Test Method for Bunk Beds
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(43 K)
Product Safety Reference Manual
Book 5 - Laboratory Policies and Procedures |
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Part B: Test Methods Section, Method M-16 |
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1 Scope
1.1 This method describes test procedures for bunk beds to ensure that the product meets the requirements of the ASTM Standard F 1427-96 and that labelling and instructional literature are in both official languages. The product is evaluated by performing the following tests:
2 Applicable Documents
2.1 ASTM Standard F 1427-96.
2.2 ISPA Voluntary Dimensional Guideline for Bedding Products and Components.
2.3 Standard Operating Procedure for Bunk Bed Test Frame and Control System.
3 Definitions
3.1 Refer to ASTM F 1427-96, Section 3 for a list of definitions.
3.2 Integral - term used when a component like the ladder, guardrail, foundation etc. is incorporated or permanently fixed to another.
3.3 Cross member - a structural supporting component installed transversely across the bunk bed.
4 Sampling
4.1 The test procedures within are conducted on one specimen as received in good condition.
5 Apparatus
5.1 A caliper or suitable measuring device.
5.2 Measuring Tape.
5.3 Measuring Magnifier.
5.4 Tools recommended by the manufacturer to assemble the product.
5.5 Aluminum shim with minimum dimensions: 150 mm x 50 mm x 2 mm (6 in x 2 in x 5/64 in).
5.6 Wedge Block (shown in Figure 1, ASTM F 1427-96).
5.7 Force Gauge(s) capable of measuring 148 N (33 lbf), 200 N (45 lbf) and 300 N (67 lbf).
5.8 Stopwatch.
5.9 Mass, 102.2 kg (225 lb).
5.10 Lifting device capable of raising and lowering up to and including 181.4 kg (400 lb) mass.
5.11 Standard mattresses and foundation.
5.12 Sphere, 230 mm (9 inch), or equivalent.
5.13 Plywood sheet, 483 mm x 940 mm x 19mm (19 in x 37 in x 3/4 in).
5.14 Mass, 181.4 kg (400 lb).
5.15 Mass, 75.0 kg (165 lb).
5.16 Bunk Bed Test Frame.
6 Test Procedures
6.1 Inspection of Carton and Product for Damage (Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.1.1 This section determines whether the product container and/or the product are damaged.
6.1.2 Inspect the product carton(s) for damage. Record observations.
6.1.3 Open the boxes containing the product. While removing the contents, note which box(es) contain the Bed End Structure and mark them. Inspect the product for damage and record observations.
6.2 Warning Label on Carton
6.2.1 This section determines whether the warning label is in conformance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 6.2.3.
6.2.2 Locate the warning label on the product carton. Determine if the warning label as well as the applicable mattress dimensional specifications appear on at least one face and one end of the product carton containing the bed ends and that the letters are of the required size as per ASTM F 1427-96 Section 6.2.3. Record all locations of the warning label if present and any discrepancies to the above requirements.
6.2.3 Compare the information contained in the warning label against therequirements detailed in ASTM F 1497-96 Section 6.2 and Figures 3(a) to 3(d).
Record any discrepancies.
6.2.4 Verify that the warning label is in both official languages. (Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.2.5 Permanency of Warning Label
6.2.5.1 If the warning label is present on the product carton, attempt to manually remove the label without the aid of hand tools or solvents. Record if the label damages, tears or detaches.
(As per ASTM F 1427-96 Section 3.1.11).
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.3 Instructional Literature
6.3.1 This section determines if the printed instructions accompanying the bunk bed set (if present) include the details specified in Section 7 of ASTM F 1427-96.
6.3.2 Locate and determine if the printed instructions accompanying the bunk bed set include the following information (as specified in ASTM F 1427-96 Section 7):
6.3.2.1 All parts and tools necessary to assemble the bunk bed set shall belisted in the instructional literature. Collect and sort all the parts and tools supplied (or recommended) by the manufacturer. Verify that the parts and tools listed as being supplied by the manufacturer are present.
Record any discrepancies.
6.3.2.1.1 Verify that both lists of parts and tools are in both official languages.
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.3.2.2 Detailed diagrams should be included showing exactly how the bed should be assembled, including specific instructions pertaining to:
- bed end structures
- attachment of side rails
- installation of the mattress/foundation support system
- fit of upper bunk to lower bunk (if applicable)
- attachment of guardrail(s) (if applicable)
- attachment of ladder(s) (if applicable) Record the presence/absence of diagrams and instructions.
6.3.2.2.1 Determine the following:
- if the upper bunk is capable of being detached from the lower bunk.
- if guardrail(s) are integral to the structure.
- if the ladder is integral to the structure.
Record the above information.
6.3.2.2.2 Verify that the diagrams and instructions are in both official
languages. (Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.3.2.3 The intended dimensions for the size of the mattress and foundation shall be stated. The dimensions may be stated numerically (length, width and thickness) or by type (twin, double etc.). Record the presence/absence of dimensions for both the mattress and the foundation (if foundation is not integral). Locate and, if present, record the maximum mattress and foundation thickness(es) stated, and the maximum mattress thickness which will ensure conformance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.5.3.
6.3.2.3.1 Verify that the information pertaining to the intended dimensions of the mattress and foundation is in both official languages.
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.3.2.4 A statement regarding Replacement Parts which conforms to ASTM F 1427-96 Section 7.5 shall be given. Record any discrepancies.
6.3.2.4.1 Verify that the statement regarding Replacement Parts is in both official languages.
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.3.2.5 The safety warnings as outlined in ASTM F 1427-96 Section 7.6 shall be present. Verify safety warnings and record any discrepancies.
6.3.2.5.1 Verify that the safety warnings are in both official languages.
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.4 Assembly of Bed in Accordance with the Instructions Supplied
6.4.1 This section determines if the list of tools, assembly instructions and parts supplied are adequate to assemble the product as stated in Section 5.1 of ASTM F 1427-96.
6.4.2 Prior to assembly, measure the diameter of all bolts used to attach the side rails to the bed end structure. Record the results in Section 6.7.2.2 (Bolt-on Side Rails).
6.4.3 Using the tools recommended by the manufacturer, assemble the product according to the instructions.
6.4.4 Verify that the list of tools is present, and if so, that the recommended tools are adequate to assemble the product. Record any discrepancies.
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.4.5 Verify that the parts provided for assembly were sufficient to assemble the product as per instructional literature. Record any discrepancies.
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.4.6 Record any additional comments pertaining to the assembly of the product (i.e., if the instructional literature was easy to understand and gave sufficient information to assemble bed correctly, etc.).
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.5 Marking and Labelling
6.5.1 This section determines if the labelling on the product is in conformance with Sections 6.1, 6.2 and 3.1.11 of ASTM F 1427-96.
6.5.2 Manufacturer's, Distributor's, Seller's Label
6.5.2.1 Determine the presence/absence of all commercial labels and record their location if present.
6.5.2.2 If the label is present, determine if the following information is present:
- Name (manufacturer, distributor or seller)
- City
- Province/State
- Date of Manufacture (year/month)
Record the above information and note if any information is missing.
6.5.2.3 If the above label is present, attempt to manually remove the label without the aid of hand tools or solvents. Record if the label damages, tears or detaches.
6.5.3 Warning label on product
6.5.3.1 Determine whether the foundation is integral with the bed structure.
Record the type of foundation (integral or non-integral).
6.5.3.2 Locate and determine if the appropriate warning label detailed in ASTM F 1497-96 Section 6.2 and Figures 3(a) to 3(d) is present on the product. Record the presence or absence of the warning label. Verify the contents of the warning label and record any discrepancies.
6.5.3.3 Determine if the requirements for the lettering typeface, size and case format are met as outlined in ASTM F 1497-96 Section 6.2.2. Record any discrepancies.
Note: When lower case print is used, the size of the type is determined by measuring the height of the lower case "l" or similar full height letter.
6.5.3.4 Record the number and location of each warning label (note if label is facing inside or outside of bed) on the product. Measure and record the height from the bottom of the warning label to the foundation, if present, or to the mattress foundation support.
6.5.3.5 If the warning label is present, attempt to manually remove the label without the aid of hand tools or solvents. Record if the label damages, tears or detaches.
6.5.3.6 Verify that the information in the warning label is in both official languages and record any discrepancies. (Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.6 Fit of Top Bed to Bottom Bed (Not applicable if bed end structures are one piece construction).
6.6.1 This section describes the procedure for determining the minimum height of lift to allow horizontal disengagement of the top bed from the bottom bed as required in ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.1.
6.6.2 Facing the longitudinal side of the bunk bed with the head of the bunk bed on your left, mark the corner on your left and closest to you as corner #1 and proceed in a counterclockwise fashion from that corner marking the other three corners as #2, #3 and #4 respectively.
6.6.3 Determine if the product has a fastening mechanism that will prevent unintentional disengagement of the top bed from the bottom bed.
Record the presence and type of fastening mechanism.
6.6.4 If the product does not have a fastening mechanism, determine the height of the lift required to disengage the top bed from the bottom bed from each of the four corners. Follow one of the procedures, Pins or Dowel Components (Section 6.6.4.1) or Sleeve and Tube Components (Section 6.6.4.2), as determined by the configuration.
6.6.4.1 Pins or Dowel Components
6.6.4.1.1 Separate the top bed from the bottom bed at one point of attachment. With the dowel or pin in the lower bed post, insert the aluminum shim between the top surface of the dowel and the bottom surface of the upper bed post.
6.6.4.1.2 Measure and record the distance between the lower surface of the aluminum shim and the upper surface of the lower bed post. Remove the shim.
6.6.4.1.3 With the dowel in the upper bed post, insert the aluminum shim between the lower surface of the dowel and the upper surface of the lower bed post.
6.6.4.1.4 Measure and record the distance between the upper surface of the aluminum shim and the lower surface of the upper bed post at the pin or dowel. Repeat this procedure (Sections 6.6.4.1.1 - 6.6.4.1.4) for all applicable points of attachments.
6.6.4.2 Sleeve and Tube Components
6.6.4.2.1 Scribe a line on the lower tubing of the bedpost when assembled where the bottom edge of the upper tubing comes to rest.
6.6.4.2.2 Separate the top bed from the bottom bed at one point of attachment. Measure and record the distance between the scribed line and the upper surface of the lower tube. Repeat this procedure (Sections 6.6.4.2.1 - 6.6.4.2.4) for all applicable points of attachments.
6.7 Side Rails
6.7.1 This section determines whether the side rails supplied with the product are in conformance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.4.
6.7.2 Bolt-on Side Rails
6.7.2.1 Record the number of bolts used to attach the side rails at each corner.
6.7.2.2 Measure and record the diameter of all the bolts used to attach the side rails at each corner.
Note: Should have been completed as per Section 6.4.2.
6.7.2.3 If the bunk bed set is constructed of wood and if two bolts are used, measure and record the spacing between bolt centres at each of the four corners.
6.7.2.4 Measure and record the length and location of any exposed threaded portion of the bolt at each of the four corners.
6.7.3 Hook-on Side Rails
6.7.3.1 Determine whether each side rail requires an additional action, other than an upward force, to disengage from the bed end structure.
(Additional action could include unscrewing of bolt, etc.) Record the number of actions required to disengage each of the side rails from the bed end structure.
6.7.4 Side Rail Attachments (Structural Integrity)
6.7.4.1 Perform the procedure described in ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.4 to each of the side rails. Record the results.
6.8 Ladders
6.8.1 This section determines if the ladder supplied is in conformance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.7.
6.8.2 Determine if a ladder was supplied with the product. Record the presence/absence of a ladder.
6.8.3 Determine the method of attachment of the ladder to the product. Record if the ladder is an integral part of the bed end structure or guardrail. If not, manipulate the ladder in an attempt to disengage, reposition or tilt the ladder. Record whether the method of attachment prevents inadvertent disengagement, repositioning or tilting while in use.
6.8.4 Measure the vertical spacings between:
- the floor (F) and the top of the first step (1s) and the spacings between all remaining steps ie. top surface to top surface.
- the floor and the bottom of the first step and the spacings between all remaining steps ie. top surface to bottom surface.
Record all spacings as F-1s, 1s-2s, last step (Ls) to all other structures above the last step that can be used as rungs.
6.8.5 Record if a component of the bunk bed structure reduces the effective vertical spacing of the ladder.
(Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.8.6 Determine the width of the ladder spacing by measuring the minimum distance between the stiles of the ladder (inside distance between the stiles). Record the measurement.
6.8.7 Record if a component of the bunk bed structure reduces the effective width spacing of the ladder. (Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.9 Foundation Support System
6.9.1 This section determines adequate cross member spacings as well as mechanical integrity and the confinement of the mattress and foundation as stated in ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.3.
6.9.2 Record the number of cross members in the foundation support system for the top bunk as well as the bottom bunk. If split lengthwise (i.e. futon style bunk bed or bunk beds whose foundation folds), note this and record the number on either side of the split.
6.9.3 Measure the distance between adjacent cross members and between the bed end structure and the nearest cross member. Record these distances.
6.9.4 Determine if the foundation support system can be dislodged without releasing any fastening device or the use of hand tools. Record observations.
6.9.5 Perform the procedure in ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.3 to test for the structural integrity of the foundation support system. Record the results.
6.9.6 Determine if the foundation support system confines the horizontal position of the mattress and foundation by placing a mattress and foundation on the top bunk of the bunk bed set and manually manipulating either of them. Record observations.
Note: If a mattress and/or foundation is not present, use the "in-house" mattress and/or foundation and note this.
6.9.7 Determine if there are any gaps in excess of 3.5" created during the manipulation. Record observations. (Not an ASTM F 1427-96 requirement)
6.9.8 Determine if the foundation support system prohibits the mattress and foundation from falling into the clearance over the lower bunk or to the floor when the mattress or foundation is manually manipulated. Record observations.
6.10 Guardrails
6.10.1 This method determines whether guardrails are present and if so, are in conformance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.5.
6.10.2 Measure the height from the floor to the underside of the upper foundation or, if no foundation, to the top of the upper mattress foundation support. Record the height.
6.10.3 Count and record the number of guardrails supplied with the product.
6.10.4 Determine if a fastening device is used to secure the guardrail(s) to the bed structure. Record the presence/absence of a fastening device.
6.10.5 If no fastening device is present, determine if the guardrail(s) can be unintentionally released by applying forces that are sequential and in different directions. Record if the guardrail(s) can be released and the direction(s) of the force(s) applied.
6.10.6 For each guardrail, measure the vertical height of the guardrail between the upper edge of the guardrail to the upper surface of the foundation if present or the upper surface of the mattress foundation support. Record measurements and specify if the height is taken from the foundation or from the mattress foundation support.
6.10.7 Record the manufacturer's recommended maximum mattress thickness if given. (Note if none given).
6.10.8 With no mattress on the bunk bed, test in accordance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.5. Record the location(s) and dimension(s) of any gap(s) below the upper edge of the guardrail(s) that allow(s) the passage of the wedge block as well as record the force at which the wedge block passed through the gap(s).
6.10.9 Record if any guardrail(s) terminates before reaching the bed end structure of the product or is continuous between bed end structures.
6.10.10 If spacing exists between the guardrail and the bed end structure, measure and record the distance between the end of the guardrail and the bed end structure for all applicable corners.
6.11 Bed End Structure
6.11.1 This section determines whether the bed end structure provides the required protection from falling to the occupant and/or does not present an entrapment hazard as per ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.6.
6.11.2 Test in accordance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.6.1 which is the testing of any openings in the upper Bunk Bed End Structure that is above the foundation support system. Record the location(s) and the dimension(s) of any gap(s) that allow(s) the passage of the wedge block.
6.11.3 Test in accordance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.6.2 which is the testing of any openings in lower Bunk Bed End Structure. Record the location(s) and the dimension(s) of any gap(s) that allow(s) the passage of the wedge block.
Note: The second part of the test (ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.6.2.2) requires that the mattress and foundation be on the product.
6.11.4 Measure the height from the upper edge of the upper bunk bed end structures for at least 50% of the distance between the two posts at the head and foot of the upper bunk to the upper surface of the foundation if present or the upper surface of the mattress foundation support. Record the measurement and specify if the height is taken from the foundation or from the mattress foundation support.
6.12 Mattress and Foundation Size and Fit
6.12.1 This section determines if the size of the mattress and foundation recommended by the manufacturer for use with the product causes any gaps that would present an entrapment hazard to the occupant, as specified in Section 4.2 of ASTM F 1427-96.
6.12.2 Determine if a mattress and foundation (if applicable) was supplied with the product. Measure and record the mattress dimensions if it was supplied with the product.
6.12.3 Measure and record the foundation dimensions if it was supplied with the product. (If the foundation is integral to the structure, DO NOT take measurements.)
6.12.4 Place the mattress and/or the foundation (if applicable) supplied with the product on the top bunk bed. If no mattress and/or foundation are supplied with the product, place "in-house" mattress and/or foundation on the bunk bed. Measure and record the dimensions of the "in-house" mattress and/or foundation.
6.12.5 Insert the wedge block in any gap(s) between the interior bed end structure and the edges of the mattress and foundation as stated in ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.2 and test in accordance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.2.1 to 5.2.3.
6.12.5.1 Measure and record the width and location of any gap(s) which permits the FORCED passage of the wedge block. Also, record the force at which the wedge block passed through.
Note: Use of "in-house" foundation and mattress may affect the wedge block test.
6.13 Metal Beds: Frame and Fastenings
6.13.1 This section determines the mechanical integrity of the bunk bed frame and fastenings by testing in accordance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 4.8.
6.13.2 Test in accordance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.7.1.1 and by referring to the Standard Operating Procedure for Bunk Bed Test Frame and Control System. Record the number of push loads applied and describe any damage or detachments that occurred.
6.13.3 Test in accordance with ASTM F 1427-96 Section 5.7.2. Record and describe any damage or detachments that occurred.
7 Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures
7.1 Ensure that all measuring instruments are functional and are calibrated according to the procedures outlined in their Standard Operating Procedures.
7.2 The Quality Control section of the test method is under development and will be added in a revised issue when completed.
8 Test Report
8.1 The test report shall contain the following information:
8.1.1 A description of the product to include brand, style, country of origin, size, UPC and whether the bunk bed set is wooden or metal.
8.1.2 The results of the tests conducted as described by section 6 of this test method.
8.1.3 The analyst's name and signature.
8.1.4 The signature of the reviewer.
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