Hong Kong Customs alerts public on model of unsafe bunk bed for domestic use (with photo)

     Hong Kong Customs today (April 1) alerted members of the public to a potential overturning hazard posed by a model of bunk bed for domestic use.

     Customs earlier purchased one model of the bunk bed from a household chain store for safety testing. Test results revealed that it failed to comply with the safety standards stipulated in the Toys and Children's Products Safety Ordinance (TCPSO). That model of bunk bed could not pass the stability test and could pose a risk of overturning. In addition, the distance between the vertical ladder of the bunk bed and the ground surface could not fulfil the requirements of the safety standards.  

     Customs officers later conducted an operation and seized four suspected unsafe bunk beds from four branches of the household chain store.  

     An investigation is ongoing.

     Customs reminds members of the public to observe the following safety tips when using bunk beds:
 

• Bunk beds should stand close to a wall and should be fixed with an overturn-proof device;
• An examination should be carried out after assemblage to make sure that the bunk bed stands safely;
• Advice and instructions for users should be read carefully;
• Never let children play and tumble on the bunk bed;
• Never attach belts or ropes to bunk beds to avoid potential risk of strangulation;
• A good distance should be kept between the mattress and the guard rails above; and
• Stop using the bunk bed immediately if it is found to be unstable.

     Customs is committed to the protection of consumer interests and regularly conducts spot checks and safety tests on toys and children's products to ensure that they are reasonably safe for use by consumers.

     Under TCPSO, it is an offence to supply, manufacture or import unsafe toys or children's products. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year on first conviction, and a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for two years on a subsequent conviction.

     Members of the public may report information relating to suspected unsafe toys or children's products via Customs' 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk).