How safe is your bed?

Did you know that the bedroom can be a hazardous place and it is important to practice safety here as much as it is in the rest of your house. The three main causes of accidents in the bedroom are:

Smoking
Smoking in bed is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Smoking accounts for 30% of fires in mattresses. Every 3 days someone dies from a fire started by a cigarette. Ensure your cigarette is extinguished in a suitable container such as an ashtray. Preferably avoid smoking in the bedroom.

Candles
5 fires a day are started by a candle. If using candles they should be only used in proper holders, such as a candle holder and kept away from curtains or similar hanging fabrics. Please place in a safe and sturdy surface where they will not fall over.

Electric Blankets
You may be surprised to learn that over 500 fires a year are started by an electric blanket. Although on the whole they are safe, they should be regularly checked and if they show any sign of damage to the blanket or wiring, they should be replaced immediately.

Fire doubles itself every 3 minutes in a mattress. Although you may not be killed by the flames it will be the carbon monoxide that will kill you.

When choosing a mattress an important consideration for safety purposes is whether or not it is fire retardant. Although this does not mean it is not flammable it will allow you extra time in the event of a fire.

How to check if your bed meets the appropriate safety standards

Unfortunately, beds and mattresses are not covered with the same extent of safety legislation and standards as other household products however, they do still have to comply with regulations that help to protect the consumer and their family.

BS7177

This code relates to the British Standard that is expected in a product. Although it is not law, it is an indication of the safety and performance of the product you are buying. It is recommended to consumers to verify that their purchases comply with current British Standards before they buy. BS7177 covers the flammability of material used in the manufacture of beds and mattresses, including covered divans, mattress covers and upholstered bases. These products have to complete a test that covers ignitability with a range of sources, including cigarettes and matches.

EN747-1

The European standard EN747-1 was published in 1993, it supersedes the previous standard BS6998. This standard encompasses raised beds, including bunk beds, mid sleepers and high sleepers. In addition it covers the design of these beds for the safety of occupants and users. Included within this standard is the bars or supports that prevent the occupier falling out and together, with the design, construction and fitting of ladders and steps for getting into the bed. The dimensions and requirements for the safe manufacture and sale of bunk beds is also covered by law in England and Wales.

Whatever bed you are looking at, whether it is for your child or for yourself, it should contain a notice to say that they have been tested and have passed the necessary safety standard. Likewise if you are renting a furnished home, you should ensure that the beds meet these safety standards. Even if you are considering purchasing a bed second-hand, you should again ensure that the beds you are looking at comply with the regulations. As it is quite a new regulation older beds may not fall within the safety standards and therefore, not have been tested. Safety in of the utmost importance and this is why you should always consider buying a new bed as opposed to accepting a hand-me-down or purchasing a used bed or mattress.