Winter Fire Safety: Seasonal Risks & Simple Festive Precautions

As the nights draw in and workplaces start to feel a little more festive, it is easy to focus on Christmas cheer and forget that winter is one of the highest-risk periods for workplace fires. Extra heating, decorative lighting, busy workloads and increased storage all play a part in raising the risk.

With a few simple precautions, employers can keep spirits bright – without accidentally roasting chestnuts in the wrong place. We discuss Winter health and safety risks with practical tips.

1.    Winter heating: Staying warm and staying safe

Cold offices and workshops often bring out the portable heaters. While they can feel like a Christmas miracle on a freezing morning, they also introduce some very real hazards.

Safe heating practices in the workplace

A few simple steps go a long way:

• Keep heaters well away from anything flammable that could catch fire, including Christmas trees, tinsel, packaging and coats.
• Use only company-approved heaters – no personal appliances brought from home.
• Check heaters are PAT tested and positioned where they will not be knocked over.
• Ensure fixed heating systems get a pre-winter check-up.

A warm workplace is great – just make sure the only thing heating up is morale.

2.    Festive lights & electrical overload

Nothing lifts the mood like a string of warm fairy lights or a small Christmas tree in reception. But electrical overload is one of the most common winter fire hazards.

Keeping festive electrics fire safe

To keep your electricals off the naughty list:

• Use LED, low-voltage lights and check they are in good condition before plugging in.
• Avoid daisy-chaining extension leads – one extension per socket is the golden rule.
• Switch off lights at the end of the day (no one wants the office glowing like Santa’s sleigh overnight).
• Keep decorations away from heat sources and never place them on heaters or radiators.

It is perfectly possible to decorate safely – just keep a practical eye on electrical loads.

3.    Winter repairs, contractors and hot works

Cold weather often means roof leaks, frozen pipes and emergency maintenance. Contractors may need to carry out hot works or quick fixes in less-than-ideal conditions.

Seasonal good practice includes:

• Issuing hot-work permits wherever required.
• Ensuring fire watches are carried out for the correct duration.
• Keeping Christmas decorations and stock well away from repair areas.
• Double-checking isolation points and alarm systems before and after work.

A little extra coordination at this time of year makes all the difference.

4.    Clear escape routes – even in the snow!

With wet leaves, early darkness and the occasional snow and ice risk, escape routes can quickly become unsafe.

Safe evacuation routes in Winter

A few festive reminders:

• Keep external fire exits gritted, lit and clear.
• Do not store Christmas stock or boxed decorations in escape routes.
• Make sure fire doors are not wedged open to let the heat circulate.

A clear escape route is the best present you can give your team.

Final thoughts

A safe workplace does not have to be a dull one. With a bit of planning and some sensible festive precautions, employers can enjoy a bright, merry Christmas period without unnecessary risks. If your organisation would benefit from a seasonal fire safety review, the AfterAthena Health & Safety team is here to help – mince pies optional. Get in touch today via our form.

Useful links:

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – Work process fire safety (general fire-precautions at work) https://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/workplace.htm  HSE

HSE – Maintaining portable electrical equipment (HSG107) https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg107.htm

HSE+1 Health & Safety Magazine – Safety at Work – Christmas Tree Fires (seasonal article linking decorations and fire risk)
https://www.healthsafety.co.uk/safety-at-work-christmas-tree-fires-2