Planning a "festive" look to the office?
Published: 15 November 2013
The University's fire safety team is wishing you a SAFE Christmas and a Happy New Year. There are some simple things you can do to reduce risks if you are wanting some festive cheer in your office.
Christmas decorations are an inherent feature of the festive period and in normal circumstances will add a bright spectacle to all areas of the campus, writes Andy Mackay, the University's Fire Safety Manager.
But if you don't follow some basic safety tips, you might find your Christmas ruined by an accident involving fire. Please take the time to have a look at these simple bits of advice based on many years' of dealing with unfortunate people who have had to face the distress of learning the hard way.
Christmas decorations, artificial and dried foliage/trees/displays etc., are required to be made from inherently flame-retardant materials, or have been suitably treated with a flame-retardant application.
Location. Ensure decorations used, do not compromise the means of escape from a premise, i.e. they are not sited adjacent to fire exit doors or within stair enclosures. Christmas trees of any kind, should not be placed within any stair enclosures.
Decorations, foliage/displays/trees/cards etc, should be kept to a minimum and must not be fastened to, or in close proximity to, light fittings or any other potential ignition source.
Decorative lights should only be displayed on Christmas trees and utilised through a 9v transformer.
The use of mains powered decorative lights should be avoided. It is strongly recommended to replace existing 240v light sets with the reduced voltage type (9v) with a ‘plug in’ transformer. All lights must be visually inspected by a competent person before use on University premises.
Lighted candles, tea lights, night-lights or any other type of naked flame must not be used under any circumstances.
Cotton wool, crêpe paper, polystyrene or similar materials will enhance fire development and therefore must not be used for decorations under any circumstances.
You'll find more sound advice here: http://www.rospa.com/homesafety/adviceandinformation/christmassafety/safety-tips.aspx
Stay safe this Christmas and have a Happy New Year
First published: 15 November 2013
<< December