The festive season is a time for celebration — twinkling lights, office parties, and festive decorations bring warmth and cheer to workplaces everywhere. But amidst the excitement, it’s easy for businesses to overlook one crucial thing: fire safety.
With increased electrical use, decorations, and sometimes reduced staffing, the risk of fire can rise significantly over the holiday period. Taking the time to review your fire safety measures — including servicing fire extinguishers and alarm systems — can make all the difference.
While the festive season brings joy, it can also introduce new fire hazards that businesses need to be aware of:
· Christmas lights and decorations – Overloaded plug sockets, damaged wires, or poorly maintained lights can easily spark fires.
· Heaters and electrical equipment – Cold weather means heaters are used more frequently, often alongside extra electrical devices.
· Flammable decorations – Paper garlands, tinsel, and artificial trees can quickly ignite if placed too close to heat sources.
· Reduced staff presence – With many employees taking time off, there may be fewer people around to spot hazards early or respond quickly in an emergency.
By recognising these risks, you can take simple but effective steps to keep your workplace safe.
One of the most effective ways to ensure your fire safety equipment works when you need it most is through equipment servicing.
At Hartson Fire, we recommend that businesses schedule:
· Fire extinguisher servicing – At least once a year to ensure each unit is fully operational and compliant with BS 5306 standards.
· Fire alarm system checks – To verify that all alarms, detectors, and control panels are functioning correctly.
· Emergency lighting inspections – Particularly important during the darker winter months to ensure safe evacuation routes.
If your business closes over the festive period, scheduling servicing before the holidays ensures peace of mind — knowing your premises remain protected even when unattended.
To help keep your workplace safe, here are a few simple but effective festive fire safety tips:
· Inspect all lights and decorations for damage before use and avoid overloading sockets.
· Keep decorations away from heaters, lights, and other heat sources.
· Switch off electrical items at the end of the day, especially before leaving for the holidays.
· Ensure clear fire exits and escape routes are not blocked by decorations, boxes, or furniture.
· Test fire alarms and emergency lighting before any festive closures.
· Check your fire extinguishers are in date and easily accessible.
At Hartson Fire, we help businesses across the UK stay compliant, safe, and protected all year round. Our expert team provides fire extinguisher servicing and comprehensive fire extinguisher checks — giving you confidence that your workplace is ready for the festive season and beyond.
Before you switch off the lights and lock up for Christmas, make sure your fire safety systems are in top condition. Because while it’s the season to be jolly — it’s also the season to stay safe.
📞 Get in touch with Hartson Fire today to schedule your fire safety servicing or discuss your business’s festive fire safety:
