Bathrooms while being very useful can be the scene of many an accident. Following a few basic guidelines help to keep them safe. What are the possible hazards and how can we minimize them?
Slippery floors
Bathrooms get wet and there is no way around it. Always use bath mats next to the shower and bath. If water gets beyond those areas wipe it up immediately, especially if others are likely to be using the bathroom after you. Use non-slip mats in the shower and bath too especially if you have children or elderly people in the home. Having hand rails by the bath and shower can also help to prevent falls. Public restrooms and offices are required to put out warning signs when floors are wet from cleaning.
Hot Water
There is nothing quite like the luxurious feel of a warm bath or shower but water that is too hot can burn. Always check the temperature before getting into a bath or running shower. If you are running a bath for your self or for children always put in cold water first before running the hot tap. It is much safer to warm up a bath than to cool it down. If you have a baby or young children always remember that their skin is softer and they need cooler temperatures than adults. Test the water temperature with your elbow rather than your hand. Water that feels warm on your elbow is about right for a baby. Keep your hot water cylinder temperature turned down too. 120_F (49_C) is the recommended level for safety.
Medicine cabinets
Hundreds of children are treated in hospitals each week for poisoning. If you have children in your home make sure you have a medicine cabinet that locks. This is where all medicines should be stored and care should be taken not to leave any on the vanity area. Always make sure to store medicines in their original packaging, don’t use anyone else’s medicines and dispose of any expired medicines thoroughly. Medicines are not the only poisoning danger in bathrooms though. Things like shaving creams, hair removal creams and even some hair products can make a child very ill. Keep them locked up just in case. Razors both manual and electric should be stored in the cabinet too.
Electrical appliances
In most countries it is required by law to have special electrical outlets in the bathroom. If your outlets should ever become damaged be sure to have them fixed immediately. Always check that any electric appliances you use are in good condition too. Hair dryers and electric razors should be stored carefully and out of reach of children. If they are left around they could become wet and a potential hazard. Bathroom heaters, fans and towel rails should be properly fitted and again fixed immediately if they become worn or damaged.
Keeping your bathroom safe doesn’t take much time and it could you or your family from a bad accident that could have been prevented.
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