Adult Portable Bed Rail FAQs
The final rule was published in the Federal Register at 88 FR 46958 and is codified at 16 CFR part 1270.
The rule defines an “adult portable bed rail” as “an 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…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”. Products that are likely used for these purposes, whether or not intended by the manufacturer, may be considered within scope.
Products that are not within scope of the rule include guardrails or side rails intended for use on FDA-regulated hospital beds or portable bed rails for children. Portable bed rails for children are regulated under 16 CFR part 1224; more information is available on our children's portable bed rail business guidance page.
16 CFR part 1270 incorporates by reference ASTM F3816-17 which includes the following requirements:
- Must meet performance requirements for
- Retention systems
- Structural integrity
- Entrapment
- Openings
- Misassembled Products
- Cannot have hazardous sharp points or edges per 16 CFR §§ 1500.48 and 1500.49
- Bear permanent labeling and warning statements
Test procedures are outlined in sections 8 and 10, and the required warning statements are outlined in section 9 of ASTM F3186-17. Note that CPSC has made limited modifications to ASTM F3816-17 that take precedence over the text of the voluntary standard and are found at 16 CFR § 1270.2(b).
The requirements apply to products manufactured after August 21, 2023.
Read-only copies of ASTM standards that are incorporated by reference can be viewed at ASTM’s electronic Reading Room. Other ASTM standards referenced within ASTM F3186-17 may need to be purchased from www.astm.org.
For more information, visit our adult portable bed rail business guidance page.
Yes. Domestic manufacturers or importers of adult portable bed rails must issue a General Certificate of Compliance (GCC). The citation to use in section 2 of the GCC is “16 CFR part 1270 – Adult portable bed rails”. For more information on GCCs, visit our GCC business guidance page.
Mattress thickness may vary up to 1.5 in (3.8 mm) larger or smaller than what is specified by the manufacturer. The exact thickness used for a specific test should take into consideration the most severe condition for each test. See 16 CFR § 1270.2(b)(8)(i).