The festive season is a time for celebration, end of year gatherings, decorations and holiday breaks. It also brings increased fire risks for Australian workplaces. With more electrical load, reduced staffing and higher summer temperatures, December and January are periods where a small hazard can quickly escalate into a serious emergency.
Understanding these risks and strengthening workplace emergency planning is essential for safety and compliance with AS 3745:2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities.
Why the Festive Season Increases Fire Risk
Electrical overload from decorations
Festive lights, portable appliances and temporary displays increase electrical load. Common hazards include overloaded power boards, damaged decorative lighting, poor cable placement and overheating equipment.
Reduced supervision and unattended premises
With many staff on leave, fewer people are available to detect hazards early. Offices left unattended over several days are more exposed to electrical faults or undetected smoke.
Increased waste and packaging
Seasonal deliveries and celebrations generate extra cardboard, packing materials and clutter. These fuel loads accelerate fire spread if not managed correctly.
Hot Australian summer conditions
High temperatures increase overheating risks, strain electrical systems and elevate bushfire exposure for regional and remote worksites.
How Workplaces Can Stay Safe and Compliant
Review your Emergency Management Plan
Your Emergency Management Plan should reflect seasonal risks, staff rotations, shutdown procedures and current workplace layouts. If your EMP has not been reviewed in the past year, complete an update before the holidays.
Ensure wardens are trained and available
At least one trained Warden or Chief Warden should be present whenever the workplace is open. Seasonal staff must receive emergency awareness briefings.
Complete a festive season fire safety check
Actions include testing alarms and emergency lighting, updating evacuation diagrams, reviewing fire equipment, removing combustible clutter and switching off non essential electrical items before closure.
Communicate clearly with staff
Provide guidance on safe decoration practices, shutdown procedures, hazard reporting and emergency contact details.
Stay Prepared This Festive Season
EvacServices supports workplaces across Australia with AS 3745:2010 compliant Emergency Management Plans, Warden Training, evacuation diagrams and fire risk assessments.
Contact EvacServices or visit www.evacservices.com.au to book a Festive Season Fire Safety Review.
