1. Trees should be less than 5 feet in height and placed in common areas only (reception areas, meeting rooms, break rooms). Trees must never be placed near exit doors, exit aisles, or in corridors.
2. Trees are required to be treated with flame retardant.
3. A tag must be affixed to the tree when purchased stating the date of sale, type of fire retardant used for treatment, the name of the person who applied the treatment, and the name of the person affixing the tag.
4. A support device shall be used that holds the tree in a stable, upright position.
Support devices shall be of a type that:
a. Does not damage or require the removal of tree stem base.
b. Holds the tree securely and is of adequate size to avoid tipping over of the tree. The base should be a minimum of 6" in diameter for a 1 foot tree, and 2" additional width for every foot over 1 foot height. Wider bases are recommended.
c. The base must be capable of holding a minimum of 1/2 gallon of water, covering the stem at least 2 inches.
5. Use hot tap water for the initial watering. The stand must never be allowed to become dry of water. If the stand becomes dry, the tree should be removed from the building.
6. Trees can be checked for dryness by the following method:
Stand in front of a branch and grasp it near the trunk with a reasonably firm pressure, and pull your hand toward you, allowing the branch to slip through your grasp. If needles fall off readily, the tree does not have adequate moisture content, and should be removed from the building.
7. Decorate trees with non-combustible ornaments only. Never use paper, cloth or cardboard decorations.
8. Tree lights must be non-heat producing type (mini-lights) that are U.L. listed.
9. Trees should be placed in areas away from sources of ignition. Never place a tree near heaters, heat producing appliances, lighting fixtures, televisions, or computers.
10. Do not use electric lights on metal trees: light them with companion spotlights only.
11. Remove trees promptly after the holidays.