Reduce Risks From Slippery Floors

The main hazards in the bathroom.

Falling or slipping is a common risk in bathrooms. This is due to the combination of:

1. Water

2. Slippery/smooth surfaces

3. Hard surfaces.

Bathrooms that are not prepared against these hazards remain dangerous for all users.

Furthermore, there are secondary hazards, such as glass panes and electrical outlets that combine with the above risks. When water is present, it can increase chances of laceration and electrocution in unprepared or unmanaged bathrooms.

These risks can be reduced significantly with simple DIY modifications and procedures. These are suitable for the average person or tradesman, and can be done relatively inexpensively.

How to make a bathroom safer

1. Increase floor grip

In order to make tiled bathroom floors less slippery, the floor safety treatment Slip Grip is an ideal method.

Slip Grip is a liquid that is brushed onto slippery tiles in a very simple application method. The liquid then etches the smooth surface on a very minute level, which gives it a texture similar to fine sandpaper. Once applied, the surface will no longer be as slippery as before, when either dry or wet.

Slip Grip can be applied multiple times to increase grip further. It works on tile and stone (masonry) surfaces.

The entire tiled surface – both inside and outside the shower – can be treated in this way and the entire area can be made more safe.

This is a more comprehensive method to increase floor safety than using rubber floor grips, which themselves can present an uneven surface. Rubber grips can be added to non-tiled surfaces like plastic shower bases or bathtubs and if used should fit neatly within the area, to avoid becoming a tripping hazard. These surfaces, such as plastics and bathtubs, will not work with Slip Grip.

2. Use a weighted shower curtain.

A weighted shower curtain is a particularly useful element to include. Not only will a weighted shower curtain keep water from spilling outside the shower, it will also do so without presenting a hazard itself. Glass shower doors, whether shatterproof or not, are themselves potentially one of the most critical hazards in the shower, as they can cause serious lacerations if broken. Replacing them with a weighted curtain will eliminate that hazard.

3. Safe procedures with electrical outlets.

Worth noting, electrical hazards are present in bathrooms, particularly with baths or areas at risk of overflow or pooling. If electrical appliances are present in the bathroom, it is recommended to turn them off at the powerpoint before running major water outlets. This will ensure that there is no risk of electrical incidents should there be an accident or overflow. Once the water is cleared and not in use, these items can be reactivated. This is a simple and cost-free method to increased safety.

4. Mobility modifications.

Useful and near-mandatory for less-mobile or elderly users of the bathroom, grip bars and seats inside the shower help with balance and safe mobility. These additions also promote independence within the bathroom. A detachable shower head can also help in conjunction with these additions as it will reduce the need to move around in the shower.

Adding grip bars can be a DIY solution with the right tools and experience with drills. However, replacing a shower head most likely will require a plumber.

Conclusion

With a few minor modifications, a normal bathroom can be made much safer and even much more accessible for certain users. It is well worth incorporating slippery floor treatments at least to ensure accidents are less likely to occur.