As the 2020 festive season approaches, many businesses will be more excited than ever to put up Christmas decorations and bring some festive cheer for employees and customers following a turbulent year. Lisa Bloodworth, Health & Safety Consultant at Copacetic Business Solutions is asking that businesses consider how Covid-19 may have had implications for fire safety on their premises;

“Many business premises will have closed for significant periods of time this year. Because of this and the stresses that business owners and managers have been under, it is possible that some smoke alarm checks may not have been completed, and some premises may not currently be protected by working alarms.”

“Of 78 accidental fires reported by the NI Fire & Rescue Service last year, 12 were at sites with no working smoking alarm. This caused the injury of 12 people and the sad deaths of a further 2.”

With the emergency services and healthcare system already stretched thin due to the impact of the Pandemic, it is more important than ever that we take all possible steps to reduce instances of workplace accidents and emergencies.

Copacetic Director, Dylan Loughlin, added that businesses should review their current policies and think about how they may need updated in light of the pandemic;

“If social distancing requirements means that key personnel aren’t always on site, you need to make sure that those who are on site are fully trained in emergency fire procedures.”

“As the threat of further restrictions means that some businesses may be forced to temporarily close without much warning, you should make sure that correct closing procedures are followed so that lights are not left on when not in use.”

Copacetic have put together some helpful tips below to reduce the risk of accidents and fire safety over the festive season both. You can contact them for further advice on Workplace Health & Safety, HR & Employment Law.

Lights

Must conform to British Standards, check the packaging;
Electrical sockets should not be overloaded, including adapters;
Be sure to turn off all lights when leaving or when they are not in use. A safe alternative to this is using a timer switch;
Lights create heat, ensure lights are not in contact with flammable materials;
Replace any old or damaged lights, or lights with faulty wiring.

Christmas Tree

Christmas trees can be highly flammable regardless of whether they are real or fake. However, a real Christmas tree needs more care and attention. If your real Christmas tree sheds needles easily may indicate it is too dry, creating a greater risk of fire. Please ensure a real Christmas tree is watered to reduce the risk of catching fire.

Decorations

Be mindful not to obstruct any fire-fighting equipment;
Ensure decorations don’t restrict access to fire exits;
Be mindful decorations don’t create a trip hazard;
Ensure decorations are not in direct contact with any heat sources, e.g. tinsel in contact with fairy lights, or near a heater;
Ensure to use the correct tools and equipment to hang your decorations.

General tips and fire safety preparations

Ensure all fire doors are free from obstruction and open in accordance to safety notices;
Ensure all fire equipment is free from obstruction and is in correct working order;
Ensure your fire risk assessment is up to date;
Ensure all colleagues are aware of emergency fire procedures;
Ensure all colleagues are aware of their responsibility to reduce the risk of fire;
Check all smoke alarms are in working order and tested regularly;
Ensure portable heaters are not too close to flammable materials and are turned off when not in use;
Check on vulnerable family members and neighbours and ensure they have taken all necessary fire precautions this festive season.