The rules cover all design aspects from flooring to lighting. NKBA also advises that no steps be planned at the tub or shower area. Grab bar rails should be installed to facilitate transfer to and from the fixture. To reduce falls, the bottom of the tub should be nearly flat and surfaced with slip-resistant material. Sunken bathtubs are very dangerous and should be avoided.
Shower door is important Another item to review in the bathing area is the shower door.
It may not readily seem like a danger, but it can be if not planned properly. If the door is hinged, as opposed to one that slides or folds open, it should always open into the room, not toward the bather. In an emergency, it would be impossible to open the door since the bather's body would block the entrance and prevent access. In addition, shatterproof glass should be specified in all instances. In 1997 alone, more than 33,000 injuries occurred because of glass doors.