Millie & Jones Safety Policy
At Millie & Jones, the safety of our customers, especially children, is our top priority. This Bed Safety Policy provides comprehensive guidelines to ensure the safe use of our beds. By following these safety measures, you can help prevent accidents, injuries, or misuse. Please read carefully and adhere to these recommendations to maintain a safe sleeping environment.
General Bed Safety Guidelines
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Assembly
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully during assembly. Incorrect assembly can compromise the bed’s stability and safety.
- Always use the correct tools provided or specified.
- Ensure all bolts, screws, and fittings are securely tightened. Regularly check and re-tighten as necessary.
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Weight Limits
- Respect the weight limits specified for the bed. Overloading can lead to structural failure.
- Top bunks and trundle beds often have lower weight limits than main frames. Check product specifications.
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Placement
- Position the bed away from windows, heaters, and ceiling fans.
- Avoid placing beds near cords or blinds to prevent entanglement hazards.
- Ensure the bed is placed on a level surface to prevent tipping or wobbling.
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Ventilation
- Use a mattress suitable for the bed frame to ensure proper ventilation and avoid suffocation risks.
- Avoid placing the bed in damp or poorly ventilated areas, which can cause mould or material deterioration.
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Ladder and Step Safety
To minimise the risk of slips or falls, we recommend that all ladder or step surfaces on bunk beds, high sleepers, and other elevated beds be checked for adequate grip. While our products are designed with smooth, durable materials, adding anti-slip tape to ladder rungs can enhance safety, particularly for children wearing socks or soft footwear. Parents should ensure that children are supervised when first using elevated beds to establish safe habits, such as climbing with bare feet or non-slip slippers. Additionally, regular checks should be made to ensure the ladder is securely attached and free from wear or damage.
Specific Guidelines for Bunk Beds
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Age Restrictions
- Children under 6 years old should not use the top bunk due to the risk of falls.
- Monitor younger children to ensure they do not climb unsupervised.
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Guardrails
- Ensure the top bunk has guardrails on all sides with no gaps larger than 7.5cm to prevent entrapment.
- Guardrails should extend at least 16cm above the mattress surface.
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Ladders
- Use the ladder provided to access the top bunk. Do not use furniture or other objects as substitutes.
- Ensure the ladder is securely attached and free from damage.
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Mattress Size
- Use a mattress that fits snugly within the frame and does not exceed the height recommendations for the top bunk (no more than 15cm).
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Safe Use
- Only one person should use the top bunk at a time.
- Avoid jumping or rough play on the top bunk.
Mid and High Sleeper Beds
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Usage
- Ensure the space under the mid or high sleeper is used appropriately. Do not overload with heavy furniture or items.
- Always supervise children when climbing or descending.
- All high sleeper & mid sleeper beds should be for children aged 6 & older.
- Use a mattress that fits snugly within the frame and does not exceed the height recommendations for the top bunk (no more than 15cm).
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Stability
- Avoid hanging objects or attaching swings or ropes to the bed frame, which may destabilise it.
Daybeds and Trundle Beds
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Safe Deployment
- Pull out trundle beds fully before use. Ensure they lock into place to prevent unexpected movement.
- Avoid using oversized mattresses that could interfere with the trundle’s mechanism.
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Weight Limits
- Ensure the trundle bed is not overloaded. Many trundles have lower weight capacities than main beds.
Mattresses
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Compatibility
- Use a mattress that matches the dimensions of the bed frame to prevent gaps, overhangs, or instability.
- Avoid overly soft mattresses for young children, as they can pose suffocation risks.
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Regular Maintenance
- Rotate and flip mattresses as recommended to maintain their integrity and comfort.
- Check for sagging or deterioration and replace if necessary.
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
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Structural Integrity
- Inspect the bed frame periodically for loose screws, cracks, or other damage.
- Replace any broken or missing components immediately.
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Cleanliness
- Keep the bed clean and free of clutter. Dust and debris can compromise functionality or cause allergies.
- Avoid exposure to liquids, which can weaken the frame or cause rust in metal beds.
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Replacements
- Replace worn-out parts with original manufacturer parts to ensure safety and compatibility.
Common Hazards and Precautions
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Falls
- Ensure proper guardrails and supervise children, especially on elevated beds.
- Teach children to use ladders safely.
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Suffocation
- Avoid placing soft bedding, large stuffed animals, or pillows with young children, particularly infants.
- Ensure mattresses fit snugly within the frame.
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Strangulation
- Remove cords, strings, or blinds near the bed.
- Avoid attaching toys or decorations with strings to the bed frame.
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Overcrowding
- Do not allow more occupants than the bed is designed for.
Legal and Safety Compliance
- All our beds comply with the relevant safety standards, including BS EN 747 for bunk beds and high sleepers.
- Materials used in our products meet or exceed UK fire safety regulations, ensuring the highest standard of protection.
Customer Responsibilities
- By purchasing and assembling our products, customers agree to follow these safety guidelines.
- HCH Commerce Limited is not liable for accidents or injuries resulting from improper assembly, misuse, or failure to adhere to safety recommendations.
Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns regarding the safety of your bed, please contact our customer support team at:
Email: info@millieandjones.co.uk
This policy is provided to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your family. Please retain this document for reference and follow all recommendations to minimise risks associated with bed use.