Christmas Trees

Natural trees should be treated with an approved flame retardant solution. A product such as ‘Safe Tree’ has been formulated for flame retarding live Christmas trees. Safe Tree has been tested & approved using the principals of BS476 part 12 by the Warrington Fire Research Centre. Artificial trees should be flame retardant.

	If purchasing a natural tree, always choose a freshly cut tree. To test a tree, strike the stump down on a firm surface. If needles fall off, the tree is too dry. Consider buying a live tree instead. You can plant it later to enjoy it for years to come.
	At the time of harvest, on a weight basis, Christmas trees contain more water than dry matter 110 to 130 percent (oven dry weight basis). Moisture loss following harvest is more related to storage conditions than date of harvest. When you are ready to set the tree up cut off 25 mm from the bottom of the tree before placing in a water tight stand which should be filled with warm water as soon as the tree is set up. The tree could absorb as much as a 5 litres of water the first day. Always keep the tree well watered. Check and refill often.
	A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made. Christmas trees can lose up to approximately 50 per cent of their moisture content yet will still recover and remain fire resistant if properly displayed in a water filled container.
	Use wire or nylon cord to secure the tree to the wall or ceiling to prevent it from being knocked over.
	The place selected for the tree should be well away from any source of heat, sparks or open flame and positioned so as not to obstruct or obscure exit routes, exit doors, emergency exit notices, fire alarm call points or firefighting equipment.
	Children are fascinated with Christmas trees. Keep a watchful eye on them when around the tree and do not let them play with the wiring or lights.
	Safely dispose of the tree when it begins dropping needles. Dried-out trees are highly flammable.

Christmas Tree Lights

Electricity and water do not mix - do not water branches of Christmas trees which are festooned with electric lights. When decorating Christmas trees, always use safe tree lights. (Some lights are designed only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both.) Larger tree lights should also have some type of reflector rather than a bare bulb. Use miniature lights that produce less heat.

	Check and replace any worn or damaged light sets. It is a good practice to replace any set that is more that four or five years old. Do not join sets of lights to same plug this will avoid overloading electrical circuits.
	If buying new lights look for the CE mark and compliance with BSEN 60598-2-20. Always follow instructions
	Use a residual current device with your electric lights or use low voltage lights to reduce risk of electric shock. Ensure the lights are fitted with the appropriate fuse bulb. If using lights outdoors make sure that they are the right type for the area where you will be using them. Do not adjust lights whilst they are connected to the electricity supply.
	Make sure cables are safely routed and not placed under carpets.
	Always unplug Christmas tree lights before leaving home or unattended.
	Never use lit candles to decorate a tree, and place them well away from tree branches.

Christmas Decorations

	Think carefully where to hang streamers and chains. Place them well away from heat sources and fires. Do not place near light bulbs and never draped over lampshades
	Don’t stand cards anywhere near a heat source
	When hanging decorations use a properly erected step ladder or similar support, try to be comfortable and do not stretch

Candles

	Don't put candles in Christmas trees
	Never leave lit candles unattended
	Only use appropriate candle holders
	Keep candles in a draught free area and well away from curtains, furnishings and flammable surfaces
	Supervise children

Aerosol Cans

Aerosol cans such as decorative paint, artificial snowflakes, foam and glitter, often contain highly flammable propellant gases.

They should be kept away from naked flames and when the canister is empty, dispose of it following the instructions printed on the can.