Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Oakham Station Called Out To Smoking Town Christmas Tree
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue, Just had a call to Oakham's Christmas tree smoking on the High Street. As its electrical safety week we thought it would be a good idea to share this.
Always
✔ read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and retain
instructions for future reference
✔ check that your Christmas lights are not damaged or broken before
use and look out for loose wires
✔ use only replacement lamps of the same type and rating as those
originally supplied with the lights
✔ ensure all outdoor lights are connected via a 30mA RCD protected
socket. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against
dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electric fires
✔ replace failed lamps immediately to prevent overheating - if lamps are
not replaceable, the whole lighting product may need to be replaced
✔ ensure that plugs and transformers are plugged-in indoors, even if
the lighting is suitable for outdoor use
✔ switch Christmas lights off before you go to bed or go out - even
Christmas lights need a break!
✔ keep lights away from flammable decorations and other materials
that can burn easily
✔ keep the packaging for safe storage after use. Avoid storage in
damp or excessively hot conditions
Never
✘ use the lights outdoors unless
specially designed for such use
✘ connect different lighting sets together
✘ connect lights to the supply while in the packaging
✘ remove or insert lamps while the chain is connected to the supply
✘ overload sockets and try to avoid the use of extension leads or
adaptors
✘ allow children to play with Christmas lights
✘ attempt to repair faulty lights – replace them
✘ use lights that are damaged or faulty
