Christmas Fire Safety - 10 Practical Tips for Workplaces and Engineers

The festive season is one of the busiest times of year for workplaces, and it often brings unique fire safety challenges. Decorations, temporary lighting, portable heaters and end-of-year workloads can all increase risk - but with a few simple checks, teams can keep sites safe throughout December.

Here are ten practical, engineer-approved tips to help maintain compliance and peace of mind during the festive period.

1. Keep decorations away from detectors

Tinsel, garlands and snow spray can easily block smoke detectors and call points. Always ensure festive decorations are placed well away from fire safety equipment.

2. Don’t overload sockets

Christmas lights and portable heaters can quickly increase electrical demand. Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads and check socket loads before connecting decorations.

3. Switch off temporary lighting overnight

Festive lighting should be powered down at the end of each shift. Switching off at the socket reduces the risk of overheating or cable damage.

4. Maintain clear escape routes

Christmas trees, boxes of decorations and seasonal displays must never obstruct exits or escape routes. A two-minute walk-through can prevent major hazards.

5. Use portable heaters safely

Never dry gloves, jackets or other fabrics on portable heaters. Ensure items are kept a safe distance away and that heaters are positioned securely.

6. Store batteries and chargers safely

Lithium batteries and power banks should be kept away from heaters or soft furnishings. Avoid leaving them on charge when the building is unoccupied.

7. Check for changes in layout

Temporary furniture, gift displays and festive setups can unintentionally alter fire safety layouts. Keep detector coverage and access points unobstructed.

8. Inspect all cables and connectors

Before switching on festive lights, check plugs, flexes and connectors for any signs of damage. Replace damaged items immediately.

9. Carry out your weekly alarm test

Even during the festive rush, your weekly fire alarm test must be carried out and logged properly. It’s one of the simplest ways to maintain system confidence.

10. Confirm the panel is clear before lock-up

Always check the fire alarm panel for faults before closing for the evening - and especially before the Christmas shutdown.

Staying compliant doesn’t need to add stress to the season. These small checks help keep workplaces safe and ensure your fire protection systems stay reliable during December and beyond.