Decorations Safety
Comets love to show their passion for our academic achievements, athletic teams, alumni gatherings, and various holidays throughout the year. Decorations can enhance the spirit of celebration on campus, but we don’t want to cause a fire hazard or disable life safety systems due to poorly executed decor!
Decorations used throughout properties owned or leased by the University of Texas at Dallas must comply with requirements set forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL). Placement of all decorations shall not block or impede access to building life safety features, emergency equipment, facilities, or alarm devices including fire extinguishers, exit signs, exit corridors, pull stations, fire alarm panels, and fire department connections.
The Office of Institutional Risk & Safety Programs (OIRSP) will monitor compliance and conduct periodic surveys of all areas. OIRSP may, at any time, remove or order the removal of any decorations found in violation of this policy.
Decoration Safety Guidelines
- Only non-combustible and non-flammable materials are to be used for decorations.
- Lights used for decorating shall be UL-approved and of the non-heat-producing variety (e.g., twinkle lights, LED lights, battery-powered candles).
- Artificial trees and plants are permitted.
- Potted live trees and plants are permitted.
- Labels indicating non-flammability are to be kept in the department where the decorations are used, if not affixed to the decorations themselves.
- Only non-combustible and non-flammable materials are to be used for decorations.
- Decorations with a live flame are not allowed (e.g., candles, hurricane lamps).
- Natural-cut trees or branches are prohibited in all facilities.
- Lights shall not be used on metallic artificial trees.
- Bubble lights are prohibited.
