Safety guide for the use of furniture
Furniture Safety Guide
General tips for properly installing, using, moving, and maintaining furniture to reduce risks associated with incorrect use or improper assembly.
Important: always use the furniture for its intended purpose and follow the instructions provided with the product, if available. If a part is damaged, a fastener is loose, or there is a problem that may affect stability, stop using the affected part until it has been inspected.
1. Read the information before use
Before assembling or using a piece of furniture, read the available information regarding its assembly, use, and features.
• check the parts and elements provided;
• identify the fasteners required for assembly;
• follow the assembly order indicated;
• keep the useful instructions after assembly when provided.
Do not replace a part, fastener, or structural element with another component that is not suitable for the product.
2. Assembly
Proper assembly contributes to the stability and normal operation of the furniture.
Assembly surface: use a stable, clean space suitable for the dimensions of the furniture.
Parts: check their condition before starting.
Fasteners: install them in the designated locations.
Alignment: do not force a part that does not fit properly.
If a part appears broken, cracked, deformed, or incompatible with the intended assembly, stop assembly and contact our customer service.
For large or heavy furniture, the help of several people may be appropriate to reduce the risk of falling or damage during assembly.
3. Stability and positioning
The furniture must be installed on a suitable surface and used in a stable position.
• check that the furniture rests properly on the floor;
• avoid an excessively uneven surface when it compromises stability;
• ensure that the legs and supports are correctly positioned;
• do not use furniture that exhibits unusual tipping or significant instability.
If instability appears after a period of use, check the assemblies and fasteners before continuing use.
4. Loads and normal use
Each piece of furniture must be used in accordance with its function and stated features.
Do not place an obviously excessive load on a piece of furniture or one that is incompatible with its intended use.
Tables: do not use as a platform for climbing or standing.
Chairs: use as a seat and avoid movements that may cause tipping.
Storage furniture: distribute items reasonably.
Shelves: follow any specific load rating provided.
When no specific capacity is indicated, the furniture should not be subjected to use that is manifestly different from its normal intended purpose.
5. Tall furniture, cabinets, and tip-over risk
Tall or narrow furniture may present a tip-over risk when loaded unevenly, used for climbing, or installed improperly.
When a fastening or stabilization device is provided with the product, it must be installed in accordance with the applicable instructions.
• prevent anyone from climbing on drawers, shelves, or doors;
• do not open multiple moving elements simultaneously if it compromises stability;
• place heavier objects in a reasonably stable manner;
• use anti-tip devices when they are part of the intended installation.
Fastening conditions may depend on the wall and the installation environment; use solutions compatible with the actual situation when necessary.
6. Child safety
Children may use furniture differently than its intended use. Appropriate supervision is therefore recommended near furniture with moving elements, significant heights, or a tip-over risk.
• do not allow climbing on furniture;
• keep heavy or unstable objects out of reach when they present a risk;
• monitor the use of drawers, doors, and mechanisms;
• check the stability devices provided for the product.
Furniture not designed as toys or equipment for children should not be used as such.
7. Tables, chairs, and seating
Tables, chairs, armchairs, and other seating must be used in a stable position and in accordance with their function.
Chairs: do not rock excessively on two legs.
Armchairs: check stability before use if the furniture has been moved.
Tables: do not sit or stand on the tabletop when the product is not designed for this use.
Dining sets: maintain sufficient clearance around the furniture.
In case of a crack, loose leg, or structural anomaly, stop using the furniture until it has been inspected.
8. Beds, sofas, and upholstered furniture
Beds, sofas, and other upholstered furniture must be assembled correctly before regular use.
Check that legs, supports, frames, and connecting elements are correctly positioned when they are part of the assembly.
• do not use a structure with a break or significant deformation;
• avoid jumping or abnormal impacts on the furniture;
• check structural elements if an unusual noise or movement appears;
• do not remove a structural element necessary for the operation of the furniture.
9. Moving furniture safely
Moving large or heavy furniture must be done with care.
• remove objects placed on or in the furniture before moving when appropriate;
• secure moving or removable elements;
• avoid pulling a heavy piece of furniture when it may be damaged or scratch the floor;
• use several people when weight or dimensions require it.
After moving, check that the furniture rests properly and that the main assemblies have not been affected.
10. Outdoor furniture and safety
Garden furniture must be used taking into account its environment, especially wind, moisture, and ground stability.
Ground: install the furniture on a sufficiently stable surface.
Wind: secure or store lightweight elements when conditions require.
Moisture: check the condition of fasteners and components after prolonged exposure.
Storage: examine the furniture before reuse after a long period of non-use.
Outdoor furniture should not be considered suitable for all weather conditions if this feature is not indicated.
11. Periodic inspection and signs of anomaly
Occasional inspection can be useful for regularly used furniture or furniture with multiple assemblies.
Fasteners: check for any unusual loosening.
Structure: look for cracks, breaks, or significant deformations.
Stability: check for any unusual movement.
Parts: do not use a broken or missing element when it affects normal operation.
When an anomaly can reasonably affect safety, stop using the product or the affected part and contact our customer service for inspection.
12. Questions regarding furniture safety
For any questions regarding assembly, a fastener, a damaged part, instability, or another anomaly observed on a piece of furniture, you can contact our customer service.
dadoanddowel Customer Service
Address:
6303 LAKE RD W APT 15
ASHTABULA, OH 44004
Email:
customercare01@dadoanddowel.com
Phone:
+1 (216) 144-7759
Customer service hours:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: closed
dadoanddowel · Furniture Safety Guide