How to maintain a safe bathroom?

Thousands of people are injured in the bathroom each year from slips, falls, and scalding from hot water.  This makes the bath one of the most relaxing and pleasurable places in the home yet one of the more dangerous.  While not all accidents can be prevented, simple precautions can be taken to minimize risks and maintain the safety in one of the favorite rooms in the home.
Following are guidelines offered by the National Kitchen and Bath Association on rules to
follow for keeping your bathroom safe:

• Be sure that slip resistant flooring is used in all areas of the bathroom. While most materials are slippery when wet; slip-resistant flooring materials help to eliminate many falls and reduce the risk. Any water on the floor should be wiped up as soon as possible to maintain safety.
• Eliminate steps leading into tub or shower areas. If possible, try to surround a tub with a platform where you can sit down prior to entering or exiting the tub.
• Select shower doors carefully. Always use shatterproof glass in shower enclosures. Also, if the door is hinged, make it open into the room instead of into the shower. In the case of an emergency, this allows easy access into and out of the shower.
• Install proper faucets. Pressure-balanced and temperature-controlled valves are recommended in the bath and shower to prevent scalding. Also, install faucets in areas that are easily accessible from outside the tub or shower. Avoid having to stretch or reach for the water control.
• Add benches and grab bars. Installing them within shower enclosures and near the entrance of a tub greatly decreases the chance of accidental falls.
• Install emergency shut-offs for whirlpool tubs. Make sure that the shut-off can be reached from both inside and outside the tub area to ensure maximum safety.
• Maintain safe distances between water sources and electrical switches. Use ground-fault circuit interrupters on electrical receptacles. They shut off when a hazard, such as moisture, is sensed.
• If children are present in the home use cabinet locks. The bathroom holds many poisonous household products and prescriptions. Always place locks on cabinets where these substances are stored.

Consider these safety tips in your home today and especially when planning a bathroom remodel in the future.