ONLINE NOW - OPEN 24/7
The bathroom could be a potentially dangerous area in your home because of the presence of water and slippery surfaces. Anyone could end up getting injured when bathroom safety is not taken into serious consideration. Take note that the best time for you to think about the health and well-being of the entire household is before mishaps can happen.
To help keep your home easily accessible and free of hazards, trusted emergency plumbers in Melbourne share these seven tips to boost bathroom safety.
The best starting point to reduce risks and increase safety in the bathroom is to clear the walking space of any clutter. Keep all toys, cords, hygiene essentials, and other things off the ground and store them in their respective spaces. This simple task can make a huge difference in preventing unnecessary accidents in your bathroom.
Due to the fact that most bathrooms have tiled or wood flooring, there is a high chance that you or any family member could lose balance and sustain an injury if spills and standing water are left unaddressed.
So if you know that there is a certain area in your bathroom that accumulates water, mop them up instantly or, better yet, install a drain. By preventing water from pooling in that area, the whole household can be kept safe from potential injuries.
3. Use non-slip matsBathing literally means getting wet, which increases the risks for falls, especially in the shower, floors, and bathtubs. One of the best ways to prevent falls in these risky areas is set down water-resistant, non-slip mats. These mats are designed to grip the floor in wet areas with suction cups, covering the slippery surfaces with textured ridges so you can maintain good posture and balance. For your bathtub, you can make use of non-slip strips for to enhance safety when stepping in and out of the tub.
If you are living with a family member who needs a bit of support, you would need to make some changes in your bathroom, such as installing grab bars. This is crucial in preventing your loved ones from losing their balance while navigating the bathroom.
These sturdy bars must ideally be securely anchored to the wall near the tubs, showers, and toilets to hold an adult’s weight. Also, it must be wide enough and covered with non-slippery grips so your loved ones can grasp it quickly and easily.
In addition to slips and falls, burns and scalds are also common injuries in the bathroom due to hot water. The best way to prevent these accidents from happening is to make sure that the hot water is at the right bathing temperature: 37°C and 38°C for children and 41°C and 42°C for adults.
To achieve the right water temperature, you should run the cold water first and then slowly add hot water. But if you have mixer taps, you must run the cold and hot water together.
Consider adding more warm water if you need to increase the temperature. Never run the hot water alone because your child might put their hands or foot in the stream, resulting in burns. And before getting your child in the tub, you need to test the water temperature first using your elbow and wrist.
Never leave your child alone in the bath even for a minute because small children can quickly drown in just a few inches of water. So make sure that before you bathe your kids, everything you need is already within your reach. In case you need to grab something, or perhaps answer the phone/doorbell, you have to take the children with you.
Bear in mind that bath rings and seats are bathing aids, so they won’t prevent drowning when you leave your little ones unattended. Also, keep the tub dry when not in use.
The same is true if your elderly parents or anyone needing special assistance is going to use the bathroom: Never leave them unattended! Despite having non-slip mats and grab bars installed, nothing beats proper supervision and assistance in keeping your loved ones safe.
Leaking taps, blocked drains and toilets, and other plumbing issues should not be ignored, but rather, dealt with as soon as possible. When left unaddressed, these problems can quickly become worse and even lead to accidents.
Remember that water is the primary cause of misfortunes in the bathroom, so unnecessary water must be eliminated at the soonest possible time. This means that whenever you notice any problems with your home’s plumbing system, immediately contact a professional plumber to make the necessary repairs and replacements.
With hard, shiny surfaces that often get wet and slick, your bathroom can become a danger zone, especially to children and seniors. But a little work can go long way in creating a comfortable, safe environment. Implement these seven preventative measures to stop any bathroom mishaps from occurring. And for your plumbing needs, be they repairs, replacements or renovations, Blue Diamond Plumbing can be of great help. Don’t hesitate to give our experienced plumbing pros a call!
