• DO NOT hang any item from a horizontal ceiling under any circumstance.
• DO NOT hang any item from horn/strobes, sprinkler pipes and heads, or fire extinguishers.
• Tapestries, posters, or pictures should only be hung from vertical walls.
• All decoration material is labeled noncombustible, flame-resistant, or flame-retardant.
• Do not block or obstruct exits, exit aisles, and emergency lights or exit signs.
• Do not place any material close to a heat source (i.e. radiators, lamps, space heaters, etc.)
• Decorations should be removed within two weeks after an event or holiday.

These materials should not be used for decorations under any circumstance, because they are inherently combustible or cannot be flame proofed:

• Cedar or Balsam Trees
• Natural Garland, Wreath or Limbs
• Corn Stalks or Shucks
• Cotton or Confetti (loose in large quantities)
• Flammable Powders or Liquids
• Hay or Straw (loose or baled)
• Paper Streamers (serpentine)

Evergreen varieties are subject to the following guidelines:

• Cut Trees: Cut trees should not be used in any facility on the Bates College campus because they are inherently combustible and difficult to maintain in acceptable condition.
• Artificial Trees: Only artificial trees labeled as flame-resistant, flame-retardant, or similar should be used. Trees should be less than 4 feet tall and the material used labeled as noncombustible and resistive to burning.
• Greens: Balsam, white pine cuttings, garland, and or wreaths made of natural materials should not be used for door adornment, or placed in corridors or stairwells.

• All light sets and extension cords used must bear the Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) label and be marked for indoor use.
• Inspect all lights and cords before use for broken or cracked sockets, insulation, wires, and loose connections.
• Use no more than 3 sets of lights per outlet.
• Do not overload electrical outlets.
• Do not run wires under carpet, through doorways, or wear they pose a trip/entanglement hazard.
• Do not use nails or tacks to hang.
• Do not place on sprinkler pipes or heating pipes.
• Turn off whenever the space is unattended.

• Open Flames: Lighting devices using open flames (such as tiki lamps, oil lamps, and torches) are strictly prohibited indoors and should be approved for outdoor use by Bates EHS and the Lewiston Fire Department on a case-by-case basis.
• Enclosed and Open Flames: Devices using open or enclosed flames (such as candles, incense, and lanterns) are prohibited. Limited use of open flame devices are permitted only under certain conditions and only outdoors with permission.
• Removal: Observed items will be removed and confiscated by EHS and safety fine possibly administered.
• Sterno: The use of Sterno is strictly prohibited, except for Dining operations.