Safety Procedures for the Use of Christmas Trees and Decorations in University Buildings

1. Be sure the tree and/or boughs are not dried out when you get them. 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.

2. After purchasing a tree, keep it in water and outside the facility until the time you set it up (no earlier than November 30th).

3. 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”).

4. When you are ready to set up the tree, saw approximately two inches off the bottom of the trunk to assist in absorption of water.

5. 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.

6. The tree must not be placed near a stairway, radiator, exit, hallway, or any other location where the tree, if standing or fallen, would block an escape route, signage or increase fire risk.

7. Electrical wiring should be inspected for frayed cords, loose connections, broken sockets, exposed wires and general safety prior to putting lighting on the tree. They must also be U.L. approved. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for number of lights on any one circuit. Do not use real candles or other open flames on Christmas trees or as decorations in general.

8. Never leave Christmas tree lights on unless someone is in the area where the tree is located or the tree is visible to someone at all times.

9. Electrical tree lights are not to be used on metallic trees due to the ever present danger of electrocution.

10. Avoid use of electrical extension cords if possible and never use them for periods exceeding 30 days.

11. If you own or plan on purchasing an artificial holiday tree check to make sure it is marked “U.L. Listed” and labeled “Fire Resistant”.

12. There will be no designated drop-off/pickup location on campus property. The City of Columbia provides two mulch sites and suggests that Christmas trees be dropped off at one of them. These sites are at Capen Park (south of Stadium, off Rock Quarry Road, behind the Surplus Property Building) and Parkside mulch site (north of Memorial Park Cemetery, off Creasy Springs Road). All ornaments, icicles, tinsel, stands, bags, etc., must be removed from the trees. The trees are ground and used as wildlife cover, mulch, fish habitat, and soil conservation.

13. Do not put trees in dumpsters or outside on the curb, in the yard, or other locations.

Contact Environmental Health and Safety (2-7018) for more information.