Recall: International Express Recalls Tubular Metal Bunk Beds

Note: Telephone number change.

International Express Manufacturing Recalls Tubular Metal Bunk Beds; Collapsing Risk Cited

PRODUCT: Approximately 8,000 International Express Manufacturing (IEM) high gloss, tubular metal frame bunk beds distributed from June 1992 through December 1992 in retail stores nationwide. The models affected are: model 504 twin-size over full-size, model 508 twin-size/twin-size and model 510 twin/full futon bunk bed. IEM beds have a gold sticker on the head or footboard that say "IEM" and "International Express Mfg."

PROBLEM: The bunk beds may collapse during use. Bed occupants may be injured by the falling upper bunk.

WHAT TO DO: Look for a gold IEM sticker on the head/footboard or contact the retailer for information. Stop using affected beds immediately. Consumers with affected IEM beds should call the company toll-free at (800) 869-1688 (outside California), 213-888-1688 (in California) for a free repair kit or replacement of the mattress support metal frame.

WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), International Express Manufacturing (IEM), Commerce, California, is voluntarily offering a repair or replacement of certain children's tubular metal frame bunk beds. The upper level can fall causing the bunk bed to collapse. Collapse of the top bunk could result in injury to an occupant on the bed.

IEM has been notified by the CPSC of 10 reports of beds breaking, including two reported injuries. Approximately 8,000 affected bunk beds were distributed from June 1992 through December 1992 in retail stores nationwide. The beds were sold for approximately $139 to $199 each, excluding the mattresses.

The affected beds distributed in 1992 include: the model 504 twin over full bunk bed, model 508 twin/twin, and model 510 twin/full futon bunk beds. The beds have metal frames made of hollow painted tubes. The glossy painted frame will be either red, blue, white or black. IEM beds have a gold sticker on the head or footboard that say "IEM" and "International Express Mfg."

Consumers should immediately stop using the affected beds as bunk beds. To determine if you have an IEM bed, look for the gold sticker or contact the retailer for information. Consumers with affected IEM beds should call the company at (323) 888-1688 to obtain either a repair kit or replacement of the mattress support metal frames.

The CPSC is continuing to investigate importers and manufacturers of metal bunk beds that may present a similar risk of collapsing. To date, firms have received over 500 complaints of defective bunk beds industry-wide. CPSC urges consumers to inspect all eight mattress support corners of all metal bunk beds for breaks or cracks in the paint and metal around the welds. Consumers should stop using damaged bunkbeds and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or importer. To assist CPSC in its investigation, consumers are urged to call the CPSC toll-free hotline weekdays at (800) 638-2772 to report incidents or injuries involving metal bunk beds. A teletypewriter for the hearing or speech or hearing impaired is available at (301) 595-7054.