1 Del. Admin. Code § 705-1-8.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 4, October 1, 2024

Section 705-1-8.0 - Combustible Decorations

8.1General Use of Combustible Decorations. No person shall install, maintain, or use vegetation, bunting, cotton batting, plastic cloth, textile, excelsior, paper, or other combustible material for the purpose of decoration in any building, premises, vehicle, or marine vessel to which the public is admitted or invited unless such decorative materials have been made flame resistant with an approved flame retardant material or process in accordance with applicable NFPA Codes and Standards adopted and/or modified by these Regulations.

Exception: This paragraph shall not apply to materials used in display or other material which is limited in quantity and approved by the State Fire Marshal for such use.

8.2Fire Tests. Tests for determining flammability of combustible decorations shall be conducted in accordance with applicable tests for the type of combustible decoration involved.

8.3Interior Finishes. Textiles, paper, or other combustible materials adhered to walls and ceilings, (not free hanging) must comply with the interior finish requirements of the applicable codes and standards listed in Regulation 701.

8.4 Christmas Trees.

8.4.1 Natural cut Christmas trees, including living trees in a balled condition with their roots protected by an earth ball, shall not be permitted in Assembly, Educational, Health Care, Residential Board and Care, Detention and Correctional, Mercantile, Hotel, or Dormitory occupancies.

Exception No. 1: Trees located in areas protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.

8.4.2 Artificial Christmas trees shall be labeled or otherwise identified or certified by the manufacturer as being "flame retardant" or "flame resistive."

8.4.3 No Christmas trees shall be allowed to obstruct exits in any way or be located in corridors, exit ways, or other means of egress.

8.4.4 Only listed electrical lights and wiring shall be used on Christmas trees and similar decorations.

8.4.5 Electrical lights are prohibited on metal artificial trees.

8.4.6 Open flames such as from candles, lanterns, kerosene heaters, and gas fired heaters shall not be located on or near Christmas trees or other similar combustible materials.

8.4.7 Natural cut Christmas trees shall not be located near heating vents or other fixed or portable heating devices that could cause the tree to dry out prematurely or to be ignited.

8.4.8 In occupancies where natural trees are permitted, the bottom end of the trunk shall be cut-off at an angle at least one to two inches (1-2") above the end to help the tree absorb water. The tree shall be placed in a suitable stand with adequate water. The water level shall be checked and maintained on a daily basis. The tree shall be removed from the building immediately upon evidence of dryness.

1 Del. Admin. Code § 705-1-8.0

19 DE Reg. 843 (3/1/2016) (Final)