It’s that time of the year again when there is a propensity to cover walls, doors and hang decorations from ceilings in celebration of the particular holiday season. Typically these decorations are not flame retardant; therefore they could contribute to the development or spread of a fire. Per Section 19.7.5.4 of the 2000 NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®, “Combustible decorations shall be prohibited in any health care occupancy unless they are flame-retardant. Exception: Combustible decorations, such as photographs and paintings, in such limited quantities that a hazard of fire development or spread is not present.”
It is a judgment call when determining if the hazard for fire development or spread is present; however, newer editions of the Life Safety Code do state that, “…consideration should be given to whether the building or area being evaluated is sprinklered.”
Policies and procedures (P&Ps) that prohibit and strictly limit the use of any combustible decorations should be in place and enforced. Send memos to each department, especially nursing units, and follow up with a safety/security personnel visit to discuss and answer questions regarding the P&Ps.
Just a reminder, fire safety is each and every staff member’s responsibility.
