Christmas Safety

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) have released guidance to help people avoid accidents over the Christmas period.

Christmas safety tips

• Make sure you buy children's gifts for the correct age group and from reputable retailers, and ensure they comply to safety standards
• Remember to buy batteries for toys that need them – that way you won't be tempted to remove batteries from smoke alarms
• Look out for small items that could pose a choking hazard to young children, such as button batteries, which if not caught early, can do serious damage to the gastrointestinal system.
• Never leave these items lying around and make sure that children know not to put them in their mouths, ears or up their noses.
• Keep decorations and cards away from fires and other heat sources such as light fittings and don't leave burning candles unattended
• Remember, Christmas novelties and decorations are not toys and they do not have to comply with toy safety regulations - place them high up and out of reach of young hands
• Give yourself enough time to prepare and cook Christmas dinner to avoid accidents that come from rushing, and wipe up any spills quickly
• Have scissors handy to open packaging, so you're not tempted to use a knife, and have screwdrivers at the ready to assemble toys
• Beware of trailing cables and wires in the rush to connect new gadgets and appliances, and always read the instructions
• Falls are the most common accidents so try to keep clutter to a minimum and make sure stairs are well-lit and free from obstacles.
• Plan New Year fireworks parties well in advance and follow the Fire Work Code
• Do not drink and drive, and plan long journeys so you won't be driving tired.

Christmas lights safety

If you have old lights, seriously consider buying new ones which will meet much higher safety standards.

Buying:

• Look for safety marks e.g. BS Kitemark
• Buy from a reputable store
• Avoid buying second-hand unless you have them professionally checked first
• New lights are transformed down to 24 volt for added safety, or they may be double insulated.

Checking:

• Never insert or remove bulbs when switched on
• Inspect cables and bulbs for damage
• Do not use lights which are damaged – dispose of them safely.

Using:

• Read and follow the manufacturer's instructions
• Use an RCD (residual current device) for added protection against shock
• Do not use the lights outdoors unless specifically made for such use
• Don't run the cable under carpets or where it can be damaged
• Keep lights clear of decorations and other flammable materials
• Avoid cables becoming a tripping hazard
• Use a stable support when hanging the lights
• Don't leave the lights on when the room is empty. Remember to switch them off when you go to bed and when you go out of the house
• Don't allow children to play with the lights

Storing:

• Take care when dismantling and packing the lights not to damage them
• Keep them safely stored away out of reach of children
• Avoid damp or excessively hot conditions
• 
  

More information is available on RoSPA's website: https://www.rospa.com/policy/home-safety/advice/christmas-safety