Trade guide
Bunk bed safety standards: BS EN 747 explained for trade buyers
Short answer: BS EN 747 is the British and European standard for the safety, strength and durability of bunk beds and high beds. The current edition, BS EN 747-1:2024 (requirements) with EN 747-2:2024 (test methods), covers beds whose base is 600 mm or more above the floor. Key points: continuous safety barriers on the top bunk at least 260 mm above the base, the mattress top at least 160 mm below the barrier, a marked maximum mattress thickness and an access opening of 300 to 400 mm.
Key facts
- Scope: bunk beds and high beds with the upper bed base 600 mm or more above the floor.
- Top-bunk barrier at least 260 mm above the bed base and at least 160 mm above the mattress top.
- Maximum mattress thickness must be permanently marked on the bed.
- Access opening in the barrier: 300 mm to 400 mm wide.
- Ask for the test report for the exact model you buy.
What BS EN 747 covers
BS EN 747 is published in two parts. Part 1 sets the safety, strength and durability requirements; Part 2 sets the test methods. The 2024 edition applies to bunk beds and high beds for domestic and non-domestic use with an internal length over 1,400 mm, a bed base up to 1,200 mm wide, and the upper surface of a bed base 600 mm or more above the floor. That means many high sleepers and taller mid sleepers fall in scope as "high beds", not just classic bunks. It does not cover special-purpose beds such as those used in prisons, the military or fire brigades.
If a bunk or high bed includes other furniture, such as a desk or wardrobe, the standards for that furniture can also apply.
Key requirements at a glance
| Area | What BS EN 747-1:2024 requires (summary) |
|---|---|
| Safety barriers | Continuous barriers all round the upper bed, with one permitted opening for access. |
| Barrier height | Top of barrier at least 260 mm above the upper surface of the bed base. |
| Mattress | Top of mattress at least 160 mm below the top of the barrier. Maximum mattress thickness permanently marked on the bed. |
| Access opening | Between 300 mm and 400 mm wide. |
| Barrier gaps | Gaps between barrier ends and the bed structure no more than 7 mm. |
| Bed base | Gaps between slats or base components no more than 75 mm; ventilation through the base. |
| Lower bunk headroom | At least 750 mm between the lower bed base and the underside of the upper base. |
| Ladder | First step no more than 400 mm from the floor; steps spaced 250 mm (plus or minus 50 mm). |
This is a plain-English summary for buyers, not a substitute for the standard. Buy the full text from BSI if you are designing, testing or specifying beds.
The mattress thickness rule
The single most common bunk bed safety failure in use is the wrong mattress. A mattress that is too thick reduces the effective barrier height on the top bunk. Every compliant bunk or high bed carries a permanent mark showing the maximum mattress thickness. When you sell or specify a bunk, sell a mattress that fits under that mark. Our kids' mattresses list depth on every product page, so you can match the mattress to the bed.
Warnings and instructions
The standard requires marking and instructions, including the maximum mattress thickness and a warning that the upper bed is not suitable for children under 6 years old. Pass the assembly instructions and warnings to your customer, and make sure guard rails and ladders are fitted exactly as instructed.
Bunk beds in contract settings
Holiday parks, hostels and outdoor centres use bunks heavily. For non-domestic use, check that the model has been tested for non-domestic use, fix the bed to the structure if the instructions require it, and specify mattresses to the fire rating your risk assessment requires. See BS 7177 and Crib 5 and bunk beds for holiday parks.
Product safety law
In Great Britain, the General Product Safety Regulations 2005 require consumer products to be safe, and meeting a relevant standard such as BS EN 747 is the usual way to show a bunk bed is safe. In Northern Ireland the EU General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 applies. As a retailer you are a distributor under these rules: keep records of where you bought the product and act on any recall.
What to ask your supplier
- The test report or certificate to BS EN 747 for the exact model and the edition it was tested to.
- Whether it was tested for domestic use, non-domestic use or both.
- The marked maximum mattress thickness.
- Assembly instructions and warning labels.
For any Flair bunk or high sleeper, ask your account manager on 01924 950955 or at orders@flairbeds.co.uk for the documents held for that model. Browse bunk and triple bunk beds and high sleepers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the British standard for bunk beds?
Do high sleepers have to meet BS EN 747?
How high should the guard rail be on a top bunk?
What age is a top bunk suitable for?
Can I put any mattress on a bunk bed?
Can Flair supply BS EN 747 test documents?
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