HHSRS Hazard 19 - Falls Associated with Baths

Hazard 19 - Falls Associated with Baths

This hazard includes any fall associated with a bath, shower or similar facility.

The main cause of falls in bathrooms is slipping when getting into or out of the bath. Thus the slip resistance of the internal surfaces of baths and showers when wet will affect the likelihood of an incidence occurring.

Vulnerable Group: All persons 60 or more years of age

Defects & Justifications

• Poor friction - of the internal surface of a bath or shower.
• Siting of taps, wastes, light switches and other controls - inappropriate sitings increasing the risk of falls.
• Handles and grab rails - lack of, or insecurely fitted.
• Unstable appliance - unstable fitting of bath, shower, wc basin, or wash hand basin.
• Inadequate space - for the functional area immediately adjacent to the appliance.
• Inadequate lighting - lack of adequate natural or artificial lighting.
• Glare - from natural or artificial lighting.
• Space heating - inadequate means of heating the bathroom.
• Projections - the presence of sharp edges, heating installations, or glass.
• Inadequate space - functional space and space between appliances.
• Space heating - inadequate means of heating the bathroom.

Index of HHSRS Hazards