Office and Home: Keep Safe this Christmas
The addition of Christmas decorations (though temporary) alters your fire risk assessment and potential fire hazards. To help you enjoy a happy and SAFE Christmas IFEDA has produced the following tip sheet: it could save your life.
Check that your smoke alarms are in perfect working order - can you remember the last time you changed the battery?
Have your portable fire extinguishers been serviced within the last twelve months WILL THEY WORK WHEN YOU NEED THEM and are your staff trained in their use?
Never remove batteries from smoke alarm to use in office equipment or children’s toys
Christmas Trees
* Place real Christmas trees securely in a sturdy base filled with water and check water level daily – metal/clamp stands cause trees to dry out and become flammable
* Keep tree away from candles, heaters, fireplaces or other heat sources
* Dispose of tree properly – never burn a real Christmas tree in the fireplace – due to highly
flammable resin/sap.
* Ensure artificial trees have been pre-treated (look for the British standard) to increase flame resistance
Christmas Lights
* Only buy Christmas lights marked with a British safety standard
* If using last years lights, make sure a competent person checks all connections and examines the wires for fraying - If in doubt, throw them out.
* Don’t overload sockets
* Unplug all Christmas lights and electrical appliances before leaving your home or going to bed.
* Ensure outdoor lights are suitable for outdoor use and are marked with a British standard
* Check all wiring and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
* Fasten the bulbs securely and point the sockets down to avoid moisture building up.
* Never use indoor extension leads outside and keep outdoor electrical connections above ground and out of puddles and snow.
* Ensure outside trees hung with Christmas lights are not touching power/phone lines.
Candles/ T Lights
* Keep them out of reach of children and pets
* If necessary, trim the wick to each time before burning
* Always use an appropriate candleholder placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface
* Keep burning candles away from drafts, vents and air currents
* Extinguish a candle if it smokes or flickers repeatedly or if the flame becomes too high
* Keep the wax pool free of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times
* Do not burn a candle for longer than manufacturer recommends
* Extinguish the flame if it comes too close to the holder or container
* Never place a candle on top of a TV set and keep well away from curtains and decorations.
* Always extinguish candles before leaving the office/house or going to bed
* Remember hot wax burns!
If you have any questions or concerns about your Fire Safety (at work or home) including Fire alarms – Portable Fire Equipment and/or your workplace Risk-Assessment please check out www.ifeda.org/regions.htm for a list of companies near you who can help.
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