Tub Enclosure ? - InspectionNews

Rick Hurst · #1 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 04:35 PM

Any codes restricting such shelves as pictured below at tub wall?

Common sense says its a safety hazard if someone fell against it but the buyer (attorney) ask for code if present.

I told him I did not need a code to write it up as a safety hazard but he thinks he'll need a code stating its wrong to have the builder remove it and repair the tile.

I told him just to ask the builder to remove it in writing and attach his card to it.

Any opinions?

rick

Michael Larson · #2 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 04:50 PM

Would that shelf be any more or less a safety hazard than the faucet handle if someone fell against it? Why it could poke your eye out!

To be serious, I know of no code to site for your situation.

Jon Randolph · #3 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Larson

Would that shelf be any more or less a safety hazard than the faucet handle if someone fell against it? Why it could poke your eye out!

I think that the difference would be the fact that the tile already has a sharp edge from the angled cut plus it would be more apt to break into sharp pieces if you fall against it than say a soap dish.

I don't think that I would write it up though.

Rick Hurst · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:15 PM

So Michael, if I understand you correctly there should be some type of rubber bumper type device on the water faucet handle or maybe some type of eye protection equipment recommended for use in the tub.

Makes good sense to me.

rick

Michael Larson · #5 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:20 PM

Yes Rick I think it best to wear goggles in the shower and a crash helmet too.
Bathroom falls are common and serious.

Scott Patterson · #6 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 05:25 PM

Codes would not address an item like that. It is a design feature/hazard that I see fairly often.

Billy Stephens · #7 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Hurst

Any opinions?

rick

Ball Peen Hammer and a chisel.

And of course safety goggles and crash helmet

.

Eric Barker · #8 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 08:23 PM

I don't see where the valve handle would be much different. No one's going to suggest that it be removed as well.

Jerry Peck · #9 (**permalink**) 01-04-2008, 08:55 PM

I've added those into some of my own showers, not out of tile (which to me is risky) but out of marble or travertine and were much thicker.

I agree with the others that it is not much different than falling into the valve handle.

If falling were a concern such that that tile was a concern, no recommendation for replacement would be acceptable without a recommendation for a proper handicapped style, size, and located, grab bar (i.e., don't use a towel bar or a soap dish holder).

Not going to install a proper grab bar? I wouldn't worry about that tile. (Except that the thin tile with its unfinished edge looks el cheapo.)

It's soap dish / shampoo / conditioner shelf.

What about the shower head? If you fall and flail your arms around trying to grab something, you might hurt yourself on the shower head.