Firehall Bathroom Safety

I've recently discovered that sometimes people just don't realize how dangerous the common washroom is today. What with all the shiny appliances and slippery floors it makes you wonder why bathroom accidents aren't more frequently reported.
For example just recently one fair maiden had the unfortunate involvement with a trip to the "loo". Apparently Beth (last name disguised for privacy reasons.. but she works in Windsor... ) took a tumble in this hazardous area and broke her nose. The area has been upgraded as shown. When I did some research with the Occupational Health & Safety Act I found the following rulings:

Section 2; Paragraph 1; Mandate 3 - There shall always be an individual posted at the exterior of the door to listen to someone falling off the porcelain white seating unit. At no time should an individual go to the lavatory alone and it is strongly recommended that individuals attend in pairs. Women, appearing wiser, have always practiced this procedure. Males MUST commence going in pairs as well to maintain OH&S standards.

The following is a list of bathroom safety tips that everyone should follow. Remember only YOU can prevent BFHA (Bathroom Fire Hall Accidents). Take responsibility! Thousands are depending on you for their safety in the community.

How To Make The Bathroom a Safe Place

Install a bathtub or shower with a floor surface made of non-skid material. Any firefighter accomplish this on his or her day off and will charge a small nominal fee.

Add adhesive strips or appliqués with a slightly abrasive surface to the bathtub or the floor or the shower stall. Happy faces would be nice.

Use a non-skid mat while you are in the tub or shower, and consider using another one on the bathroom floor to prevent you from slipping as you leave the bathtub. A better choice is to wear slip resistant shoes in the shower.

Install grab bars on the walls. These are designed to help you keep your balance as you enter or leave the tub or shower. Grab bars must be attached to studs or other structural supports in the wall. Visit your local nursing home for tips. At times you will notice who some of the retired firefighters are because they are the ones hanging around the fridge. The "funny" ones are asking the nurses to grab a one and three quarter to attack from the unburned side!

You can also install a grab rail or bar as well. It attaches to the side of the bathtub. It is always inappropriate to use someone else's bar or rod.

Consider using a transfer bench for elderly or injured persons. This is designed to fit securely over the tub and help keep your balance as you step in or out of the tub or shower. This is especially important for those aging officers such as Ray Gauthier, Jim "Doorstop" Arpin and Ron Trofin.

Raised toilet seats and safety frames help the consumer use their home toilet safely and comfortably, often without caregiver or family assistance. The raised seat plus a step stool is especially useful for those individuals who are "vertically challenged" such as Darrell Ellwood when their little feet won't touch the ground.

Use a hand-held shower attachment for better control of water flow when washing your hair or shaving your legs or other pleasurable areas.

Use a shower seat or chair for elderly persons who would like more stability. Many models come with adjustable legs and slip resistant feet. These can also be adapted for those individuals who utilize the "Trofin Curl" periodically when they shower.

Hot water temperature setting should not exceed more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius). Have a qualified person check this for you. This person should not be Don Vernes

Install a ground fault circuit interrupter on bathroom outlets to stop the unsafe flow of electricity. Don't leave items like hair dryers or electric razors plugged in when not in use, they still pose a hazard. Don't worry about using items when the water is running. After all, how can you test this electrical equipment unless it is under realistic conditions.