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Staff reminded of holiday hazards when decorating by Joseph Avant Occupational Safety and Health Program The holidays  are here and staff will begin to decorate work areas to create a festive atmosphere. The Occupational Safety and Health Programs staff wishes to extend the very best during the coming months in addition to helping provide a safe work environment to ensure everyone will enjoy the holidays without tragedy.   As noted in years past, there are specific requirements for decorations within the hospital, university and all support facilities.  Due to the life safety hazard of the hospitals, there are strict guidelines for the use and placement of decorations and natural cut vegetation.  This information is being distributed early in the season so all staff members have plenty of time to properly plan, purchase and place decorations to comply with the International Fire Codes, National Fire Protection Association Life Safety Code 101, and MUSC policy. Employees are asked to follow this policy and understand that it will be enforced to minimize potential mishaps.   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 vegetation and decorations a. Natural cut decorations are strictly prohibited in health care facilities; fire retardant artificial trees that are FM or UL listed and used in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions may be authorized on a case by case basis. b. Natural cut Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands will be allowed only in facilities other than health care occupancies if treated with approved flame retardants. c. 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. It 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.  Retardants may be purchased online. Maintain all documentation and the actual container as evidence of the treatment of any decoration. The retardant must be appropriate for the material of the decoration. --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. --Lighting must adhere to the following conditions: Use only underwriter laboratory (UL) 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 MUSC facilities and 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. --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. Direct any questions to the Occupational Safety and Health Programs Division of University Risk Management by calling 792-3604.     Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 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 catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.