Bathroom Safety

Why is bathroom safety important?

Bathrooms are a particularly dangerous part of the home. Common bathroom accidents include scalds, fainting from heat, falls on slippery floors, poisoning, and head injuries from falling against bathroom fixtures.

Bathroom floors

Linoleum or tile on bathroom floors can be slippery even when dry. A loose rug, sock, or soft slipper can easily slide on it. Bathroom floors can be especially slippery if they get wet, and it is not always easy to see the wet area.

• Nonslip floors in the bathroom will help prevent slips and falls. You can install nonslip tiles made specifically for the bathroom, or apply a coating to tiles that makes them nonslip.
• Don’t have loose rugs on bathroom floors.

The bath and shower

You may have more trouble getting in and out of a bathtub or shower stall as you get older, especially if you are overweight. There are things that can make your bath and shower safer.

• If you are planning to remodel a bathroom or move to a new residence, look for a walk-in shower. The shower should have room for a shower seat. It should be easy to reach the shower nozzle and faucets.
• Grab bars can give you some support. They must be long and wide enough to grasp easily, with a nonslippery grip. Grab bars should be strong enough for you to lean on.
• Bathtub safety rails help you get into and out of a tub safely and without stooping. Bathtub safety rails must be clamped firmly to the bathtub. They must give a firm, nonslippery grip.
• Bath and shower stools or seats and transfer benches are helpful if you have a balance problem or weak muscles. Shower stools must have rigid seats and backs. Legs should have rubber tips.
• Handheld showers can be used to direct water over your body while you sit on a stool or in a tub.
• Nonslip pads or strips on the bathtub or shower floor help prevent falls.
• Don't lock the bathroom door, in case you need help.

The toilet

It can be hard to get on and off a low toilet. To help lessen the chance of a fall:

• Buy a toilet seat that fits over a regular seat to make it higher.
• Don’t use a towel bar as a grab bar.
• Install a grab bar close to your toilet.
• Avoid rushes to the toilet. Use the toilet before it becomes a matter of urgency.

Water temperature

Water does not have to be boiling to cause a scald.

• Set your hot water heater thermostat below 120°F (49°C).
• Always test the temperature of the bath or shower water with your hand before you get in.

The heat from the hot water in the bath or shower could make you lightheaded.

• Don't stay in the water too long.
• Keep a small chair or stool in the bathroom so you can sit down if you become dizzy or lightheaded.

Electrical safety and lighting

• Don't have a plug-in radio, a compact disk player, or a cassette tape player near your bath or shower.
• Don't allow electric cords to trail where someone could trip on them.
• Always have good lighting in your bathroom.
• Have a night-light in your bathroom.

Medicine safety

Do not store medicines in a bathroom. The heat and humidity in the bathroom may damage the medicine. Discard any medicines you are no longer using. Also discard any medicine if you can no longer read its label or if it is outdated.

Tips for safety around children

If you have young children in the home:

• Consider installing a hook-and-eye lock high up on the outside of the bathroom door. Keep it latched when you are not using the bathroom.
• Remove razors, scissors, and blow dryers from the bathroom. Keep them in an adult's bedroom or locked in a cupboard out of a child's reach.
• Make sure that your bathroom outlets are covered just as they should be elsewhere in your home.
• To prevent poisoning, do not rely on child-resistant caps. Keep all medicines, including vitamins, in a locked closet or up high and out of reach. Keep toilet bowl cleaners, drain openers, and other cleaning supplies in cabinets with childproof locks, or stored in a high and hard-to-reach cabinet.
• When filled with water, bathtubs are a drowning risk for children. Never leave a child in the bathtub without adult supervision, not even for a minute or two.