Fire brigades cite Christmas trees as major fire hazards, and many of them report a steady increase in fires during the holiday season. Safety has to be taken seriously if you’re going to have a live tree in your office or workplace. Live trees need to be watered regularly: if the needles fall off when you touch it, then the tree is too dry. The lights that are placed on the tree can also constitute fire hazards, and they must be inspected before going on the tree. You should also take the following precautions:

• Use only indoor lights indoors and outdoor lights outdoors
  
• Don’t use more than three light sets on any one extension cord
  
• Turn off all lights on trees and decorations when you leave work for the day

If your workplace decides on a natural tree, take to heart the salespersons suggestion, “keep it watered.” Within seconds of ignition, a dry tree can be set completely ablaze. In contrast, fire safety engineers selected a green Scotch pine, had it cut in their presence, had an additional two inches cut from the trunk's bottom, and placed the tree in a stand with at least a 7.6-litre water capacity. The researchers maintained the Scotch pine's water daily. A single match could not ignite the tree. A second attempt in which an electric current ignited an entire matchbook failed to fire the tree. Finally they applied an open flame to the tree using a propane torch. The branches ignited briefly, but self-extinguished when the researchers removed the torch from the branches.

Coffee makers, hot plates and even copiers and other heat producing equipment and electrical appliances are frequently overlooked as possible fire hazards. You should disconnect electrical equipment and call maintenance personnel if it breaks down or gives off an odd smell. Modern open office designs allow fire to spread fast and the addition of much synthetic and other combustible material in office furniture often makes “smoky” fires.

Avoid Creating Hazards

Be mindful of all potentially flammable materials and heated objects in your workplace. There are also other liabilities to be aware of besides hazardous materials, a major one being cigarettes. Many synthetic materials can also emit toxic materials during a fire. Listed below are some common safety issues and fire hazards found in the workplace.

Most of the tips are easy and free to put into place immediately:

• Store items below shoulder height to prevent things falling onto people.
• Chairs should not be stacked too high otherwise they might topple.
• Take care that trailing cables are not a trip hazard. Use 'gaffer tape' or cable protectors.
• Keep cleaning chemicals and other substances in a locked cupboard.
• Certain equipment that you might have needs to be maintained and stored securely, such as lawnmowers, ladders and other maintenance tools.
• Wet flooring can be slippery so display a sign when the floor is wet (such as the free standing ones used in supermarkets).
• Ensure that lighting is adequate, which might need to include emergency lighting in some areas of the building.
• Use candles carefully, making sure that the candle is stable, in a flameproof holder and is not too close to anything that could catch fire.
• Don't store anything close to boilers, heaters or other heat-producing equipment.
• Balconies and other high-up areas need suitable handrails or balustrades. Restricting hinges or locks should be fitted onto any window above ground level.
• Take care not to try to carry too much at once when moving items, and make sure that you lift and carry correctly.
• Secure areas of the building where people should not be permitted.
• Always make sure that exits and fire exits are clear of obstructions.
• Don't prop open self-closing fire doors. Don't use fire extinguishers to hold open any doors.