Checking That Your Christmas Tree Lights Are Safe

02 February, 2021

Getting into the loft to get the Christmas decorations may seem like the most risky part of the Christmas experience, but handling Christmas lights can be more dangerous than you think! Despite being inanimate objects, Christmas lights nobble several hundred people each year. Accidents and injuries include light-related falls, shocks, burns and children swallowing bulbs because they look like sweets. Unfortunately, simple errors like forgetting to turn Christmas lights off before watering natural trees can have disastrous consequences. From 1997 to 2010, an average of two people died per year from this alone. Thanks to ROSPA, here’s some more helpful advice about light safety.

Buying your Christmas lights

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 volts for added safety, or they may be double insulated.

Checking your Christmas lights

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 your Christmas lights

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 or out of the house
Don’t allow children to play with the lights.

Storing your Christmas lights

Take care when dismantling and packing the lights to avoid damaging them
Keep them safely stored away out of reach of children
Avoid damp or excessively hot conditions.

Other ways to keep your family safe

We cover accident prevention in our first aid courses. You can join a public course in London, have a private course anywhere in the UK for you and 11 others or book one of our online courses.