SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, publishes SafeGuardS to help stakeholders understand the latest US requirements for adult portable bed rails (APBRs).
Final rule 16 CFR 1270 was published by the US Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) on July 21, 2023. This establishes a safety standard for APBRs that incorporates ASTM F3186-17 with modifications. The final rule aims to reduce the unreasonable risk of injury and death associated with entrapment and other hazards.
According to the standard, APBRs are defined as:
“Adjacent type bed rail, grab bar, assistive bar, transfer aid, cane or rail (henceforth identified as the product or products) intended by the manufacturer to be installed on, against, or adjacent to an adult bed. The product may vary in lengths (for example, full, half, or partial rails, grab bar or handle or transfer post or pole), and is intended by the manufacturer to provide assistance to the bed occupant in moving on the bed surface, in entering or exiting the bed, to minimize the possibility of falling out of bed, or for other similar purposes. This includes similar products that are likely to be used for these purposes even if this is not explicitly stated by the manufacturer. However, the standard does not address ALL products that might be so used, for example, a chair.”
SGS has published SafeGuardS 109.23 to help stakeholders understand the final rule and it includes a summary of the modifications that have been made to ASTM F3186–17 (Standard Specification for Adult Portable Bed Rails and Related Products).
Stakeholders are advised to review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 109.23 for more details.
The final rule came into effect on August 21, 2023. Its provisions include a ban on the importation and manufacturer of APBRs that do not conform to 16 CFR 1270 between July 21, 2023, and August 21, 2023, at a rate that is greater than 105 percent of the rate at which they manufactured or imported APBRs during the base period for the manufacturer or importer.
For information on how to calculate the base period, stakeholders should also review SGS’s original SafeGuardS 109.23.
SGS Furniture Services
SGS helps you deliver well-designed, functional, durable and safe products to your customers. We have the furniture industry, regulatory and technical expertise to check your products’ compliance against relevant standards and/or your own specifications. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s Furniture Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full US CPSC Issues Final Rule for Adult Portable Bed Rails SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Piyush Shah
Technical Director (Hardlines)
Tel: +1 (973) 461-7953
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About SGS
We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 98,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.