Proforma Safety, LLC
Proforma PSI…when
performance counts.
Holiday
Decorating Guidelines (scroll
down for Christmas Tree Video Clip)
When decorating for the holidays, remember safety first,
and aesthetics second. Think through your decorating plan
before merrily hooking up lights everywhere.
• You need to know how many electrical outlets you’ll
use, where they are located, and if they are Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets.
• Inflatable outdoor decorations are very popular, but
it's important to remember that combining them with a large
number of miniature lights can overload a circuit.
• Plug no more than three strings of lights or decorations
into a single extension cord.
• Check Christmas lights for wear. Use those designated
by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) for outdoor use. Use mini
lights on deciduous trees, bushes and outdoor columns, as
they are cooler.
• Check extension cords for signs of damage or wear.
Run them along building foundations or fences.
• Don't place plug connections near gutter down-spouts
or in low areas where water collects.
• Screw small hooks into the eaves, which is safer and
faster than using staples or nails. Avoid using wire ties
or staples, as the wire can shortcircuit the light string,
and staples can pierce the plastic casing of the light strings
or extension cords, exposing the wire and creating a short
circuit situation.
• When putting up standing rooftop decorations, ensure
the base matches the pitch of your roof. Construct bases with
2x4s — attach one vertically to the decoration to support
its height and one at the base matching the angle of the roof.
• Weigh down all standing outdoor Christmas decorations
with sandbags.
• If decorating with luminaries, place the candles in
votive holders and secure in sand or kitty litter. Light for
no more than four hours at a time.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling lights and
before eating as the plastic insulation on some light sets
contain small amounts of lead. Don't allow children to handle
the light sets.
• Unplug all lights and other outdoor decorations before
going to sleep each night or leaving your home.
.
Christmas
Tree Video Clip
Here's a charming film clip of a Christmas tree and fireplace,
available through Getty Images, which appears to be totally
unaware that this isn't exactly a safe situation. We don't
mean to be a Grinch, but how many things can you find wrong
with this picture? Here's what we spotted. Email us your ideas.
