Home Safety Guide

Bathrooms

• Baths and showers can become very slippery, particularly if you live in a soft-water area or have a water softener fitted. Use a rubber anti-slip mat to prevent falls.
• Plug-in electrical appliances such as radios, hairdryers, and portable heaters should never be used in the bathroom. Low-voltage electric shavers and tooth-brushes that plug into two-pin sockets are fine.
• Standard battery-operated radios should be put where they won't get wet or fall into water.

Living Room, Hall and Bedrooms

• Arrange furniture so that you have a clear path through the room.
• Ensure that carpet edges at doorways are well secured.
• Either avoid using rugs on polished floors or secure them with carpet tape.
• Keep rooms well ventilated if you use gas, solid fuel, or oil heaters.
• Don't place burning incense, candles, or cigarettes near beds or curtains, and be careful about using these items late at night, in case you fall asleep with them still burning.
• Always use a fireguard on an open fire.
• Check electric blankets regularly for wear - some local authorities offer free checks. Turn off an electric blanket before you get into bed.

Stairs

• Don't leave items lying on the stairs.
• Don't put rugs near the top of stairs.
• Wooden stairs can be slippery, especially if polished or waxed. A non-slip matt paint finish would be safer. Fitted carpets are the safest option, though make sure that stair carpets are well fitted and secured, and check edges regularly.
• Stairs should be well lit from top to bottom, and there should be a light switch at both ends.

The Garden

• Uneven paving slabs, broken concrete, and holes in lawns can cause falls.
• Put rakes and other tools away after use. Don't leave them where they could be trodden on.
• Fit plastic caps (available from garden centres) on the tips of bamboo canes to avoid eye injuries.
• Keep garden chemicals safely out of sight and reach of children.
• Wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet when mowing or strimming grass.
• Use a plug-in residual current device (RCD) when using any electrical appliance.
• Keep cables well out of the way when cutting grass, and don't use equipment in wet conditions. Always switch off and unplug garden appliances before checking, lifting, or adjusting.
• Don't clean electrical items by immersing them in water - wipe with a cloth.