Wash Tub Safety

An ounce of prevention

A wash tub is a pretty simple item. It's like a large bucket you can use for almost anything. You want to use it without much trouble and you certainly don't want it to rust. Most metal wash tubs have a galvanized layer that is the result of a complex coating procedure that essentially creates a layer of protection against abrasion and corrosion. This coating contains zinc, which can be toxic if ingested. Your galvanized wash tub is not appropriate for food preparation or storage unless it is lined with a food-grade plastic bag.

Thinking everything was all right

That a wash tub is rust-free does make it perfect for washing (hence the clever name). A lightweight plastic wash tub can clean babies, dogs, or even you on a camping trip. Bath time safety rules apply no matter how small the bath is.

Always supervise children in water. Every minute. It takes less time for a child to drown than it does for you to answer the phone and even two inches of water is enough.

Have all supplies handy so there is no reason to leave the bath once it is started. For you, it is just a shivering inconvenience, for your dog it is a ticket to freedom, but for a child, it can mean drowning.

Be sure the area around the tub is safe for wet feet. A rubber bath mat or towel can be used to prevent wet feet from slipping.

Use a bath pillow or folded towel to cushion the edges of the wash tub.

Weigh more than you thought

While a wash tub has a certain rustic beauty, its real value is its emptiness. It's just waiting to be filled with water, toys, dirt, or anything else you can think to use it for. It is important to use proper lifting techniques when you carry it. Bend at the knees and lift with the legs to spare your back. That wash tub is a lot heavier than it looks when full. While carrying it, be sure to have a clear pathway to avoid trips and falls. Finally, watch your hands going through doorways. The tub may fit through that narrow passageway, but you want your knuckles live to tell the tale.

It's all fun and games until someone gets hurt

Use some good old-fashioned sense with your good old-fashioned wash tub. No running around the pool with your wash tub. A wash tub is not an appropriate replacement for lampshades, whether for an actual lamp or for dancing on the coffee table. Wash tubs should not be stacked impossibly high nor should they be used as a stepladder. And never, ever use a wash tub as a sled. Appreciate your wash tub for what it is and you will enjoy it safely for a long time to come.

More information on wash tubs