Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

The Department of Occupational Health and Safety offer the following guidelines for holiday decorating.

DO
1. Use flame retardant decorations.
2. Use UL-listed lights and appliances.
3. Use low wattage bulbs on light strings.
4. Use only flame retardant artificial or fire retardant treated cut or live trees.
5. Use copious amounts of water if you use a live tree.
6. Keep the amount of decorations to a minimum.
7. Call the Department of Occupational Health and Safety at 831-8475 if you have any questions.
8. Have a safe holiday.

Do Not
1. Block or obscure exist passageways.
2. Secure decorations to sprinkler piping, smoke detectors, exit sign, or any other life safety items.
3. Use open flame devices, such as candles, before consulting with your unit supervisor and see the Department of Occupational Health and Safety’s web page for open flame permit procedures.
4. Use spotlights to accent a decoration.
5. Place cords in a walkway.
6. Put up a live tree more than 14 days before Dec 25. Remove it on or before the last workday before the holiday break.

Contact your supervisor for additional requirements.

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