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Decorating safety guidelines for getting into holiday spirit  by Joseph Avant Occupational Safety and Health All personnel should review the following guidelines prior to purchasing materials and/or decorating for seasonal holidays: Decorations shall not be placed in any area that will obscure or interfere with  an exit. Trees must not be located in corridors. Candles or other open flame decorations are not allowed. Decorations of an explosive or highly flammable character are prohibited. Combustible decorations are prohibited in health care areas, unless of such limited size or quantity that will not contribute to the development or spread of fire. All combustible ornaments/decorations must be treated with a flame retardant. Retardants may deteriorate during storage and handling, therefore, decorations must be retreated at least every five years with documented proof immediately available. Decorations must not be attached to nor obstruct ceiling tiles, sprinkler heads, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers or exit signs. Corridor doors must not be wrapped with any material nor have excessive decorations attached. Real (cut) Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands will be allowed if treated with flame retardant. Water levels for real trees must be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Electrical lighting is prohibited on trees in health care occupancies. Lighting is discouraged in all cases due to the heat generated by the bulbs and the potential for electrical shock. Lighting, if used, must adhere to the following conditions: Use only laboratory tested and approved cool lamp variety bulbs (manufacturers tag must be attached.) Use only in constantly monitored areas. Attach only to non-metallic, non-combustible surfaces. Do not use in patient rooms or areas where oxygen is stored or in use. Electrical connections must be free of splices and checked routinely for damage. Extension cords are prohibited in Healthcare occupancies. An independent laboratory tested and approved (UL) surge protector may be allowed (maximum 6 feet) in constantly monitored areas. Surge protectors shall not be connected in series.  These guidelines are established to prevent fires, injuries and loss of life. Any decorations not in compliance with the above guidelines must be removed. Direct any questions or comments to the Occupational Safety and Health Programs Division of University Risk Management at 792-3604.     Friday, Nov. 19, 2004 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.