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Monday 27 November 2017

MMC/MCH Site Alert: Christmas Decoration Guidelines

What Is Happening?
·         We are approaching that time of the year when we start thinking about Christmas Decorations.
·         Monash Health recognises that it is important to work within guidelines designed for your safety, and the safety of your colleagues, patients and visitors, so that we may all enjoy the decorations across the festive season.
o   Our guidelines also consider the impact to our infrastructure within the hospital.

What are the Guidelines for Christmas Decorations at Monash Medical Centre?
·         December 1 is the traditional date upon which Decorations may be placed.
·         Please avoid decorations that shed glitter, tinsel or other materials.
·         Place hanging decorations so that (eg: streamers)
o   Fire Sprinklers are not hidden or blocked (do not adhere or wrap around sprinklers)
o   they are above head height so that no-one becomes entangled.
o   glitter or other parts of decorations do not fall to the floor creating a slip hazard
o   air conditioning registers and vents are not blocked
o   the view of Emergency EXIT and DIRECTIONAL signage is not blocked
·         Use only materials that will not cause allergic reactions from yourself, your colleagues, patients or visitors.
·         Use only battery operated candles without a real flame.
  • Turn Christmas Tree Lights OFF overnight when there are fewer or no people present.
·         Do not mount decorations on or around your computer screens as this creates a fire risk.
·         Arrange for any electrically operated decorations (eg: lights) to be tested and tagged by the Engineering team before use.
·         Place any decorations (including trees) away from any heat sources.
·         Do not use sticky-tape on walls, windows or other building surfaces.
·         Refrain from using Blu-Tac adhesive on walls, windows or other building surfaces.
·         Do not push pins or paper-clips into walls or ceilings.
·         Refrain from using products that may mark floor surfaces.
·         Decorations may be placed up to reach height only as Ladders may not be used.  The Engineering team will not be providing ladders to any areas.

What about my personal safety?
·         Do not stand on desks or chairs to install decorations.
·         Use a safe method to place decorations above head height.
·         Do not reach past your centre of balance.

What Hazards should I look for?
·         Be aware of the dangers of electrically operated Christmas Lights, refer to the Monash Health Safety Alert on this topic to assist in identifying the types of lights that should not be used.
·         Be aware of the potential trip and slip hazards which can be caused by glitter or loose decorations falling to the floor.
·         Be aware of reaching past your centre of balance, causing a fall.
·         Be aware of blocking the view of Emergency Exit and Directional signage.

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