figure 1 b), or

c)

where the largest dimension is 50 mm or more (see Figure 1), have a maximum height at which a line,
drawn at 45° touches it, of not more than 5 mm above at least one adjacent/adjoining horizontal
component; the maximum vertical protrusion above that component shall not exceed 20 % of the largest
horizontal dimension of parts (see Figure 1 c), or

d)

where the largest dimension is less than 50 mm, have a maximum height at which a line, drawn at 45°
touches it, of not more than 5 mm above at least one adjacent/adjoining horizontal component; the
maximum vertical protrusion above that component shall not exceed 10 mm (see Figure 1) of parts (see
Figure 1 d).

It shall not be possible to dismantle the bed or its components without the use of a tool.
The dimensional requirements apply both before and after testing without re-tightening.

6


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

Dimension in millimetres

Key
1

Vertically protruding part

2

Highest adjacent part

w

Width of protruding part

H

Height of protruding part

V

45° angle to the horizontal

Figure 1 — Examples of a vertically protruding part
!
4.1.2
4.1.2.1

Accessible holes gaps and openings
General

There shall be no accessible holes, gaps or openings with a diameter/width greater than 7 mm and less than
12 mm, unless the depth is less than 10 mm when tested according to 5.3 of EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015.

7


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

Additionally, accessible holes, gaps and openings in safety barriers, bed bases and treads, shall fulfil the
requirements specified in the respective clauses, i.e. 4.1.3 Bed base(s), 4.1.4 Safety barriers and 4.1.5 Ladder
or other means of access.

All other accessible holes, gaps or openings shall be either:
a)

at least 12 mm but not more than 25 mm, when tested in accordance with 5.3 of EN 7472:2012+A1:2015; or

b)

at least 60 mm but not more than 75 mm, when tested in accordance with 5.3 of EN 7472:2012+A1:2015; or

c)

at least 200 mm.

4.1.2.2

Head entrapment on the outside of the bunk bed/high bed

The following requirements apply only to openings, where the lowest part is ≥ 600 mm from the floor.
Partially bound, V and irregular shaped openings shall be constructed so that:
a)

portion B of the template shall not enter the opening to the full thickness of the template when tested in
accordance with 5.3.2 of EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015; or

b)

the apex of portion A of the template shall contact the base of the opening when tested in accordance
with 5.3.2 of EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015."

4.1.3

Bed base(s)

The bed shall have a means (e.g. fastening) of preventing the side rails from bending outwards. This
requirement is fulfilled if the bed base(s) or its elements do not fall down when tested with the horizontal
outwards force specified in 5.4.2 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015".
All gaps between the bed base and the side or ends shall not exceed 25 mm when measured in accordance
with 5.3 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015".
All gaps between bed base components, (e.g. slats or springs) shall not exceed 75 mm when measured in
accordance with 5.3 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015".
When tested in accordance with 5.4.3, 5.4.5 and 5.4.4 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015", the bed base and/or
its elements shall not break, fall down or become detached.
The distance between the upper surface of the lower bed base and the underside of the upper bed base shall
be at least 750 mm.
The bed base shall allow ventilation. ! This requirement is fulfilled if there is a minimum ventilation area of
2
35 cm (e.g. 8 holes with a diameter of 24 mm in a solid bed base, gaps between slats). The openings shall
fulfil the requirements in 4.1.2."
4.1.4

Safety barriers

Any upper bunk bed or high bed shall be equipped with continuous safety barriers all around the bed, with the
exception of an opening for access, which shall be located on one long side only. Gaps between the ends of
the safety barrier and the bed end structures shall not exceed 7 mm, when tested according to 5.3 of
!EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015".

8

BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

In non-domestic use only, the structure of the building can act as a safety barrier, provided that the bed is
fastened to it in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
The safety barriers shall be secured against unintentional loosening. This requirement is fulfilled if the safety
barriers do not become damaged or loosened when tested in accordance with 5.4.2 of !EN 7472:2012+A1:2015".
The distance between the upper edge of the safety barriers and the upper surface of the bed base shall be at
least 260 mm.
The top of the mattress shall be at least 160 mm below the upper edge of the safety barriers. The maximum
thickness of the mattress shall be permanently marked (see Clause 5 d) and Clause 6 b)).
With the exception of the upper corners of the safety barrier, which may end in a maximum radius of 85 mm,
the opening for access shall have a width between 300 mm and 400 mm from the maximum mattress
thickness mark (see Clause 6 b)) to 160 mm above it (see Figure 2).
With the exception of the long side, where the ladder or other means of access shall be mounted, the
horizontal distance between the outside of the top safety barrier and the vertical projection of the outermost
point of the legs/posts/panels, shall not exceed 55 mm nor shall be more than 230 mm (see Figure 3).
With the exception of the opening for access, the safety barrier shall be designed so that in at least one
direction the clear space between two adjacent retaining elements (e.g. bands, filler bars) is either ≤ 5 mm or
is at least 60 mm and not more than 75 mm when tested in accordance with 5.3 of !EN 7472:2012+A1:2015".
4.1.5

Ladder or other means of access

The ladder or other means of access shall be either vertical or shall have a positive inclination towards the
upper bed.
The distance from the floor to the upper surface of the first tread shall not exceed 400 mm. The distance
between the upper surfaces of two successive treads shall be (250 ± 50) mm.
The distance between the upper surfaces of the treads shall be equal with a tolerance of ± 5 mm.
The distance between the top tread and the point of access shall not be more than 500 mm.

The clear distance between two successive treads shall be at least 200 mm.
The usable width of the treads shall be at least 300 mm.
The front edges of all treads shall lie on a straight line within ± 20 mm.
The gap between any tread and any part of the bed frame shall be:
a)

less than 7 mm; or

b)

at least 12 mm but not more than 25 mm; or

c)

at least 60 mm but not more than 75 mm; or

d)

at least 200 mm.

The effective step depth shall be at least 90 mm (see Figure 4).
Frame parts of the bed, situated in the vicinity of treads, shall not interfere with the usable area of the tread.

9


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1

Safety barrier

2

Maximum mattress thickness mark

Figure 2 — Opening in the top safety barrier – Example

Figure 3 — Distance between the top safety barrier and the vertical projection

4.2

Strength of ladder or other means of access: Attachment, deflection and strength

The bed shall be provided with a means of access which shall not break, become detached or deform
permanently by more than 5 mm when tested in accordance with 5.6 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015".

4.3

Strength of frame and fastenings

The frame and structural fastenings shall not be damaged or malfunction; nor shall any part detach when
tested in accordance with 5.4.2 and 5.5 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015".

4.4

Stability

When tested in accordance with 5.7 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015", the bed shall not overturn.

10


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

4.5

Fastening of the upper bed to the lower bed

The upper bed shall be connected to the lower bed in such a manner that it does not disconnect when tested
in accordance with 5.8 of !EN 747-2:2012+A1:2015".
Dimensions in millimetres

Key
1

Step depth

2

Frame part

3

Tread

Figure 4 — Gaps and step depth – Example of construction

5

Instructions for use

All beds which claim compliance with this standard shall be provided with instructions for use in the official
language(s) of the country where the bed is sold. The instructions shall be headed:
IMPORTANT – READ CAREFULLY – RETAIN FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
The instructions for use shall include at least the following information:
!
a)

WARNING "High beds and the upper bed of bunk beds are not suitable for children under six years due
to the risk of injury from falls";

b)

WARNING "Bunk beds and high beds can present a serious risk of injury from strangulation if not used
correctly. Never attach or hang items to any part of the bunk bed that are not designed to be used with
the bed, for example, but not limited to ropes, strings, cords, hooks, belts and bags"

c)

WARNING “Children can become trapped between the bed and the wall, a roof pitch, the ceiling,
adjoining pieces of furniture (e.g. cupboards) and the like. To avoid risk of serious injury the distance
between the top safety barrier and the adjoining structure shall not exceed 75 mm or shall be more than
230 mm”;

d)

WARNING Do not use the bunk bed/high bed if any structural part is broken or missing;

e)

always follow the manufacturer’s instructions;

f)

the recommended size of the mattress(es);

11


BS EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015
EN 747-1:2012+A1:2015 (E)

g)

a statement that ventilation of the room is necessary in order to keep the humidity low and to prevent
mould in and around the bed;

h)

all bunk beds and high beds intended to be assembled by other than the manufacturer or his/her
representative shall include assembly instructions including a list of the parts supplied and details of any
tools required to assemble the bed;

i)

instructions regarding positioning and connection of the means of access;

j)

the maximum thickness of the mattress (see 4.1.4) as well as information regarding the mattress
maximum thickness marking;

k)

a statement to check regularly that all assembly fastenings are properly tightened;

l)

the number and year of this European Standard."

6

Marking

All beds which claim compliance with this standard shall be clearly and permanently marked with the following
information:
a)

name, registered trade name or registered trade mark of either the manufacturer, distributor or retailer;

b)

maximum thickness of the mattress to be used with the bed. This can be in the form of text, a line on the
bed at the correct height, or by other means;

c)

!either a text or a pictogram visible when in use as follows:

Text on high beds: This high bed is not suitable for children under six years; or
Text on each upper bed: This upper bed is not suitable for children under six years
Pictogram at least 15 mm x 15 mm

Figure 5 — Example of pictogram"
!d)" number and year of this European Standard.

12


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