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Furniture Safety - Wall Anchoring
Ensuring the safety of your home environment is paramount, especially when it comes to preventing furniture tip-overs. Tallboys, dressers, and other furniture, while essential for bedroom functionality, can pose significant risks if not properly secured. Anchoring these pieces to the wall is a crucial step in safeguarding against potential accidents.
Why Anchor Bedroom Furniture?
Unsecured furniture can tip over, leading to serious injuries or fatalities, particularly among young children. Children may climb on furniture out of curiosity, causing it to become unstable and fall. According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), since 2000, at least 28 people, including 17 children under five, have died in Australia due to toppling furniture incidents.
Mandatory Safety Standards in Australia
As of 4 May 2025, a mandatory information standard requires furniture suppliers to provide safety warnings about the dangers of toppling furniture. This standard applies to various furniture categories, including:
Category 1
- A clothing storage unit or bookcase with a height of 686 mm or more. A clothing storage unit is an item of furniture intended to primarily store clothes. It has one or more doors or drawers.
Category 2
- Entertainment units of any height. Entertainment units are designed to be used primarily to house, support or carry a television.
Category 3
- Hall tables, display cabinets, buffets, and sideboards with a height 686 mm or greater.
Suppliers must affix permanent warning labels to applicable furniture, provide warnings at the point of sale, and include safety information in instruction manuals.
Steps to Secure Your Furniture
- Use Anchoring Devices
- Follow Manufacturer Instructions
- Regularly Check Stability
- Educate Household Members
For renters, it's advisable to seek permission from landlords before installing anchoring devices. Explain the safety reasons and offer to repair any damage upon moving out.
Additional Safety Tips
- Avoid Placing Heavy Items on Top
- Keep Tempting Items Out of Reach
- Use Drawer Locks
- Position Furniture Wisely
By taking these precautions, you can create a safer home environment and significantly reduce the risk of furniture tip-over accidents. For more detailed information and resources, visit the ACCC's Product Safety website
