As the festive season approaches, businesses often experience changes in operations, such as extended hours, increased footfall, or temporary decorations. These can pose unique fire safety risks. Use this checklist to ensure your workplace remains safe, compliant, and ready for the holiday season.

1. Fire Safety Risk Assessment

• ✅ Review and Update: Conduct a fire risk assessment to account for any changes in layout, decorations, or increased stock levels.
• ✅ Temporary Decorations: Ensure decorations, like Christmas trees and lights, are non-flammable and placed away from heat sources or fire exits.
• ✅ Escape Routes: Confirm that all escape routes remain clear and accessible despite festive decorations or increased inventory.

2. Fire Safety Systems

• ✅ Fire Alarms: Test your fire alarm system to ensure it’s fully operational.
• ✅ Emergency Lighting: Check that all emergency lighting is functional, especially for after-dark working hours.
• ✅ Fire Extinguishers: Verify that fire extinguishers are easily accessible, correctly positioned, and serviced.

3. Temporary or Extended Working Hours

• ✅ Staff Awareness: Ensure all employees working late or unusual hours are aware of fire safety protocols, escape routes, and assembly points.
• ✅ Fire Wardens: Appoint fire wardens for abnormal hours to oversee safety and evacuations if necessary.
• ✅ Lighting: Check that escape routes are adequately lit during nighttime or early morning shifts.

4. Electrical Safety

• ✅ Christmas Lights: Inspect all electrical decorations for damage or faulty wiring before use. Use only lights with a CE or UKCA mark.
• ✅ Power Management: Avoid overloading sockets or extension leads with festive lighting or additional equipment.
• ✅ Switch Off: Turn off all non-essential electrical items, including decorations, at the end of each shift.

5. Increased Stock Levels

• ✅ Storage: Keep additional stock away from heat sources, electrical equipment, or escape routes.
• ✅ Fire Risks: Avoid stacking items too high or near sprinkler systems, which could obstruct their function.

6. Visitors and Increased Footfall

• ✅ Capacity Limits: Monitor occupancy levels to avoid overcrowding, especially in retail or event spaces.
• ✅ Exit Awareness: Ensure clear signage is visible for visitors who may be unfamiliar with the premises.

7. Staff Training

• ✅ Refresher Training: Provide all staff with a refresher on fire safety procedures, including how to use fire extinguishers and the importance of clear escape routes.
• ✅ Drills: Conduct a fire drill to familiarise employees with updated protocols for holiday operations.

8. Emergency Plans

• ✅ Assembly Points: Reconfirm the location and suitability of your assembly points, especially if weather or holiday events may impact access.
• ✅ Contact Information: Ensure up-to-date emergency contact details are available for key personnel and local fire services.

9. Security Measures

• ✅ Access Control: Ensure all access points are secure when working late or during closures to prevent unauthorised entry.
• ✅ Fire Doors: Verify that all fire doors are kept closed and not wedged open, even temporarily.

10. Waste Management

• ✅ Rubbish Disposal: Regularly clear combustible waste such as cardboard boxes, gift wrap, or packaging from the premises.
• ✅ Outdoor Bins: Keep bins away from the building and secured to prevent arson.

Final Check: Daily Closure Routine

• ✅ Turn off all non-essential electrical equipment and festive lights.
• ✅ Verify that all fire exits are unobstructed and locked appropriately.
• ✅ Ensure alarms and security systems are activated before leaving.

Preparation is the key to a safe and merry Christmas! 🎄 Use this checklist to protect your employees, customers, and property during the festive season.