Child's Entrapment Death Prompts Big Lots Recall of Metal Futon Bunk Beds
CPSC recall 11250 · announced June 16, 2011 · Big Lots · 30,000 units affected
The product
The recall involves metal futon bunk beds with model number BFB1008 located on a label on the upper bunk support rail. The metal futon bunk beds have an upper bunk designed to hold a twin mattress. The bottom bunks have a convertible futon bed.
The hazard
Children behind the futon or in the ladder area of the bunk bed can get entrapped when the futon and its metal frame are lowered from the seated to the flat position. Also, the space between the last rung on the bunk bed's ladder and the futon mattress is too small, which can allow a child's body to pass through, but not the head, posing a head and neck entrapment hazard.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately stop using these bunk beds and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit that contains new ladders and other parts that consumers can install at home.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): A three-year old Burlington, Iowa boy who died when he became entrapped at the head and neck in the recalled bunk bed in March of 2010. The weight of the futon's metal frame prevented the child from breathing and escaping. CPR was administered, but the child died at the hospital due to compression asphyxiation.
Sold at: Exclusively at Big Lots stores nationwide from January 2009 through April 2010 for about $200.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Big Lots toll-free at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, e-mail the firm at talk2us@biglots.com or visit the firm's website www.biglots.com
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.