No-smoking Policy Reviews and Revisions Action Date Reason Reviewer No-smoking Policy 1
Contents Reviews and Revisions... 1 Introduction... 3 University policy... 3 City Campus... 3 Coach Lane Campus... 3 Bullocksteads... 3 Halls of Residence... 4 Electronic Cigarettes... 4 Support for staff who want to stop smoking... 4 Enforcement... 5 No-smoking Policy 2
Introduction In July 2007, virtually all workplaces and substantially enclosed public areas in England became smoke-free by law. This included offices, factories, shops, pubs, bars, restaurants, membership clubs, public transport and work vehicles that are used by more than one person. All managers of enclosed workplaces and public places have a responsibility for the maintenance and, where possible, improvement of the health of staff and users of their services. The University acknowledges that breathing other people s smoke is both a public health hazard and a welfare issue, proven to cause ill health. This policy recognises that second-hand smoke adversely affects the health of all employees. It is not concerned with whether anyone smokes but with where they smoke and the effect this has on staff and other members of the public. Smoking is the single most important cause of disease and premature death. Passive smoking can cause lung cancer in non-smokers, can cause acute irritation to the eyes and throat, aggravate asthma, and has been linked to heart disease. Second-hand smoke breathing other people s tobacco smoke and side-stream smoke has now been shown to cause lung cancer and heart disease in non-smokers, as well as many other illnesses and minor conditions. Public attitudes to smoking have changed. People are becoming more aware of the serious health risks faced by smokers themselves and are increasingly concerned about the health effects and discomfort of breathing other people s tobacco smoke. University policy It is the University s policy that smoking is not permitted in any part of its premises, or, with certain exceptions, across the University s external areas of the campuses. City Campus The boundaries of city campus are identified on the accompanying site plan to this policy document. The site plan also identifies designated external smoking areas. In particular, smoking will not be permitted at entrances managed, leased or owned by the University at any time, by any person regardless of their status or business with the University. Coach Lane Campus Smoking is not permitted anywhere on or in Coach Lane Campus. Bullocksteads No-smoking Policy 3
Smoking is not permitted anywhere at Bullocksteads. To be fair and consistent to all employees, smokers who wish to smoke in the designated external areas or off campus during their hours of service should do this in their own time, clocking-out if necessary. Smoking is not permitted in vehicles belonging to or leased by the University. In relation to private car use for University business if a member(s) of staff does not wish to travel in a car owned by a smoker then the University will organise appropriate alternative means of transport for them. Halls of Residence Whilst the Regulations do not prohibit smoking in student residential rooms it is University policy that students are not allowed to smoke in University owned or managed accommodation. Again smoking will only be permitted at the designated smoking areas around campus. It will not be permitted at entrance or exit doors to halls of residence. Electronic Cigarettes The use of electronic (e) cigarettes is a relatively recent development. They are not covered by the Smoke Free Workplace requirements made under the Health Act 2006. However, the health effects of such devices are not widely known and the World Health Organisation cautions against the use of them until it can be established that they are safe for both the user and that there are no passive effects from the vapour. The University s Health & Safety Management Group has agreed that until such time as this is known, e-cigarettes will not be allowed to be used in any University Buildings. Support for staff who want to stop smoking The University understands that staff and students may need support in order to give up smoking and understands the importance of supporting people in their efforts to give up smoking. Occupational Health can advise staff on how to obtain support in giving up smoking. The NHS provides a wide range of free resources and advice. You can call 0800 022 4332 to find your local NHS Stop Smoking Service or visit the website for information http://smokefree.nhs.uk/?&gclid=cp6m1rdqhk4cfuoifaodsg_x3q No-smoking Policy 4
Enforcement All staff have a role to play in enforcing this policy and are required to deal with any observed or reported breaches. If managers or staff feel apprehensive about their own safety in regard to addressing any breach they should seek management support. It is important to note that primary emphasis should be placed on prevention of such situations arising. In the event of a breach of the policy by a visitor or staff member of other organisations, they should be asked to extinguish all smoking materials and be informed of the availability of external smoking areas around campus. If they continue to smoke the matter should be referred to the appropriate manager or to security staff as appropriate. All visitors, contractors and suppliers are required to abide by the smoke-free policy. Staff members are expected to inform visitors of the policy. However, in employees efforts to persuade people to comply with this policy, they are not expected to enter into any confrontation that may put their personal safety at risk. Staff, students and visitors are expected to adhere to this policy. The University faces up to a 2,500 fine for failing to prevent smoking inside its buildings and individual smokers can face an on the spot fine of 50 by enforcement authorities for ignoring the smoking ban. The University will actively enforce this policy and persistent failure to adhere to it will be managed locally, supported by the University s own disciplinary procedures. Supervisor meeting in the first instance referred to; Local Line Manager for formal approach if required then referred to; Dean/Director persistent failure in adhering to Policy. Professor Andrew Wathey Vice-Chancellor & Chief Executive July 2013 No-smoking Policy 5
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