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Facility managers often play a crucial role in creating festive, welcoming environments for employees, tenants, and visitors during the holiday season. While decorations enhance the holiday spirit, they can also introduce potential safety hazards if not planned and executed carefully. To keep your facilities safe and festive, here some holiday decorating safety tips for facility managers
Before any decorating begins, conduct a risk assessment. Identify areas where decorations could obstruct exits, interfere with equipment, or create fire hazards. Share safety guidelines with your team or contractors involved in decorating. Clear communication ensures everyone understands how to prioritize safety without compromising the holiday cheer.
Flame-Resistant Materials: Opt for decorations labeled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant, particularly for items near lights or electrical outlets.
Shatterproof Ornaments: If using ornaments, select shatterproof varieties to avoid injury risks, especially in high-traffic areas.
Artificial Trees: If you’re using a tree, artificial options with fire-resistant certification are safer than real ones, which can dry out and become fire hazards.
Inspect Before Use: Examine lights and electrical decorations for frayed wires, damaged sockets, or loose connections. Replace any defective items.
Limit Outlet Use: Avoid overloading outlets or circuits by using extension cords rated for your decorations’ wattage. Utilize surge protectors for added safety.
LED Lights: Switch to LED lights—they’re energy-efficient, produce less heat, and reduce the risk of overheating.
Outdoor Equipment: Ensure all outdoor decorations are rated for exterior use and are waterproof.
Avoid Blocking Exits: Decorations should never block fire exits, emergency equipment, or alarm panels.
Secure Heavy Items: Anchor large or heavy decorations to prevent tipping or falling, especially in areas prone to strong airflow or heavy foot traffic.
Keep Pathways Clear: Decorations placed in hallways or stairwells can become tripping hazards, so maintain clear paths for safe movement.
No Open Flames: Avoid candles in decorations. Instead, use battery-operated flameless candles to replicate the warm glow.
Proximity to Heat Sources: Keep all decorations at least three feet away from heaters, fireplaces, or other heat sources.
Test Alarms: Verify that fire alarms and sprinkler systems are operational before decorating.
Use Proper Equipment: Provide ladders or step stools instead of chairs or desks for reaching high places. Ensure the tools are stable and appropriate for the task.
Teamwork: Encourage team members to work in pairs to help stabilize ladders and handle heavy or awkward decorations.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines for installing decorations like lights or mounting hardware.
Once decorations are up, inspect them periodically throughout the holiday season. Look for signs of wear, damage, or potential hazards. Address issues immediately to maintain safety.
Equally important is safely taking down decorations. Avoid rushing the process to minimize accidents or damage to facilities. Have a clear timeline for removal to ensure the space is ready for the new year.
Inform building occupants about the safety measures in place and encourage them to report any potential hazards. A collaborative approach enhances overall safety and ensures everyone enjoys the festive atmosphere worry-free.
Always follow local building codes, fire safety regulations, and organizational policies when decorating. Non-compliance can lead to fines or jeopardize your facility’s safety certifications.
By prioritizing these holiday decorating safety tips, you can ensure a cheerful and hazard-free environment for everyone. As a facility manager, your proactive approach helps spread holiday joy while safeguarding your building and its occupants. Celebrate responsibly and safely this season—because nothing dims the holiday spirit like a preventable accident.
Happy Holidays!
