MHRA release new Bed Rail guidelines

In December 2013 the MRHA published new guidelines on the safe use of bed rails. They have reviewed and updated their guidance to take into account changes in devices and practises, as well as information gained from the investigation of adverse incidents.

It identifies areas for safe practices so that policies and procedures can be reviewed and put in place. This includes:

  • Risk management
  • Management responsibilities
  • Meeting legal requirements
  • Training
  • Planned preventative maintenance

The document is aimed at all users, carers and staff with responsibility for the provision, prescription, use, maintenance and fitting of bed rails. This includes:

  • MHRA liaison officiers (for onward distribution).
  • Nurses in hospitals and the community.
  • Occupational therapists.
  • Physiotherapists.
  • Care home managers and staff.
  • Hospice managers and staff.
  • Carers in the community abnd care-at-home staff.
  • Community equipment stores (CES) and loan store managers.
  • Those responsible for purchasing beds and bed rails.
  • Maintenance staff.
  • Health and safety managers.
  • Risk managers.

Bed rails successfully prevent many falls, but their incorrect use has resulted in the deaths of bed occupants by asphyxiation through entrapment in gaps. Risk assessment is key to ensure safe use. It shold start with bed occupant and include the combination of the proposed equipment, the bed and the mattress.

Issues to consider:

  • If the person is likely to fall from their bed, are bed rails the appropriate solution?
  • Does the person's physical size or behaviour present a risk?
  • Is the bed rail height appropriate for the bed occupant?
  • Can the person's head, neck, chest or body become trapped between the bars of the bed rails? Or the other gaps created by the bed, rail, mattress and head/footboard combination?
  • Is the bed rail fitted correctly - does it seem likely that it will move away from the side of the mattress or bed during use and so creating a hazard?
  • Bed rails designed for adults should not be used for children.

Things to avoid:

  • Gaps that could cause head, neck or chest entrapment when the mattress is compressed or between the end of the bed rail and the headboard or footboard.
  • Using bed rails which are not compatible with the bed base.
  • Using insecure fittings that let the bed rail drop down or move away from the side of the bed.
  • Using bed rails that have been maintained regularly.
  • Bed rails with parts missing.  

If either the bed, mattress, bed rail or condition of the occupant changes then the risk assessment should be carried out again.

The official MHRA guidance document 'Safe use of bed rails' has more detailed information and is available on the MRHA website.

If you would like to speak to a member of the team about the new guidelines or to arrange training for your staff, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our team on 01684 297818.