Ensure a Safe and Festive Christmas for Your Business with Effective Fire Prevention Measures
Introduction:
December is here and the festive season is upon us. It’s that time of year when Christmas decorations go up in the workplace and at home. While it’s a joyful sight, it’s important not to overlook fire safety when decorating your office or workplace. The abundance of decorations and Christmas tree lights significantly increases the risk of fire hazards. However, by following some simple tips, you can ensure a safer environment for everyone. Keep your Christmas tree well-watered to prevent it from catching fire easily. Avoid decorating areas close to lights, as they can cause decorations to ignite. Lastly, make sure your fire safety equipment is in place and regularly tested. Remember, these tips can also be applied at home. Stay safe this Christmas season!
Full Article: Ensure a Safe and Festive Christmas for Your Business with Effective Fire Prevention Measures
How to Keep Your Workplace Fire Safe This Christmas
December is here and for many people that means the festive season begins and those Christmas decorations go up in the workplace as well as at home. We don’t want to put a damper on things but it’s important to take into account fire safety when decorating your office or other workplace. This is because all the decorations, ornaments and Christmas tree lights mean that fire hazards are much more likely to occur.
On the bright side though, making your building and workspace safer for everyone will prevent fires from occurring. The team at Hartson Fire have come up with these tips for keeping your business fire safe this Christmas (and please note that these tips can equally apply to fire safety in the home too)!
Water Your Christmas Tree
A Christmas tree can set alight very quickly, particularly if hasn’t been watered and so has gone dry. If a festive tree does go up in flames, it can destroy furniture, walls and carpets in a very short space of time.
The best way to avoid this is by making sure you water the office tree every day. Keeping it watered means that the flames won’t catch as fast, giving you more time to put out the fire, or evacuate everyone out of the building. You should also be mindful of any candles, naked flames or electric output close to the tree and relocate these if possible.
Avoid Decorations around Lights
When putting up decorations at work, it can be tempting to go all out and decorate anything and everything in sight. Along with the tree, our engineers have seen workspaces fairy lights and tinsel on people’s desks, as well as decorations suspended from overhanging lights in the office or around lamps.
While this might look very festive, Christmas decorations are usually very flammable, because they are made from different types of plastic, or card and paper. When overhanging lights heat up, Â this heat can cause decorations to set alight, which is why it is best to avoid decorating these areas.
Ensure Fire Safety Equipment is in Place
Taking the steps to prevent fires from happening is an important step when making the workplace fire safe this Christmas. Â But should a fire occur, you need to have the safety equipment (and corresponding signage) in place to enable you to put out a fire quickly and safely.
No doubt, the appropriate equipment, including fire extinguishers and fire blanket, are in place in your workspace. However, it’s important to carry out checks at this time of year to ensure all the equipment is in full working order, are labeled correctly, and has been regularly serviced by a certified engineer.
To extinguish a potential Christmas tree fire, you should have in place a Class C fire extinguisher and you should never attempt to put out an electrical fire like this with any other type of extinguisher.
Additional Fire Safety Tips for the Workplace
Some additional tips to keep you, your staff and visitors to your workplace fire safe include:
- Testing all fire alarms regularly
- Turning all lights and other electrical ornaments off before you leave
- Ensure all candles are fully extinguished
- Carry out a fire drill to ensure everyone is aware of what should happen in case of a fire
- Ensure all walkways, corridors etc are kept clear
- Carry out a fire risk assessment before you put those decs up!
Hartson Fire
We trust you found these tips helpful when it comes to keeping your people and premises fire safe this Christmas. And as mentioned, you can apply these tips to the home too!
Summary: Ensure a Safe and Festive Christmas for Your Business with Effective Fire Prevention Measures
As the festive season begins and Christmas decorations are put up in workplaces and homes, it is essential to prioritize fire safety. Hartson Fire provides valuable tips to ensure a fire-safe environment throughout the holiday season. Watering the Christmas tree regularly prevents it from becoming a fire hazard. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid decorating areas with overhanging lights to prevent flammable decorations from catching fire. Moreover, having the necessary fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, in place and regularly checked is crucial. Conducting fire drills and keeping walkways clear further enhances workplace fire safety. Apply these tips to create a fire-safe environment both at work and at home. Contact Hartson Fire for assistance with fire safety equipment and have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Frequently Asked Questions – Keeping your Business Fire Safe this Christmas
Q: Why is it important to keep my business fire safe during Christmas?
A: It is crucial to ensure fire safety in your business during the festive season as increased decorations, electrical appliances, and cooking activities pose a higher fire risk. Preventing fires can save lives, protect your property, and avoid unnecessary business interruptions.
Q: How can I assess the fire safety risks in my business?
A: Conducting a thorough fire risk assessment is vital to identify potential hazards and develop effective prevention strategies. This assessment should include evaluating fire escape routes, ensuring adequate fire extinguishers, examining the electrical system, and assessing potential sources of ignition.
Q: What precautions should I take with Christmas decorations?
A: When decorating your business, use flame-resistant materials and avoid obstructing emergency exits or electrical panels. Additionally, keep decorations away from heat sources, ensure electrical wiring is not damaged, and turn off or unplug decorations when not in use.
Q: Are there specific electrical safety measures I should follow during Christmas?
A: Yes, you should consistently inspect electrical cords, wires, and plugs for damage. Avoid overloading electrical circuits and use surge protectors where necessary. All lights and electrical decorations should be certified for commercial use and turned off at night or when the business is closed.
Q: How often should I test my fire alarms and sprinkler systems?
A: Fire alarms and sprinkler systems should be tested at least once a month to ensure they are working correctly. Regular maintenance, including battery replacement for alarms, is crucial to ensure their effectiveness.
Q: What should I do in case of a fire emergency?
A: In case of a fire, immediately activate the fire alarm, evacuate everyone safely, and call emergency services. Have designated employees trained in using fire extinguishers, and ensure they are easily accessible. Never attempt to put out a fire if it compromises your safety.
Q: Can I have Christmas lights outside my business?
A: Yes, you can have Christmas lights outside your business. However, ensure they are designed for outdoor use and are connected to a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Additionally, secure the wiring properly to prevent trip hazards and protect them from water and extreme weather conditions.
Q: Are there any fire safety regulations I must comply with during Christmas?
A: Yes, fire safety regulations apply throughout the year, including the holiday season. It is essential to comply with local fire codes and regulations, maintain clear exit routes, ensure the availability of firefighting equipment, and train employees on fire safety procedures.
Remember, maintaining a fire-safe environment during Christmas is pivotal for the well-being of your employees, customers, and the overall success of your business.
