Office of Environmental Health and Safety

Decoration Policy

The safety of all member of the college community is paramount. It is crucial that college facilities are maintained in a condition that will allow for quick and safe evacuation in the event of an emergency. This policy will outline the state and local regulatory requirements designed to provide good fire prevention practices as well as maintaining safe egress (exit) routes.

Definitions

• Decorations, as defined by state code, include all materials such as curtains, draperies, scenery, plastic shields, upholstery materials, streamers, surface coverings applied over the building interior finish for decorative effect, and also cloth, cotton batting, straw vines, leaves, trees and moss used for decorative effect, bamboo and other wood fibers. (Excluded from this definition are ordinary window shades).

• Combustibles include any material that will readily ignite when heat sources are present. Some examples are cardboard, paper products, some plastics, wood products, etc.

General Guidelines

• Never block, hide, or disguise an exit or exit signage.

• Keep exits free and clear from combustibles and obstructions.

• Decorations or furnishings must not constrict or obstruct corridors.

• Never place combustibles in corridors, lobbies, stairwells or on corridor walls.

• The use of flash pots, smudge pots, pyrophoric materials or fireworks of any kind for recreation, art or entertainment, is strictly prohibited.

• Combustible decorations must be treated with a fire retardant.

• Extension cords are for temporary use only. During the holiday season they should not be used in a way that will create a fire, tripping, or electrical hazard:
  
  
  • Electrical cords (extension or light cords) may not be routed under doors, through windows, or under throw rugs or loose carpeting.
    
    
  • Extension cords must be UL listed, be a minimum of l6 gauge wire, be equipped with a ground plug, and be properly plugged into a wall outlet. Extension cords may not be connected to each other.
    
    
• Because there are no appropriately located exterior GFI (Ground Fault Interupter) outlets, use of lighted or electrically powered decorations outside of college buildings are prohibited.

• Plastics, styrofoams, and polyurethane foams should not be used for decorations or furnishings.

• Never hang fabrics and other combustibles from the ceiling.

• Fabrics such as curtains, drapes, furniture coverings, floor coverings, and other fabric hangings must be fire retardant. A certificate of flame proofing is required.

• Hanging decorations (or anything else) from overhead pipes, cables or conduit is prohibited. Decorations may not be attached to, or hung from sprinkler heads or sprinkler system piping. This is a particularly important requirement because of the potential for breaking the sprinkler heads, pipes or pipe hangers.

• Wood frame or other combustible construction on Campus is not permitted without EH&S Office and Physical Plant approval.

• Combustible materials should be kept at a safe distance or be shielded from sources of heat such as radiators and light bulbs.

Prohibited materials

• Because they cannot be properly treated with flame retardant solutions, the following materials may not be used for interior decorations under any circumstances:
  
  

Restrictions Specific to Building Type or Function

Dormitories

• Candles and other open flames are prohibited in residential buildings at all times.

• Use of halogen lamps is prohibited.

• Possesion and use of gasoline, propane, lighter fluid or any other combustible liquid or gas is probhited at all times.

Non-Residential Buildings

• Candles may be used for normally recognized religious services, but requires prior approval by the Director of EH&S.

• Use of potiential sources of ignition during theatrical or other artistic productions, such as candles, lit cigarettes or any other flame producing special effect, requires prior approval by the New London Fire Marshall (Via the Office of EH&S).

Holiday Decorations

In accordance with Connecticut State Fire Regulations, and guidelines published by the National Fire Protection Association, Connecticut College has established the following policy regarding the use of holiday decorations in residential halls:

• Use of artificial Christmas trees is strongly encouraged. Natural (real) Christmas trees are allowed only in dormitory living rooms or other appropriate common areas of buildings that are fully sprinklered. Unsprinklered buildings are restricted to artificial trees and decorations.

• Because of the fire hazard, natural trees are not allowed in individual student rooms. (Artificial trees are OK.)

• Christmas trees, artificial or real, must be located at least 15 feet away from any fireplace. (Use of fireplaces is allowed only in fully sprinklered buildings.)

• Natural trees must be re-cut at least one inch above the original cut, to allow the tree to soak up water. The tree stand must be checked daily to ensure that the trunk is continuously immersed in water.

• The tree must be treated by either spraying or dipping (preferred) in a flame retardant solution. Recipe: 9 oz borax, 4 oz boric acid, 1 gallon water, and 1/2 teaspoon low sudsing detergent). Alternately, building custodians can apply a commercial retardant to Christmas trees upon request. Call the Work Control Desk at ext. 2253, to arrange for fire retardant applications.

• A tree stand, sufficiently large and sturdy enough to support the tree upright must be used.

• Electric lights should be in good condition, and have a UL listing label. All lighting is to be turned off and unplugged when the area is unattended.

• Multi-plug adapters are prohibited in Connecticut College buildings. A power strip with a fuse or integral circuit breaker must be used when extra outlets for Christmas tree lights are needed.

• Candles or other open flames are prohibited!

• Decorations must be of non-combustible material and cannot restrict or obstruct the exits. Paper and other combustible materials are acceptable if treated with flame retardant.

• Trees and decorations are prohibited in hallways and stairwells.

• Decorations must be kept away from exit signs, fire alarm devices (pull stations, smoke and heat detectors, etc.), fire extinguishers, and emergency and normal-use light fixtures. Exit signs and emergency lights must not be obstructed in any way.

• It is suggested that natural trees and decorations be removed after 10 days. In any case, all Christmas trees and holiday decorations must be removed before commencement of winter break. Natural trees and decorations should be placed outside for disposal by the Grounds Department.

Call the Director of Environmental Health & Safety at ext. 2252 for additional information.