Stable Christmas Tree
When putting up your tree ensure that it is on a stable base. You do not want your tree to fall over and cause an injury or fire.
Artificial Tree
When choosing an artificial tree, choose carefully. Check the label to make sure that it is flame resistant to eliminate the hazard of a potential fire.
Real Tree
Un-watered Christmas trees can get very dry, this makes them a huge fire hazard. A small spark from a faulty light can cause a tree to go up in flames in seconds. Keep your trees watered to avoid potential injuries or fatalities.
Electrical Safety for Extension Leads
If you are using extension leads for lights or decorations, ensure they are in good condition and not damaged. Do not overload them, and avoid running cables under rugs or through doorways where they can be damaged or create a trip hazard. Always use extension leads that meet current safety standards such as BS 1363 and carry a UKCA or CE mark. Always fully unwind cable reels to prevent overheating and avoid daisy-chaining leads. For outdoor displays, only use weatherproof leads rated for external environments.
Fairy Lights
Keep tabs on how old your Christmas lights are and if they are in good condition. The newer the light, the higher the safety standard will be and make sure that they are off when the site is locked up at the end of the day. When putting up fairy lights make sure you check them for any potential hazards. Check the wires for fraying, any bare spots in the wire and kinks in the line, making use of the F23a Formal Visual Inspection of Portable Electrical Appliances form. Replace any bulbs if they are blown and do not let the bulbs touch anything that can burn easily. Do not overload sockets and unplug the lights when watering the tree.
Decorations
Before you leave a room, turn off the tree and decoration lights when they are not being used.
Ladder Safety
Be smart when putting up decorations in high up places. Use a stepladder or ladder and inspect it beforehand and log on the Ladder Inspection form.
Candle Safety
Keep candles away from Christmas trees, wrapped presents, decorations, and other flammable objects. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative.
Smoke Alarms
Ensure fire detection is working properly and check call points on a weekly basis, logging on the F10 fire forms.
Cooking
Never leave the cooker unattended when in use. Keep items such as tea towels or oven gloves away from the hob. Ensure the cooker is off at the wall switch when not being used.
Chimneys
In our older school buildings, if you are planning to have a real fire, make sure chimneys have been swept – debris such as bird’s nests can cause chimney fires.
Food Safety
The Food Standards Agency has useful advice on eating safely at Christmas.
Learn more:
Schools Christmas Guidance Sheet
Fire safety tips for Christmas – GOV.UK
