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National Fire Protection Association
(NFPA):
Holiday Decoration Policy
Well, it is that time again. Time to start
thinking about snow, the cold, and ah, yes, the holidays!
It is also time to remind hospital staff about your
hospital’s policy on holiday decorations. NFPA 101
chapter 19.7.5.6 states:
“Combustible decorations shall be
prohibited in any healthcare occupancy, unless one the
following criteria is met:
(1)
They are flame retardant
(2)
They are decorations, such as photographs
or paintings, in such limited quantities that a hazard of
fire development or spread is not present
Some helpful hints:
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Remind
staff of the policy in a hospital newsletter, posting,
or blanket e-mail.
-
Keep a
log of all inspected decorations. You may be asked by
surveyors to produce this along with your policy.
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Keep a
copy of any pertinent information identifying each
decoration as “flame retardant.”
-
If the
only identifying information is on the storage box,
photograph the information and keep the photo in your
log.
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Identify
all decorations with a permanent marking for future
identification (a numbered metal tag worked for me). It
could easily be attached to garland, artificial trees,
etc.
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Don’t
forget about decorations after the holidays. Remember,
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
Questions
regarding the NFPA policy on decorations can be directed to Bob Andrews at Capaccio
Environmental Engineering, Inc. at (508) 970-0033 x136 or
by e-mail at
bandrews@capaccio.com.
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