Staying Safe and Compliant During the Christmas Holidays in Northern Ireland
The festive season is officially here. While businesses across Northern Ireland are busy with the Christmas rush, it is easy for fire safety to slip down the priority list. Between the extra stock in the storeroom and the festive decorations in the office, the risks in your workplace change significantly during December.
At Fire Safety Training NI, we want to make sure your holiday season is memorable for the right reasons. Here is our guide to keeping your premises, your staff, and your customers safe during the Christmas period.
Watch Out for Festive Fire Hazards
Christmas brings specific risks that are not present during the rest of the year. One of the biggest culprits is faulty festive lighting. Before you hang those lights, check the plugs and cables for any signs of wear or damage. Always make sure they are turned off and unplugged at the wall when the building is empty.
Decorations are another concern. They are often highly flammable and can quickly turn a small spark into a major fire. Keep them well away from heaters, lights, and any other heat sources. It is also vital to make sure that tinsel or trees do not block your fire exit signs or the exits themselves.
Managing Extra Stock and Deliveries
For many businesses in places like Belfast or Derry Londonderry, December means a huge increase in stock. It is tempting to stack boxes wherever there is space, but you must keep your escape routes and fire doors completely clear. A blocked fire exit is one of the most common reasons for a failed fire safety audit.
If you have taken on temporary staff for the holidays, remember that they need a safety induction too. They should know where the assembly point is and how to use a fire extinguisher before they start their first shift.
Checking Your Equipment Before the Break
Before your team finishes for the holidays, it is a good idea to do a final check of your fire safety equipment. Check that your fire extinguishers are in their correct places and that the gauges are in the green zone. If you are due your annual fire extinguisher servicing, it is much better to have it done now than to find a fault during the January rush.
If your building is going to be empty over Christmas, double check that all non-essential electrical items are switched off. This simple step significantly reduces the risk of an electrical fire starting while nobody is there to raise the alarm.
Is Your Business Ready for the New Year
If you are reviewing your safety plans for 2025, we are here to help. Whether you need a fresh Fire Risk Assessment for your premises or you want to book Fire Warden Training for your new staff, our team covers every corner of Northern Ireland.
Keep your business safe this December From Ballymena to Newry, we bring expert safety knowledge directly to your site so you can enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.
Contact Fire Safety Training NI Today
Phone 07718911122
Email davygillespie@btinternet.com
Service Area Belfast, Lisburn, Derry/Londonderry, and all of NI.