Safety Standards for Cots, Prams, Strollers and Bunk Beds under Review

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) is alerting suppliers of children’s products to potential changes to three product safety standards (mandatory standards) for cots, prams and strollers and bunk beds.

ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said:

The ACCC is considering whether recent changes to related voluntary standards (Australian Standards) should be adopted as mandatory safety requirements.

Purpose of the Consultation

The consultations will seek views on recent product issues and developments. The stroller review will pay attention to addressing issues with finger entrapment and stroller stability (especially with the addition of various attachments).

The cot review will include an increased focus on drop side strength testing and the bunk bed review will look to address product design changes which have generated issues with product use and utility.

Views are sought on whether the proposed changes would promote higher levels of safety for these products. Submissions will assist with the ACCC’s recommendation to the Minister of Small Business, the Hon Bruce Billson MP.

Ms Rickard said:

Stakeholders are invited to make written submissions on the consultation paper by close of business 15 September 2014.

In addition to completing the questions, stakeholders are invited to provide detailed evidence-based comments to support their submission. The online questionnaire is the preferred way of receiving submissions, however stakeholders may also provide submissions via email at: productsafety.regulation@accc.gov.au

Overview of Current Standards

Household Cots: The mandatory standard for household cots came into effect on 3 December 2005. It covers various requirements for new, second-hand, antique and collectable cots.

Under the mandatory standard, household cots are permanent sleeping enclosures for infants and babies that have raised sides and ends. Cots are usually rectangular with sides and ends made of slats or filler bars. Often one side drops down to give easy access to a child.

Circular cots are also available. These are made with walls that have no slats. There are also cots available that convert to a toddler bed. When working as a cot, these must comply with the mandatory standard.

Prams and Strollers: The mandatory standard for prams and strollers came into effect on 1 July 2008. It covers performance testing, design, construction, safety warnings and informative labels for prams and strollers.

Under the mandatory standard for prams and strollers:

• A pram is a wheeled vehicle with a body of box-like or boat-like shape designed to carry a baby or child weighing up to and including 9 kg, primarily in a fully reclined position.
• A stroller is a wheeled vehicle designed to transport a child in a seated position that may also be adjusted to a semi-reclined or fully reclined position.

There are also combination prams/strollers available. These can seat children in upright, semi reclined and fully reclined positions, so they are considered strollers under the mandatory standard.

Bunk Beds: The mandatory standard for bunk beds came into effect on 7 April 2005. It covers specific construction, design and labelling requirements for bunk beds.

Under the mandatory standard a bunk bed is:

• A set of components that are assembled or are ready for assembly into single beds or double/single combination beds that will be stacked one over the other; or
• Any single bed—other than a hospital bed—where the top of the mattress base is at least 800 mm above the floor surface.

TimeBase is an independent, privately owned Australian legal publisher specialising in the online delivery of accurate, comprehensive and innovative legislation research tools including LawOne and unique Point-in-Time Products.

ACCC Release MR 193/14

ACCC Product Safety Australia