By Liz Hill, occupational and building safety manager, Environmental Health and Safety Department

As the holiday season approaches, please be mindful of the campus guidelines as you celebrate with your co-workers.

Trees

1. Natural cut trees are not permitted in buildings per the the State Fire Marshal’s Office.
2. Artificial trees are permitted in areas that do not block exits, exit signs or other emergency equipment.
3. Artificial trees must be flame resistant or flame retardant. Electrical wiring used on artificial trees must be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed.

Lights

1. Decorative lights must have a UL listing tag attached.
2. Extension cord wiring may not be placed across doorways, under carpets, in walkways or exit paths. Do not use zip cords, instead use a multiple outlet power strip with an internal circuit breaker.
3. Lights must be unplugged when the office closes in the evening or when the building or office is unoccupied.

Decorations

1. All decorations must be made of noncombustible material or treated with a flame retardant. Decorations that are treated must have a label attached by the vendor.
2. Decorations may not obstruct an exit, exit sign, door, fire extinguisher, fire alarm pull station, smoke detector, heat detector or sprinkler head.
3. Decorative candles are not permitted at any time on campus.

Food

Food borne illness is always on the rise during the holidays. Food borne illness can be avoided if event coordinators follow simple guidelines and if university employees, students and volunteers handle food properly. If your departmental holiday celebrations include food, please consult the campus food safety guide as you plan your menus. Please don’t schedule or allow pot luck meals on campus.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the Environmental Health and Safety Department at 801-581-6590.

Have a safe and happy holiday season from the entire staff of Environmental Health and Safety.