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The end of the year is fast approaching and we are all looking forward to the Christmas break where we can relax, have fun and enjoy time with our loved ones. To help us leave UCL safe and sound over the December closure, we have produced a short list of some things to think about before you head home for your well-deserved break.

As thoughts turn to festive decorations, please remember that some decorations such as Christmas trees, lights, tinsel and paper banners can be fairly combustible so give careful consideration to their location to ensure that everybody is safe from the risk of fire.

The following lists are not exhaustive and you should think about your individual department's requirements.

General

• Avoid accumulation of waste – think about emptying kettles, lockers, fridges, bins and disposing of any hazardous waste.
• Flush out water taps and rarely used outlets and then ensure all taps are turned off.
• Help UCL reach its goal of reducing energy consumption by 40% by switching off this Christmas! Small changes in our everyday behaviours like switching off non-essential equipment can lead to a huge impact. Get involved in the Christmas Switch-Off.

Fire

• Ensure escape routes and fire doors are kept clear.
• Switch off electrical equipment where possible.
• If you have work equipment that has to stay on (e.g. LEV), check that it is in good working condition and is safe to leave switched on.
• Store items and substances appropriately (e.g. flammable substances locked in appropriate cabinets away from incompatible items).

> Email the Fire Safety Team for advice.

Security

Think about what you need to do to control access and ensure safety in your workspace in your absence.

• Lock away confidential/valuable items.
• Isolate equipment/gas taps.
• Ensure machinery is guarded.

Emergencies

Think about emergencies that may occur during the closure, what do you need to have in place?

• Up-to-date emergency contact details and procedures - some colleagues may not be at their usual out-of-hours location during the festive season.
• Clear safety signage and labelled working alarms (e.g. low oxygen alarms).
• A walkaround pre-closure to check everything is in safe working condition.
• Sharing key information with Security and your Area Facilities Manager.

> Email the Safety Services Team for advice.

Ionising Radiation

Guidance for laboratories that work with ionising radiation:

• Check that all radioactive material is accounted for, secured (e.g. fridges and freezers are locked) and records are up to date.
• Ensure all orders of radioactive material have been delivered before the closure date and no deliveries are booked for or expected during the Christmas closure.
• Return all outstanding dosimetry to the UCLH Dosimetry Service.
• Work with ionising radiation should only be conducted during the Christmas closure in exceptional circumstances and with the agreement of the local Radiation Protection Supervisor, who should be contactable whilst work is ongoing.

> Email the Radiation Protection Team with any other radiation queries.