The revised standard EN 747:2012 became effective on May 1, 2012 and replaces the previous version EN 747:2007 for bunk beds and high beds in domestic use. Unlike the 2007 version, the new norm also covers non-domestic uses of bunk beds and high beds and so will also replace EN 13453:2004. However, the new European standard will not apply to special purposes of such beds for their uses in prisons, the military and fire services.

EN 747 (www.en-standard.eu/en-747-2-furniture-bunk-beds-and-high-...) is applicable to bunk beds and high beds with a maximum bed base width of 120 cm an internal length of more than 140 cm, which excludes cots and beds for young children.

The main changes to the general safety requirements of EN 747:2012 include: Improvements to the wording for general dimensional requirements, with specific requirements for safety barriers and bed bases. For non-domestic beds and when the instructions mention it, a wall can now be considered a barrier element. Further changes to the requirements for protrusions allow for more design flexibility, because safety issues are no longer classified for wide or tall protruding parts.

Comparison of testing requirements
Static load testing of a bed base is now increased for domestic beds to the previous level for non-domestic beds, with downward forces of 1200 Newtons (N) and upward forces of 500 N. However, a static load test on is introduced for domestic bed treads and at a reduced level for non-domestic bed treads at 1200 N. The impact test for bed bases now standardizes on the previous height for domestic beds for both at 180 mm, a reduction from the former 250 mm for non-domestic bed bases. Likewise, the durability test for both kinds of bed base now require 10,000 cycles at 1000 N, a reduction from the former 20,000 cycles for non-domestic bed bases, but are now tested at the most unfavorable point in addition to two other points. The impact test on treads is uniform using the previous domestic height of 150 mm, a reduction for non-domestic from the previous 175 mm. A durability test of treads is introduced for domestic beds, but with 10,000 cycles at 1000 N, a reduction from the previous non-domestic level of 20,000 cycles of 1500 N. The durability test of frame and fastenings is also made uniform on the previous domestic level of 10,000 cycles of 300 N, a reduction to the former non-domestic force of 350 N. The stability test is reduced for both types of bed to 120 N horizontal from the previous 170 N.m and 300 N.m levels.

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