Smoking Policy

Introduction

u-student is required by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 to ensure so far as it is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees whilst at work.  This includes the provision of a working environment that is safe and without risk to health.  Moreover, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require the provision of suitably clean air in work areas and the means to protect non-smokers from the harmful effects of passive smoke.

Smoking is known to be the principal avoidable cause of premature deaths in the UK. That is why the government white paper, ‘Choosing health: Making healthier choices easier’ promises new action to tackle tobacco and reduce the 86,500 deaths in England caused by smoking every year.

Tobacco smoke is recognised as being harmful to health and there is no recognised safe level of exposure to tobacco smoke. Anyone breathing air contaminated with tobacco smoke is being placed at an unacceptable level of risk to their health, whether this is directly as a result of smoking or indirectly through ‘passive’ smoking.

Policy

u-student aims to promote the health and well being of its students, staff and visitors by providing a healthy and smoke free environment.

Whilst acknowledging that smoking is a matter of personal choice, u-student recognises the responsibility it has to the majority of its students, staff and visitors who are non smokers and to all those who smoke who wish to work or study in a smoke free environment.

As a matter of policy u-student is seeking to establish clear guidelines which creates a smoke free environment and protects u-student‘s community from the harmful effects of smoke including passive smoke.

u-student declares therefore that smoking is prohibited:

  • On all u-student owned land
  • In all areas within u-student owned buildings
  • In all u-student accommodation
  • Within 10 metres of all u-student building entrances
  • Designated ‘smoking areas’ are provided (variances apply to each location).

Arrangements

Students and staff are required to take personal responsibility for observing this policy and should feel able to draw this policy to the attention of colleagues and visitors to u-student.  All managers and supervisors should be alert to the need to remind anyone found smoking on u-student premises of the policy.

Disregard for this Smoke Free Policy including consequent behaviour may lead to action as appropriate under u-student‘s disciplinary procedures and fines will be applied.

Support for Smokers

Details of the support available for those who wish to give up smoking can be found by accessing the following: www.givingupsmoking.co.uk

Email: health.wellbeing@sunderland.ac.uk

University Health and Wellbeing – 0191 515 2938

National helpline – 0800 1690169

Sunderland Quit line – 0800 5874865