Posted By Michael Carr Hi all a quick question about Xmas trees. We are planning on having a real Xmas tree in our building. Does it need to be treated for fire resistance. The supplier says they don't do it as it will dry out the needles etc and make them a bigger fire hazard. Many thanks Mike

Posted By Jonathan Breeze I'm going to stick my neck out on this one. It probably doesn't need treating as fire retardant chemicals are likely to kill the tree. Keep the tree well watered - a tree that is alive and transpiring is a lot harder to burn than a dead one all dried out. Think of them like cut flowers if it helps. Switch the electrics off while you're watering so you don't mix the two or you'll be in for a shock. Oh and you're meant to water the root ball or base of the tree (to this end make sure it's standing in a bucket) - not the leaves (as one occasionally hears about in the Darwin Awards). Most of all (and at the risk of being self defeating) stick by the suppliers instructions on this one - they are the experts, and don't go by what you read on some safety discussion forum. We are after all not Christmas tree experts.

Posted By Sally Just so long as we don't see a headline saying 'council building burnt to ground by flaming christmas trees' Totally agree with previous comments, the only thing I would add it to take care with the locating of it so it is not blocking fire exit(s)

Posted By A Campbell Alan, Was that an artificial tree in the american clip.... doubt they have fire rating??

Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke Hi Folks The video clip is from the National Institute of Standards and Technology. A dry scotch pine tree in a living room. I have the clip but its 4megs. Regards Linda

Posted By Robert K Lewis Go for low voltage lighting, 12volt LED for preference, and the fire risks are greatly reduced. Bob

Posted By Jonathan Breeze Kirsty, not sure what you mean there - no one has banned anything, just stated what may be expected and given sensible advice accordingly. If it were the much trumpeted "common sense" then why did Michael need to ask the question? Linda, from what you describe it sounds more like kindling than a christmas tree. I'm not surprised it went up! (Goes off wondering why shops sell these stands that do not contain water. They're not fit for purpose - unless you're looking for a brazier to hold your burning tree.)

Posted By MP ....but the possibility for electrocution may rise?

Posted By Peter F What do you do for your tree at home? does your house go on fire every year, because the tree is untreated and the needles have fell off? Do you suffer electric shocks?

Posted By Peter F I get the wife to water it just in case!

Posted By Peter F Actually, I carry out a manual handling assessment for carrying the tree into the house and lifting it into the pot. I then carry out a working at height assessment to enable me to decorate it. I also carry out ladder training for the wife to put the star on top. after that I call in an approved electrician (17th Edition) to check the socket and make recommendations. Plug in the RCD unit I have the lights PAT tested. I ensure that the tree is treated so it is fire retardant. I carry out a fire risk assessment and carry out fire evacuation procedures with the whole family. I have the fire extinguishers tested (CO2) I have the presents treated in case they go on fire. I carry out a confined space assessment and post it to Santa to enable him to come down the chimney. I also carryout a manual handling assessment and working at height for carrying parcels and being on the roof. After that I carry out another manual handling assessment to carry the tree out as i have now missed Christmas because I spent so much time assessing.

Posted By Alan Hoskins A chimney? How quaint... We have not received any Christmas presents since converting to gas! Alan

Posted By John Donaldson Peter, In the spirit of this post, mines a scotch!!! You forgot your Environmental Impact Assessment and then to do a Best Practicable Means Assessment for the disposal of the tree. Have a good Xmas. John