One normally equates the family bathroom as a place to wash away the day's cares and worries. It is the place where one can relax in a long, leisurely soak in a bathtub filled with hot, sudsy water or a steaming shower to wash away the grime of the outside world.
This is also the room where one goes to prepare to meet the world. In this room we wash, curl, or straighten our hair. We put on our make up, brush, floss, and whiten our teeth. We smooth our heels and lotion our skin. This is the one place where we all pamper ourselves.
But, the bathroom is also the most dangerous room in the home. When one stops to think about it this makes sense. In this room we have a deadly combination of water and electricity. There is water in the toilet, the bathtub, and in the sinks. The devices that we use to prepare ourselves to present our best face to the world could also be the very devices that end our lives.
Our blow dryers, hot irons, razors, even radios and countless other appliances require the use of electricity. When used near water there are safety measures that must be taken.
Always be sure to unplug these devises before filling the bathtub with water. Never use any of these electrical appliances near a bathtub filled with water. The sink is another area that presents hazards. Dangling cords could dip into a sink of water, short circuit and electrocute us. Never use any of these appliances near a sink where there is water running or that contains even a very small amount of water.
Bathrooms also present certain dangers to the elderly and to children. Anywhere that water can splash, spill or pool, there is the danger to slipping and falling. The bathtub is perhaps one of the slickest surfaces in the home due to shampoos, body soaps, and conditioners.
The surface of the tub should have non-skid surfaces applied if the tub does not have a textured surface. The tub should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the build-up of slick substances. Although there are only a couple of inches of water in the toilet bowl, it is more than enough for a young child to drown.
Lids should be kept closed on toilets if there are small children in the home. They are fascinated by water and being top-heavy, can fall into the toilet and become stuck. A
All areas prone to water slips should be covered by rugs with rubber backings to help prevent falls and will also help to absorb water. |
