3.6 Management of Smoking Policy
All University buildings and vehicles are now smoke free environments. This is a statutory requirement as required by the Health Act 2006 and in particular, the Smoke Free Regulations 2007.
Bath Spa University.
Management of Smoking Policy.
1.Introduction.
Bath Spa University recognises the need to provide a healthy and safe environment that is smoke-free for all employees, students, visitors and contractors.
The right to work in a smoke free environment is supported by statutory duties under the Health Act 2006 and specifically the Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006. As of 1st July 2007 it is a criminal offence to smoke in a smoke-free place, and smokers in particular have a general legal duty to prevent others from being exposed to environmental smoke (tobacco, or any other substance).
Any person smoking in a smoke-free place will be committing a criminal offence under the Health Act 2006 and will be liable for a fine of up to £200.
Any employer or person who controls or is concerned with the management of enclosed premises, who fails to prevent a person from smoking in these premises will be liable to a fine up to £2000.
Local Authority Officers will enforce the Health Act 2006. It is an offence to obstruct Local Authority authorised Officers carrying out their duties or to make a false or misleading statement.
2. Policy Statement.
It is the policy of the University that all of its enclosed and substantially enclosed spaces including buildings, garages, sheds, huts, and vehicles, are smoke-free.
An enclosed space is defined as having a roof and being wholly enclosed by walls. It includes temporary structures such as tents and marquees.
A substantially enclosed space is defined as having a roof and an opening in the walls representing 50% or less of the total wall area.
Smoking will not be permitted from windows, on roofs, in doorways, and external stairways. Smoking is permitted outside, provided it is at least 10 metres (e.g. length of a double-decker bus) from any enclosed space.
Smokers have a duty to ensure that their smoke does not enter any enclosed or substantially enclosed space through windows, doors or other openings.
3. Responsibilities.
All persons on the University campus must adhere to the University's Smoking Policy, failure to do so will constitute a breach of the University's Health and Safety Policy and will be dealt with under the relevant disciplinary procedure. All staff and students have a personal responsibility for ensuring that their visitors and contractors comply with the Policy.
The Students' Union's Membership Services Manager, is responsible for implementation of the policy within the Student Union locations in the University.
4. Support on giving up smoking.
Staff and students who may be experiencing difficulties resulting from the Smoking Policy can find advice and support at the following website:
Approved by Vice-Chancellor: 7th September 2007