During the holiday season, department personnel at MUSC show the holiday spirit by decorating Christmas trees and decking the halls with lights, greenery and ornaments.

Because fire incidents often result from negligence or disregard for safety, the Department of Occupational Safety and Health established the following policy requirements for MUSC employees to consider before decorating their offices:

• Live Christmas trees are permitted but they must be placed in areas that do not obstruct exit passages and be treated with flame retardant chemicals by the MUSC Paint Shop. Employees must contact the construction chief at 792-4669 or the Paint Shop foreman at 792-2145 two days in advance to schedule a delivery time. Trees must be delivered to the Paint Shop and will be ready for pickup the following day. The Paint Shop will attach a tag on the tree that must not be taken off.
• No candles or other open flame decorations are allowed.
• Christmas tree lights are permitted, but they must be approved by the Underwriters Laboratory “UL” and unplugged at the end of the work period or when no one is monitoring them.
• Extension cords will not be used as a substitute for permanent wiring. “UL” approved surge protectors will be allowed with the maximum being eight feet.
• All electrical components must be “UL” approved and be in good working condition. They must not have any broken insulation.
• Decorations must not obstruct exit passages.
• Corridor doors must not be wrapped with any materials nor have excessive decorations attached to it.
• No explosive or highly flammable decorations are permitted. Decorations should be flame resistant. Combustible decorations are prohibited in health care areas. Employees can consult Occupational Safety and Health at 792-3604 for a determination.

Additional requirements for in-patient facility

• All combustible ornaments/decorations must be treated with a flame retardant. Retardants may deteriorate while in storage; therefore, decorations must be treated at least every five years and documented. Without documentation, the decorations must be retreated.
• Decorations must not be attached or obstruct ceiling tiles, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or exit signs.
• No extension cords are permitted. “UL” approved surge protectors are allowed and must be no more than six feet.
• Electrical connections and wiring must be splice-free and checked daily for damages.
• Real Christmas trees, wreaths and garlands are allowed if they are treated with flame retardant. Water levels for trees must be checked and maintained daily.
• Lights are prohibited on real trees, wreathes, garlands and metal decorations. Lights can only be attached to nonmetallic, artificial decorations if they are “UL” approved and constantly monitored.

Individuals with questions or comments can contact Joe Avant, director of Occupational Safety and Health at 792-3053.