Deck the Halls Safely: Fire Safety Tips for Christmas Decorations

As the festive season approaches, businesses and hospitality venues across the UK are preparing to bring some Christmas cheer to their premises. Twinkling lights, trees, and seasonal displays can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere – but it’s essential to remember that decorations, if not properly assessed, can pose serious fire risks. 

At Shield Safety, we believe that safety should never take a holiday. Here’s what you need to know to ensure your Christmas decorations are compliant, safe, and sparkling – without compromising fire safety. 

Electrical Decorations: Safety First

String lights and illuminated displays are festive favourites, but they must meet UK electrical safety standards. Look out for: 

• British Safety Standard Kitemark or equivalent certification. 

• BS/EN standards for electrical safety. 

• CE or UKCA marking for products sold in the UK. 

Top Tip: Never overload sockets. Use only the number of plugs you need, avoid trailing leads under carpets, and switch off all electrical decorations when not in use. Wherever possible, consider using battery-powered lights, which are now widely available in a range of sizes, lengths and colours. The very low electrical current makes them much safer and eliminates the need for trailing cables to a power outlet 

Fire Safety and Flammability

Decorations made from synthetic foliage, textiles, or plastics must be fire-safe. While there’s no single British Standard for Christmas decorations, several regulations and standards apply depending on the type of item: 

Key Standards to Know: 

• ISO 6941 – Small flame test for materials. 

• EN 71-2 – Toy safety flammability standard (relevant for decorative items). 

• BS 5852 – Fire safety for upholstered furniture. 

• BS EN 13501-1 – Fire classification of construction products (especially relevant for hotels and sleeping accommodation). 

Regulatory Guidance: 

• Building Regulations 2010 – Part B: Decorations should not contribute to the spread of flame, especially in circulation spaces. 

• Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) Regulations 1988: Applies to upholstered items and composites. 

What to Look For: 

• Labels stating “flame-retardant” or “fire-resistant”. 

• Certification or test reports from UKAS-accredited bodies. 

• Decorations positioned away from heaters, candles, and escape routes. 

Fire Safety Considerations for Hotels and Venues with Sleeping Accommodation

Hotels and venues with sleeping accommodation must meet higher fire safety standards. Decorations should ideally comply with BS EN 13501-1, even if not specifically designed for Christmas use. Artificial trees and large displays should be treated for flame resistance and accompanied by documentation. 

Remember: Even flame-retardant materials can ignite if placed near heat sources. Safe placement is just as important as safe materials. 

Due Diligence and Risk Assessment

Decorations should be introduced with a documented appraisal and kept to a minimum that still achieves the desired festive effect. A risk-assessed approach ensures compliance and protects both staff and guests. 

Shield Safety recommends: 

• Conducting a fire risk assessment before installing decorations. 

• Keeping escape routes clear and signage visible. 

• Using certified decorations from reputable suppliers. 

• Training staff on safe use and placement of festive items. 

How Shield Safety Helps You Stay Safe This Christmas

Speak to us about how our independently certified solution, ‘Shield Assure’, meets the highest safety standards – including fire safety – so you can decorate with confidence. From risk assessments to Safe to Trade® approval, we give your customers visible reassurance that safety comes first.

 FAQs 

Do I need certification for decorations in public buildings? 
Yes. Decorations should be flame-retardant and ideally come with certification or test reports, especially in venues with sleeping accommodation. 

Can I use any artificial tree in my hotel? 
Not necessarily. Trees should meet fire safety standards like BS EN 13501-1 and be treated for flame resistance. 

Are fairy lights safe to use indoors? 
Yes — if they meet UK electrical safety standards and are used correctly. Avoid overloading sockets and unplug when not in use. 

What if I don’t have documentation for my decorations? 
You may need to source new decorations from suppliers who provide fire safety certification, especially for commercial or public use. 

Do I need to update my fire risk assessment for Christmas? 
Yes. Any temporary changes to your premises — including decorations — should be considered in your fire risk assessment.