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Bath Safety

GENERAL SAFETY
Bathroom safety is always important, but is especially crucial for people with physical challenges, due to factors such as aging or injury. An ADA shower, ADA toilet, or walk-in bathtub can be important installations in the creation of a handicap accessible bathroom. A few easy additional modifications and adaptations can further enhance bathroom safety:

  • Install bathroom safety grab bars & rub rails
  • Remove all throw rugs or secure them with tape, to avoid falls
  • Remove heavy objects from countertops and shelving
  • Keep a flashlight in a handy spot
  • Remove candles from the bathroom
  • Keep frequently used products in easy-to-reach spots

For more information on Bath Safety, visit the ADA website to review the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.


SAFETY TIPS FROM THE BATH RENEWAL TEAM

Bathroom safety tip #1
Electrical items in the bathroom are sometimes necessary, but they can lead to deadly accidents or injury. NEVER plug in an electrical appliance near an area where water is present. This includes the bathtub, toilet, and even sink. One false move could plunge a plugged-in electrical item into water, causing electrocution.

Bathroom safety tip #2
Use slip resistant mats or materials in and around wet areas. Purchase mats with a non-slip backing, or gritty surface, to help in preventing bathroom slips and falls.

Bathroom safety tip #3
Mop up any accumulated water from the floor. If children are in the home, always inspect the floor surface after bath time, hand washing, or teeth brushing. This will ensure there aren’t any water puddles on the floor. Not only can this water cause slips and falls, but it also goes back to bathroom safety tip # 1; electrocution.

Bathroom safety tip #4
Protect electrical outlets with a ground-fault circuit interrupter. An electrician can install this for you, and it will protect you from being shocked, in the event that water and electricity come together.

Bathroom safety tip #5
Install grab bars in or around the bathtub and shower area, and also by the toilet. When installed properly, grab bars make it easier to get out of the bath, and are good to have in case you loose your footing in the tub or shower. Senior citizens, in particular, can benefit from having grab bars installed in the home. NEVER use a soap dish or towel rack as a grab bar.

Bathroom safety tip #6
Don’t store your medications in the medicine cabinet if there are children in the home. Even child-proof lids can be opened by a determined child, so it’s best to eliminate their presence all together. This includes both prescription medications and over-the-counter medicines.

Bathroom safety tip #7
Cleaning supplies should be kept out of reach of children, as well. Children are very curious, and may be attracted to the bottles of liquid. Poisonous material of any kind should be kept under lock and key, and out of sight from small children.

Bathroom safety tip #8
If there are small children in the home, a lock should be installed outside the bathroom door. This lock should be installed high on the door, out of reach of children, and should remain locked at all times. Small children have drown in toilets, or even as little as an inch of water. There are too many dangers in the bathroom to take chances.

Bathroom safety tip #9
To prevent burns, set hot water heaters at, or below, a temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, select anti-scald faucets. It’s also a safe idea to keep a bathroom window ajar to prevent overheating. If there is no bathroom window, an exhaust fan can be helpful in keeping air circulated.

Bathroom safety tip #10
There should be adequate lighting in your bathroom during the day, and a low light (such as a nightlight) to illuminate the way at night. Be sure to keep manicure scissors, tweezers, nail polish remover, etc. out of the reach of children. Common sense is the key to keeping yourself, and your family, safe in the bathroom and other rooms of the home.