Thiruvananthapuram: Are the anti-skid tiles used in your bathrooms reliable? Many who have suffered a fall would say they are not. Those who build their homes choose anti-skid tiles on the assurance of contractors that their bathrooms would be safer. However, Jacob Joseph is one of those who feel cheated. He warns the visitors to his home in Kollam about the slippery floor, though the bathroom has matt finish tiles.
Once his son fell headlong in the bathroom, but fortunately escaped harm. He and his brother were also about to fall. “It can be fatal. Many have died after their fall in bathrooms,” says Jacob Joseph. Even in cases where it is not fatal, a fall can pose problems. He cites the example of Sivankutty MLA who slipped in his bathroom and had ligament injury which has his hit election campaign. It is ironical that he has to ask the people to be cautious on tiles, which manufacturers refer to as slip-resistant. “The tiles offer traction when dry but become slippery when wet,” he says.
Tile manufacturers say that contaminants like hairoil, soap or shampoo can change the coefficient of friction. Durgesh Pande, DGM sales, Johnson Endura, says, “water or other contaminants would form a layer between the feet and the floor reducing the friction. Feet that is soaked in water will have a different friction. There are many factors which can cause skidding. So, in the case of elderly people, we recommend textured surfaces.”
The prices of anti-slip tiles range from Rs 35 per sq ft to Rs 130. “There are ceramic, polished and stone anti-skid tiles. The coating which enhances friction in medium range anti-skid tiles wears off after three or four years. This might be the reason for accidents,” says Manu Murali, interior designer, Skyline Builders.
Anti-skid tiles when they were first introduced in the market were seen as products of thoughtful research, especially for those in the sunset years. The elderly are more likely to fall because of their slow reaction time and low vision. Dr C.S. Vikraman, head, department of orthopedics, Government Medical College Hospital Thiruvananthapuram, says, “among patients who are over 60 years who visit me, more than 80 per cent would have suffered a fall.”
However, a company which focuses on products for the elderly says that they never choose anti-skid tiles. “We believe these anti-skid tiles are not safe. We use an anti-slip application, which is coated over the floor. However, before applying it, we assess the risk of fall for the individual in question. This depends on several factors. If they have more than four tablets a day, then they are more likely to be giddy and fall,” says Mr B.R. Brahmaputhran, CEO, Alive.
Meanwhile, Jacob is thinking of changing the bathroom tiles. “I have discovered that wearing slippers gives better grip. At the time of buying these tiles, no one had told me what all we need to take care of. I think the standards which define anti-skid tiles need to be reviewed,” he says.
Design that helps avoid fall
The house one makes when one is young most likely becomes unfit when one is old. For this reason, several factors other than aesthetics need to be considered, especially to avoid skidding. Binumol Tom, head of architecture department, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology Government Engineering College, Kottayam, shares a few of those. “We recommend barrier-free designs. The space should be properly lit and not cramped so that it is more conducive for elderly. Handrails should be provided in the most ergonomic manner. Since they have poor eyesight, we suggest the use of light colour tiles, with dark tiles used to denote level difference. Walls can be textured,” she says.
Toilets should be carefully designed, she adds. “Different colours can be used to demarcate wet area, semi-wet area and dry area,” she says. “There are many small changes that one can make to prevent a fall. We suggest the use of corner guards for tables,” says B.R. Brahmaputhran, CEO, Alive.
