Government safety regulators are considering mandatory standards for bunk beds to reduce the number of deaths and injuries to children who become trapped in them.
Voluntary standards on bunk-bed safety have existed for years, but Ann Brown, head of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, said continued noncompliance was endangering children.As a result, the agency voted 2-1 on Wednesday to solicit additional information and public comment on the issue, which could result in a mandatory rule that manufacturers must follow or face penalties.
"A mandatory rule could make a difference that could mean life or death to children," Brown said.
The consumer protection agency has received 54 reports since January 1990 of children who died after they became trapped in the popular double-decker beds.
It also has recalled more than a half-million bunk beds since November 1994 because they didn't meet the voluntary standards, the agency said.