Published
Bunk beds are involved in many preventable childhood injuries. Approximately 450 children are treated each year in Queensland hospital emergency departments as a result of an injury related to bunk beds. 85% of the injuries are the direct result of a fall from a bunk bed, with most injuries suffered by children aged between 5-9 years old.
From 21 October 2013 bunk beds supplied in short-term rental accommodation in Queensland will have to meet mandatory safety standards. The purpose of the new Fair Trading (Safety Standards) Regulation 2011 covering bunk beds supplied in short-term rental accommodation is to keep children safe while they are staying away from home.
The Office of Fair Trading has developed a compliance guide and fact sheet to assist short-term rental accommodation operators to self-assess their existing bunk beds. The guide is not legal advice but is intended as general information on whether the bunk beds provided meet key requirements of the safety standard.
Short-term rental accommodation providers are encouraged to incorporate the new bunk bed regulation into their existing safety compliance programs as soon as possible.
Visit Queensland Office of Fair Trading for more information and access to a compliance guide and fact sheet.
Contact details
Website: www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au
Phone: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)