Holiday Decorating Guidelines

It is that festive time of year again when your department may be making plans to decorate for the holidays.  To maintain a safe environment for our patients and staff here at Houston Methodist Sugar Land, we ask that you please follow the safety guidelines outlined below;

DECORATIVE MATERIALS

1. All Christmas trees are to be artificial and flame resistant.  UL documentation must be available to prove their flame resistance.
2. Always use decorations that are non-combustible or that carry a label that states they are “flameproof”, “flame resistant”, or “flame retardant”.  These labels should be kept available.
3. Live or natural decorations such as trees, boughs or wreaths are not allowed.
4. Electric lights decorations are acceptable only if they are labeled with a U.L. or F.M. approval.  Electric decorative lights can be used only in non-patient care areas, never in any oxygen rich environment or near any combustible or flammable material.  Inspect light strings for frayed wiring or damaged insulation before use.  Do not route electrical cords across aisles or corridors (trip hazard). Ordinary extension cords are prohibited.  Instead, use a power strip with a circuit breaker and grounded 3-prong plug.
5. Lights and cords must be unplugged when unattended (e.g., after business hours)
6. No lit candles, open flames, or spark-producing devices are to be used as decorations.

And – All decorations must be a material that is non-porous, wipeable and able to be cleaned for infection control purposes.

DECORATING GUIDELINES

1. Excessive decorations on walls should be avoided and no decorations should be fastened to the ceiling.
2. Do not install any decorations within 18 inches of the ceiling to allow proper fire sprinkler function.
3. Never hang or suspend decorations or other items from sprinkler heads.
4. Do not block or cover exit signs, fire extinguishers, or fire alarm pull stations with decorations.
5. Do not place decorations near electrical equipment or other heat sources.
6. Never install decorations on exit, fire or smoke compartment doors.

The Safety Committee appreciates your partnership in keeping our environment safe for everyone!  Please feel free to contact Sean Sevy or Dawn Wood with any questions regarding decoration safety.