UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON LIBRARIES
WEEKLY ONLINE NEWS
DECEMBER 4, 2000

**********************************************

Cut trees and decorations are difficult to keep fresh and fire retardant treatment has not been very effective. Consequently, Environmental Health and Safety encourages the use of artificial trees and decorations. The following regulations apply in University buildings and should also guide you in decorating your home. Basic Safety Regulations - Artificial trees may be decorated with miniature U.L. listed (safety tested at Underwriters Laboratories) low heat producing electric lights. Check product labels for U.L. listing. Electric lights are not permitted on metallic trees.

Cut trees, even though flame retardant treated, cannot be decorated with electrical lights in University buildings. Open flames and candles may NOT be used as decorations at any time. Light bulbs and lighted decorations should never come in contact with combustible materials. Exterior lights must be U.L. listed for that use and be provided with a G.F.I. (ground fault interrupter). Decorations must not disguise, cover, or interfere with any safety device, including fire safety equipment such as fire extinguishers, exit signs, sprinkler heads and piping, and fire alarm pull stations. Paper, Cardboard and Wood Decorations - Only flame retardant paper, cardboard, and wood are allowed for construction of decorative displays. Certification for the flame retardant qualities of display materials must be made available to the fire safety personnel upon request.

Within the Libraries, holiday decorations are allowed as long as they are in compliance with the basic safety regulations and placement guidelines outlined by EH&S. Additionally, because of the very public nature of many library units, decorations are permitted in the Libraries as long as good judgment is used, decorations are not exclusionary (i.e., they are generic, non-denominational), and decorations do not interfere with provision of service.

Questions may be addressed to Betty-Jo Kane at bjk@u.washington.edu or 3-1762.