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Guidelines offered for holiday decorating  by Joseph Avant Director, Occupational Safety and Health Programs The holidays (October through January) are just around the corner and we will begin to decorate our work areas to create a festive atmosphere. The Occupational Safety and Health Programs staff wishes to extend to you the very best during the coming months.  We also wish to help provide a safe work environment to ensure you will enjoy the holidays without tragedy.    Our intent is to inform you of the requirements for decorations within the hospital, university and all support facilities. There are strict guidelines for the use and placement of decorations and natural cut vegetation. This information should provide all staff members plenty of time to properly plan, purchase and place decorations to comply with the International Fire Codes and National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101 and MUSC policy. Please read and follow this policy and understand that it will be enforced to minimize the potential of a mishap from occurring.     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 an exit or interfere with the path of evacuation. Trees must not be located in corridors or near any source of ignition. Candles or other open flame decorations are not allowed. Natural cut decorations are strictly prohibited in health care facilities; only fire retardant artificial trees that are FM or UL listed and erected in accordance with manufacturers instructions may be authorized on a case by case basis. Natural cut Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands will be allowed only in facilities other than health care occupancies if treated with approved flame retardants.   Water levels for real trees must be checked and maintained on a regular basis. Vegetation that has dried out shall be immediately removed from the facility.  They cannot be placed in or obstruct any means of escape. Combustible decorations including but not limited to paper cut-outs, plastic wall hangings, banners, ornaments, and posters 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. The operation of the doors shall not be obstructed in any way. 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.  If any damage is found, remove the item immediately.   Lighting shall be used only on artificial vegetation in the heath care facilities.   Extension cords are prohibited in health care 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.   Plug in air fresheners and scents are strictly prohibited in health care facilities.   This policy was established to prevent fires, injuries and loss of life. Any decorations not in compliance with the above guidelines must be removed.   Please follow this guideline while decorating your home to ensure a safe environment for your family; a tragedy at home is just as painful as at work.   Direct any questions or comments to the Occupational Safety and Health Programs Division of University Risk Management at 792-3604.   Friday, Sept. 30, 2005 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.