HARTFORD, May 6 – More than 467,000 wooden bunk beds sold in the United States and Canada are being recalled for repair because they could collapse, the Department of consumer Protection is reporting today. The beds, sold at Walmart, Kmart and Target stores and online at www.walmart.com, www.kmart.com and www.target.com from September 2004 through September 2009 for about $190 are being recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with manufacturer Dorel Asia SRL, of Barbados.

The wooden side rails that run from the headboard to the footboard and hold the bunk bed’s mattress in place can split and cause the bunk bed to collapse, posing a fall hazard. There have been 23 reports of the side rails cracking or breaking, including seven reports of minor bruises or abrasions.

The model number, date of manufacture, “Made in Vietnam” and the firm’s phone number are printed on a white label located on one of the bunk bed rails. Some of the labels include the name “Dorel Asia SRL.” Only the following models, colors and manufacturing date ranges are included in this recall to repair:

Consumers should immediately contact Dorel Asia to receive a free repair kit. Until consumers obtain and install the repair kit, they should only use the beds as separate twin beds. For additional information, contact Dorel Asia at (800) 295-1980 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.dorelasia.com