Smoke Free Policy

November 2005

(Updated November 2024)

Background

‘Smoking is the single most important cause of disease and premature death. Independent scientific bodies throughout the world have also concluded that passive smoking can cause lung cancer in non-smokers.

Legislation has generally been in force for over 40 years to protect workers from tobacco smoke. Under Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 employers have to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of all of their employees. This means that the University has had to take action to deal with the risk of passive smoking at work. In addition, under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, the University has had to implement arrangements to protect non-smokers from the discomfort caused by tobacco smoke.

In Scotland, the Smoking, Health and Social Care [Scotland] Act 2005 (which came into force on 26 March 2006), requires a complete restriction on smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces. It is now an offence to smoke in a vehicle with a child and it will soon be an offence to smoke within 15 metres of a hospital building.  On-the-spot penalties of £50 will be given to those who do. 

This policy has been developed to protect all employees, students, customers and visitors from exposure to second hand smoke and to ensure compliance with the Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005. The Smoke Free Policy was approved by the University Court and came into effect on 26 March 2006. The Policy was updated in 2012 to restrict smoking in University-managed residential accommodation with effect from 1 September 2013, following consultation with relevant staff, students, the Student Union and the relevant Unison safety representative. The policy was updated in 2015 to prohibit the use of e-cigarettes.

Policy statement

The University of Stirling recognises its duty to seek to ensure that employees, students, customers and visitors to the University can work, study or visit in air free of tobacco smoke. Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited throughout all University buildings, around entrances to buildings, within internal courtyards or in any University vehicle.

Smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes, is prohibited throughout all University managed accommodation, including individual study bedrooms.

This policy applies to all premises managed by the University of Stirling.

Original Implementation date: 26 March 2006

Reviewed and updated November 2024

 

Implementation

  • The overall responsibility for policy implementation and review rests with the University Secretary. All staff have some responsibility for the implementation and monitoring of this policy. Members of staff are required to take all reasonable measures to ensure that staffs, students, customers, contractors and visitors are aware of the Smoke Free Policy and its restrictions.
  • ‘No-smoking’ signage have been placed at all entrances to University buildings, within internal courtyards, in toilets, in common rooms, within atrium areas and in all food outlets.
  • Information for staff wishing to stop smoking is available from the Occupational Health Providers.
  • Information for students wishing to stop smoking is available from the Student Services Development.

 

Non-compliance

  • Staff and students who do not comply with this policy may be subject to the University’s disciplinary procedures.
  • Those who do not comply with the smoke free legislation are also liable to a fixed penalty fine and possible criminal prosecution.

Policy Review

The policy will be subject to annual review.