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Safety
The bath is often a room full of sharp corners and hard surfaces that are slippery when wet. While it can present potential hazards, particularly for the very young and the very old, a practical approach to bath design can minimize many of the risks.
- Install grab bars around the bath and shower and near the toilet. If you are installing them yourself, be sure they are attached to the studs, not just wall-mounted like towel bars.
- Choose faucets with anti-scald devices that prevent burns by maintaining a consistent water temperature in showers and baths.
- Use non-slip flooring or non-skid tile. Avoid high-gloss floor surfaces and scatter rugs.
- Place a towel bar or hook within easy reach - no more than 12" - of the bath or shower.
- Put outlets for small personal appliances at shoulder height, which is generally safer and more convenient.
- Install a ground-fault circuit interrupter. Required by code in many areas, it will cut off power to an overloaded or short circuit, reducing the risk of electrocution.
- Avoid sunken baths. They're too easy for children to fall into.
- Install adequate lighting in baths and showers. Be sure lighting fixtures are designed for use in wet places.
- Be sure your can lock the cabinet where you keep medicines and cleaning supplies.
- Shower doors should open out, not in. This way, if someone falls, you can get in to provide assistance.
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Bathroom
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