In order to create a warm environment where a family can flourish, you should take safety precautions to keep fire hazards at bay. Many fire hazards may be unknown while others may be hiding in plain sight. A fire inferno is the last thing you expect when taking your morning bath or shower. Fires from bathrooms can quickly spread and cause severe damage to adjacent rooms and property. Keep fire hazards in the bathroom at bay to prevent injuries and loss of property. Here are some potential fire hazards in the bathroom, and how to avert them before a disaster occurs.
Electrical Appliances and Outlets -- A fundamental safety standard measure requires that you keep electrical appliances far away from moisture or water. It is advisable not to install sockets in bathrooms except for shaver supply units. However, even when fitting shaver points in the bathroom, have them at a safe distance, preferably three meters from the shower or bath to avoid water splashes. Keep portable electrical appliances such as radios, heaters, and hairdryers away from a bathroom. Furthermore, keep combustible materials like towels and toilet papers away from heated electric appliances and outlets. Fit your bathroom with a switch that uses the ceiling-mounted pull-cord mechanism rather than the common light switch. The latter is a potential fire hazard when in contact with wet hands or dampness.
Candles -- Scented candles add a romantic aura to your bathroom beside their effectiveness in deodorizing it. However, when left unattended or near flammable material, including hair accessories and toiletries, candles can pose a severe fire hazard. Remember to extinguish unattended candles, and keep them from flammable materials.
Bathroom Fan -- While ceiling-mounted bathroom ventilation fans are great devices to remove foul odor, prevent fogged windows, damp walls, and steamed up mirrors, they can also lead to devastating fires. Fans can be a potential fire hazard because, over time, they accumulate lint on their motors. The lint insulates the motor, intensifying heat buildup; thus, creating an ignitable fuel source, which can set fire to other combustible materials. Homeowners should have bathroom ceiling exhaust fans inspected and cleaned regularly. Also, replace heat-damaged fans, or opt for thermally protected models to prevent heat overload. Avoid prolonged use by switching off the fan after use.
Smoke Alarms -- These devices are designed to prevent fire incidences through a warning mechanism. However, when the battery in your fire alarm is dead, or the device is installed far away from a likely source of fire, or you have not tested it lately, it may fail to warn you when a fire erupts. Since you cannot prevent accidents from happening, you can always take safety precautions by replacing smoke alarm batteries as regularly as possible. Have these devices installed near your bathroom, and test them frequently to determine mechanical or electrical faults.
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Share11 July 2016
The idea appliances should complement a home's interior and make life easier for its occupants. This blog is going to look at everything from traditional household appliances, to small appliances such as microwaves, to appliances for commercial kitchens. Are you in the market for new appliances? Are you thinking about buying used appliances? Have questions on repair issues or troubleshooting techniques? Then, take a look through these posts. My name is Toby, and I have always loved tinkering. As a stay at home dad and former chef, I've worked with a lot of appliances in my life. I love repair as well.