ANNUAL INFORMATION
With the calendar year coming to an end, it’s that time of year to review safety procedures for use of fresh cut trees/foliage and other seasonal decorations in University facilities.
Fresh cut natural trees and evergreen decorations must be sprayed with a fire-retardant material. The MU Forestry Club will provide this service upon request when purchasing trees during their annual sale, December 1, 7, 8, 14, and 15 from 10:00 – 4:00 each day until they sell out. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for current schedule information. Live trees may not be used in unsprinklered facilities.
Seasonal decorations may be put up no earlier than November 25, 2024, and must be removed from the site on or before, Friday, January 8, 2025. All trees/foliage and other decorations in residence halls and family student housing that will be unoccupied during the semester break should be disposed of before December 15, 2024. If trees or other decorations become dry before these dates, they must be removed immediately. Please remember that the danger of fire increases each day the tree is up. Seasonal lights should be inspected for loose connections, broken or cracked sockets, or frayed or bare wires. Using LED lights is recommended due to low heat generation and energy efficiency.
Please distribute this information to the appropriate personnel in your department/building. (The PDF version of this information is available here: PDF.) Contact Environmental Health & Safety at (573) 882-7018 for more information.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
Fresh Cut and Live Trees/Foliage
1. All natural trees and evergreen boughs set up in University facilities are to be sprayed with a fire retardant material (this does not apply to “U.L. Listed” artificial trees labeled as “Fire Resistant”).
2. When purchasing a fresh cut tree, be sure the tree and/or boughs are not dried out. To check, grasp a branch about 6” from the end and firmly slide it between your fingers to the tip. If the tree is fresh, no needles will come off. No red cedar trees or red cedar boughs are to be used under any circumstances due to their fast drying nature.
3. After purchasing a tree, keep it in water and outside the facility until the time you set it up. When you are ready to display it, saw approximately 2” off the bottom of the trunk to assist in absorption of water.
4. Be sure the tree is placed in a sturdy, broad-based stand which will hold water and be sure to keep water in the stand at all times. Check water level daily.
5. There will be no designated drop-off/pickup location on campus property for disposal of fresh cut trees. Do not put trees in dumpsters or outside on the curb, in the yard, or other locations. The City of Columbia provides drop-off locations for recycling. For details, go to https://www.como.gov/utilities/columbias-solid-waste-utility/holiday-recycling-and-trash-collection/
Requirements for Other Seasonal Decorations
1. Large seasonal decorations must not be placed near a stairway, radiator, exit, hallway, or any other location where the tree/decoration, if standing or fallen, would block an escape route, signage or increase fire risk.
2. Check to see that artificial trees are Underwriters’ Laboratories (U.L.) listed and labeled “Fire Resistant”.
3. Only use lighting that is listed by U.L. or another independent testing laboratory. Before putting lights on trees or other decorations, inspect for frayed cords, loose connections, broken sockets, exposed wires and general safety. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the maximum number of lights on any one circuit. Do not use real candles or other open flames as a part of any seasonal decoration.
4. Turn off and unplug all decorative lights when there is no one to monitor them.
5. Electrical tree lights are not to be used on metallic trees due to the ever present danger of electrocution.
6. Avoid use of electrical extension cords if possible and never use them for periods exceeding 30 days. Never run extension cords under rugs, behind or beneath furniture.