September 26, 2018 4.18 pm This story is over 66 months old

Business owner fined for unsafe kids’ beds

A hefty fine
This pictured was posted on the Facebook page Mega Bunks where people were complaining about the company.

A Woodhall Spa manufacturer has been handed a heavy penalty by the court due to advertising and selling children’s bunkbeds via social media that did not comply with the requirements of the British Standard.

Simon Capps, proprietor of the Wooden Letter Company Ltd, Mega Bunks and Imagination Bunkz, has been sentenced to a 12-month Community Order to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay contribution costs of £3,500, along with a victim surcharge of £85.

Mr Capps previously entered guilty pleas to five offences under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005.

The conviction comes after a series of visits and warnings by Lincolnshire Trading Standards Officers and a trail of complaints from consumers across the country.

A bunkbed acquired by Lincolnshire Trading Standards was tested against the British Standard for safety and failed in a number of areas including insufficient ventilation on the bed base and issues with the safety barrier.

There were no instructions, fixings or pre-drilled holes provided and no markings or warnings on the bunkbed stating that it complied, which confirmed many of the complaints from consumers.

Trading Standards Officers had provided advice and guidance to Mr Capps, however, the advice was not followed.

When buying bunkbeds, consumers are advised to check the product has been tested to the British Standard and is marked accordingly.

Where a bed claims compliance with the Standard, instructions for assembly and safe use should be provided and always adhered to.

Anyone concerned about a bunkbed they have purchased should call the national Citizens Advice Bureau helpline on 03454 040506.

Beds should be clearly and permanently marked with the following information:

  • Name, registered trade name or registered trade mark of either the manufacturer, distributor or retailer
  • Maximum thickness of the mattress to be used with the bed. This can be in the form of text, a line on the bed at the correct heigh or by other means
  • Either a text or a picogram visible when in use as follows. Text on high beds: This high bed is not suitable for children under six years; or text on each upper bed: This upper bed is not suitable for children under six years
  • The number and year of the European standard

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