Christmas Trees in Schools
Each year, as the holiday season approaches,
we receive numerous inquiries related to the use of Christmas trees in schools.
Because of the potential safety hazards to students and staff posed by the use
of certain types of decorations, the following information is provided.
Reference is made to the North Carolina State Fire Prevention Code, (2002
Edition) excerpted below. Specific inquiries as to the requirements or
interpretation of the Code should be directed to the Engineering & Codes
Division of the North Carolina Office of the State Fire Marshal at (919)
661-5880.
SECTION 806
DECORATIVE VEGETATION
806.1
Natural cut trees. Natural cut trees, where permitted by this section, shall
have the trunk bottoms cut off at least 0.5 inch (12.7 mm) above the original
cut and shall be placed in a support device complying with Section 806.1.2.
806.1.1 Restricted occupancies. Natural cut trees shall
be prohibited in Group A, E
(Educational), I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, M, R-1, R-2 and R-4 occupancies.
Exceptions:
1. Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 shall not be prohibited in Groups A, E (Educational), M, R- I and R-2.
2. Trees shall be permitted within dwelling units in Group R-2 occupancies.
3. In religious assembly
occupancies when in the opinion of the Fire Official adequate safeguards have
been taken treated natural cut Christmas trees are permitted. The tree shall be
treated and maintained flame resistant in accordance with the test protocol
listed in Appendix H.
806.1.2 Support devices. The support device that holds the
tree in an upright position shall be of a type that is stable and that meets
all of the following criteria:
1. The device shall hold the tree securely and be of
adequate size to avoid tipping over of the tree.
2. The device shall
be capable of containing a minimum two-day supply of water.
3. The water level, when full, shall cover the tree stem at
least 2 inches (51 mm). The water level shall be maintained above the fresh cut
and checked at least once daily.
806.1.3 Dryness. The tree shall be removed from the building
whenever the needles or leaves fall off readily when a tree branch is shaken or
if the needles are brittle and break when bent between the thumb and index
finger. The tree shall be checked daily for dryness.
806.2
Artificial vegetation. Artificial decorative vegetation shall meet the flame
propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701. Meeting
the flame propagation performance criteria of NFPA 701 shall be documented and certified by the
manufacturer in an approved manner.
806.3
Obstruction of means of egress. The required width of any portion of a means of
egress shall not be obstructed by decorative vegetation.
806.4
Open flame. Candles and open flames shall not be used on or near decorative
vegetation. Natural cut trees shall be kept a distance from heat vents and any
open flame or heat- producing devices at least equal to the height of the tree.
806.5 Electrical fixtures and wiring. The use of unlisted
electrical wiring and lighting on natural cut trees and artificial decorative vegetation shall be prohibited. The use of electrical wiring and lighting on artificial trees
constructed entirely of metal shall be prohibited.
Living Christmas trees in a balled condition
with their roots protected by an earth ball may be permitted (Check with Local
Fire Marshal) provided they are maintained in a fresh condition and are not
allowed to become dry.
The School Insurance Section of the Division
of School Support strongly recommends careful placement of Christmas trees and
other similar decorations away from exit traffic patterns, to include corridors
and exit doors.