Precautionary Devices

The first type of precautionary device is included to lengthen the life of your bathtub and home.

The only water-damage preventive device implicated in Greenbelt was the overflow drain, a standard on almost all tubs by that time. By stopping a tub from overflowing, this protected the floor and walls from water. However, this did not protect them from being splashed. That deserves further attention.

Looking carefully at the bathtub, its baseline, and perimeter, it becomes apparent that no caulk was used. The tub is placed against the bare, plaster walls with no protection from water leakage. This could prove to be a major problem. Measures are now taken to ensure that water-damage is minimized if not eliminated.

These measures include:

• tiling the walls surrounding the bathing area
• caulking around all edges of the bathtub perimeter

The grab-bar, tile, caulking, overflow drain and even the non-slip surface can be seen here.
(the non-slip surface is seen due to a buildup of dirt; unfortunately, it makes a tub a little harder to clean)

The second type of precautionary device should be included to lengthen your life.

One type of such a device is a grab-bar. It is simply a bar for one to hold on-to for stabilty when exiting and entering the bathtub.

Another safety precaution is the addition of a non-slip surface to the floor of the tub. Most tubs today are sold to the consumer pretreated with a tacky or granular surface coating on their floor. If not, a bathmat (usually made of rubber) may be placed inside the tub.

Not available in 1937, this device protects a bather from being scalded by hot water. This is accomplished by an actuator that automatically cuts off the water flow within milliseconds if temperatures reach 114° F. A restart button, when pressed, resumes the flow of water. These devices range from $6.95 to $28.95 for basic models or up to over $100 for a more complicated model.

             

• Hot water scalds account for 20% of all burns.
• More than 2,000 American children are treated for scalds each year.
• Scalding liability extends to individuals and businesses: in a recent 15 million dollar settlement responsibility was borne by the rental owners, a plumbing company, the water heater manufacturer, and the gas utility!
• Scalding accidents occur most frequently in the bathrooms and kitchens where they are most preventable.
• Scalding leads to additional injuries such as heart attacks, shock, falls, and serious broken bones, particularly among the elderly.
• Scalding and other burns require the most expensive treatments: long hospital stays, costly skin grafts, and plastic surgery.
• Most U.S. states now mandate some form of anti-scald measures in building codes.
• The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials have amended the Uniform Plumbing Code to require anti-scald protection.
• A bathroom sink and shower can be fitted with anti-scald protective devices for under $25. Given current technology, hot water injuries can be virtually eliminated in the house.

Note: the preceeding information was taken from www.PlumbingSupply.com

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