Bathtub Safety
Splashing or soaking in the bathtub is a favorite pastime of many, but safety is also a concern when taking a bath, especially for those who are elderly or very young. Prevention, preparation and awareness are some of the key factors in avoiding accidents in the bathtub. Does this Spark an idea?
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Considerations
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Your bathtub is a place to relax, clean up and have fun with your children, but there are safety factors that must be considered when you use it. Accidents, drowning, or injury can occur in seconds if you are not paying proper attention to what you are doing. This is important to bring up when you are talking to young children about supervision, water temperature, using the tub and general safety rules.
Children and the Bathtub
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Eighty young children die each year from drowning in the bathtub, according to an article about safety posted on the City of Phoenix official website. One of the main reasons for this is a lack of supervision while the child bathes. Always watch your child in the bathtub or baby bath chair and do not simply leave him in the care of an older sibling. It only takes moments and a small amount of water for a child to drown, or to fall. Adequate supervision can prevent these tragedies from occurring, as can being prepared before the bath begins. Get together everything that you need beforehand, and you won't have to leave your child unattended.
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Water Temperature
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Hot water can cause serious burns in the bathtub. The water pouring from your spout can be a danger if the water is too hot, which can cause burns to you or your child. Consumer Reports gives the suggestion of testing the water first with your elbow, the back of your hand or your wrist. Another danger with hot water is the temperature that metal spouts can reach when scalding water pours through them. If touched, they can do harm as well, so be sure to put a cover on the spouts to protect others. Turning your water heater to a temperature of 120 degrees will also help to reduce the chance of a burn from hot water.
The Elderly and Bathtubs
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When we get older, bending, stooping, sitting and getting up become more difficult. These movements can be especially problematic when it comes time to take a bath. For an elderly individual, a walk-in shower is one of the best options to prevent falls that can cause severe injury. Also, handle bars can be installed to provide support, and a shower seat can help to make cleaning up safer.
Prevention/Solution
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Many of the accidents and deaths that occur each year in bathtubs can be prevented simply by using common sense. Never leaving a child unattended, checking the water temperature and making sure that safety equipment is installed for elderly individuals can make a huge difference. These simple procedures can prevent the worst from happening and allow you to enjoy your bathtub safely.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Dennis Wong Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Paul Sapiano
