Guidance for safe, respectful workplace holiday decorations

The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the Department of Safety have provided guidelines for workplace holiday decorations to help employees celebrate the winter holiday season safely and support Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine’s commitment to a respectful and inclusive environment. Please review the following restrictions and guidelines:

1. All decorations should be of noncombustible material.
2. Flammable decorations, such as baled or loose straw, dry cornstalks, natural trees or similar materials, are prohibited.
3. Decorations and related objects in corridors/exits, corridor doors, on exit signs, or on any fire detection or protection device, such as smoke detectors, heat detectors and sprinkler heads, are prohibited.
4. Vision panels (windows) in doors shall not be covered or otherwise obstruct the ability to clearly see what is on the opposite side of the door.
5. Do not hang decorations from the ceiling.
6. Artificial trees should be clearly marked or specified as made of slow-burning materials or fire/flame resistive/resistance/retardant. Artificial trees with built-in electrical systems must carry the Underwriters Laboratory label.
7. Aluminum trees should be lit by indirect lighting as these trees may be a shock hazard if lighting strings are used.
8. Do not use extension cords to light trees.
9. Turn off all trees and other decorative lighting when leaving the area for the day.
10. When displaying holiday decorations, be sensitive to the observances and views of others since there are many traditions, including Christmas, that occur during the winter holiday season. Consider displaying religiously neutral decorations or being inclusive of multiple celebrations in open areas where others, particularly patients, may be impacted.
11. Avoid the use of twinkling/flashing lights as they can trigger seizures for those with epilepsy or similar photosensitive health conditions.

If you have questions about the safety information, please contact the Department of Safety at 717-531-7297. Questions about diversity and inclusion can be directed to the Penn State Health Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at 717-531-1012.

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