01.16 Festival (and other) decorations
General
Basic safety precautions apply equally to decorations put up for any festival as well as to general decorations in the setting. Children are informed of dangers and safe behaviour, relative to their level of understanding.
Decorations
Only fire-retardant decorations and fire-retardant artificial Christmas trees are used.
Paper decorations, other than mounted pictures, are not permitted in the public areas of the buildings, for example, lobbies, stairwells etc.
Electrical equipment.
Electrical equipment (a light, extension leads etc) must be electrically tested before use.
If using tree lights, place the tree close to an electrical socket and avoid using extension leads. Always fully uncoil any wound extension lead to avoid overheating.
Remember to unplug the lights at the end of the day.
Electrical leads are arranged in such a way that they do not create a trip hazard.
Location
Trees and decorations must never obstruct walkways or fire exits.
Do not place decorations on or close to electrical equipment (e.g. computers); they are a fire hazard.
Decorations must be clear of the ceiling fire detectors, sprinklers, and lights.
Children’s areas
Christmas trees and other free-standing decorations are placed where children cannot pull them over.
Glass decorations are not used.