Answer this truthfully on a scale of 1-10. How safe/ accident-free are the bathrooms in your home?
Have you ever had accidents or near-misses where it really could have gone very bad?
When you really think about it, if you consider the slippery surfaces, the risk of getting burned by scalding water, the hazards related to drowning and electrical shock, the bathroom may just probably be the most dangerous room in your home.
Therefore, prevention is key when it comes to bathroom safety.
Here are 6 proven tips for boosting safety and increasing functionality in the bathroom.
Install Non-Slip Surfaces
Falling in the bathroom can lead to serious fractures or even worse. Falls are often caused by slippery surfaces. To prevent this, install non-slip tiles- especially stone or ceramic tiles with grout lines to provide more traction- and non-slip surfaces to floors and bathtubs. Make sure all mats have rubberized, slip-proof backs.IMPROVE
Accessibility
If people have to reach too far to access things in the bathroom, the risk of slipping or falling is heightened. In designing a bathroom, care should be taken in ensuring the installation of easy-to-reach shelves and storage. This is really important in the shower/bathtub. Make sure that soap, shampoo, conditioner, towels, and any other bathing items are within easy reach.
Avoid Water Accumulation On The Floor
Bathrooms should always have dry floors. Water should never be allowed to accumulate and form puddles. Slick, wet floors may cause slips and falls or worse, even electrocution. In constructing bathrooms, floors should have slight slopes so water flows and prevents the build-up of mould or water puddles. Also, be sure to mop the floors after every use.
Place Electrical Appliances Away From Water
Water can be conductors of electricity. To avoid risk of electrocution, avoid placing electric sockets on surfaces with increased risk of contact with water. You should also remember to place appliances like dryers, curling irons, and electric razors away from water. Typically, shelves for these appliances should be installed.
Ensure Bathroom Is Always Well-Lit
Accidents are more likely to happen in the dark than they are to happen in well-lit spaces. Bathrooms must be well-lit. If, for privacy, windows are not as large as others in a home to let in enough natural light, then overhead, bright white lights that illuminate the whole bathroom is important. Inexpensive LED nightlights could also be installed.
Remove Obstacles
Bathroom safety can be significantly improved by simply removing items that can easily be tripped over. Wires, buckets, scatter rugs or other such items must be removed or stowed safely away.
With the right precautions taken in the design, construction and eventual use of your bathroom, you can ensure your safety and that of your loved ones in the bathroom.
