If you have a staircase in your home, its unlikely you give much thought to how much you use it but, a great deal of household accidents occur either on or around the staircase. This is especially true for those in the household who are more vulnerable such as elderly ones, small children or handicapped residents. Its clear, then, that making sure the staircase is well maintained will help in reducing some accident risks. What are some ways of doing so?
Having good lighting is important around a staircase. This is particularly important for those with failing or poor eyesight to be able to see each step.
Over time, handrails and bannisters can become loose and wobbly. This is an obvious hazard. Another things to check is that bannisters are not spaced too far apart. A child could easily get their head stuck. Check to see that these are sturdy and up to code.
If stairs are not of equal height, they will be a tripping hazard. The same is true of stairs that are too steep. This is another area that is good to check.
Stair carpeting can become loose which is very dangerous as someone can easily trip and fall. Take care of this problem immediately if you notice it on your staircase. If you have wooden flooring on your stairs, avoid over polishing it as this too is a slipping hazard.
It is not just the indoor stairs that require constant maintenance, outside steps can be extremely unsafe as well if not properly looked after. They must have the required amount of slope so that water cannot collect on them. Imagine the danger if this water then turns to ice.
Yes, safety in the home is something that should be reviewed from time to time in order to avoid needless accidents and to keep the household, as well as our guests, as safe as possible.
Having good lighting is important around a staircase. This is particularly important for those with failing or poor eyesight to be able to see each step.
Over time, handrails and bannisters can become loose and wobbly. This is an obvious hazard. Another things to check is that bannisters are not spaced too far apart. A child could easily get their head stuck. Check to see that these are sturdy and up to code.
If stairs are not of equal height, they will be a tripping hazard. The same is true of stairs that are too steep. This is another area that is good to check.
Stair carpeting can become loose which is very dangerous as someone can easily trip and fall. Take care of this problem immediately if you notice it on your staircase. If you have wooden flooring on your stairs, avoid over polishing it as this too is a slipping hazard.
It is not just the indoor stairs that require constant maintenance, outside steps can be extremely unsafe as well if not properly looked after. They must have the required amount of slope so that water cannot collect on them. Imagine the danger if this water then turns to ice.
Yes, safety in the home is something that should be reviewed from time to time in order to avoid needless accidents and to keep the household, as well as our guests, as safe as possible.
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