Text Size: Default | Large

Lancaster & Morecambe College
Morecambe Road
Lancaster LA1 2TY
T: 01524 66215
F: 01524 843078
E: info@lmc.ac.uk

Non Smoking Policy

INTRODUCTION

LMC recognises the legal requirements placed upon it by the Health Act 2006 and its general duty of care to all premises users and responsibilities to students under Every Child Matters. Collectively, these require the college to implement a policy on smoking which not only protects the rights of all non-smokers to work and study in a non-smoking environment, but to also be proactive and take positive steps in encouraging and assisting smokers to cease and others to avoid beginning a smoking habit.

Lancaster & Morecambe College also recognises that in implementing and enforcing any policy on smoking it will do so in a manner which still acknowledges the personal dignity of all, including those who choose to smoke, enlisting the co-operation of staff, students and casual premises users in adhering to the policy.

As an educational institution, Lancaster & Morecambe College also recognises the additional responsibility of raising awareness of all health issues associated with smoking and of establishing within its own community the fundamental premise that smoke-free is the norm.

POLICY STATEMENT

Lancaster & Morecambe College is committed to establishing a smoke-free environment across its premises in order to safeguard the health of its employees, learners, all other visitors to premises and users of its facilities. By this policy, it is committed to fully comply with the Health Act 2006 (and regulations made under the Act).

In order to achieve this, smoking will be prohibited in workplaces and enclosed public places (which are either enclosed or substantially enclosed as defined by legislation). This ban will also include vehicles owned or leased by the college or privately-owned vehicles whilst parked on college grounds.

All outdoor areas, specifically those which interfere with the right to enter or exit a smoke-free environment, shall be smoke-free with the exception of the designated and clearly identified outdoor sheltered area. Map of designated smoking area (PDF 210KB)

IMPLEMENTATION

This no smoking policy will apply to the entirety of the College community and include all employees, learners, contractors, users of the public operations, visitors and other casual premises users and will be in force at all times.
During the period leading up to 1 st September 2007, the College will:

run an awareness campaign
work with relevant outside health agencies to offer smoking cessation support and advice
facilitate a consultation with staff and student representatives on the delivery of this policy and make any consequent, reasonable adjustments which do not compromise the policy’s ability to meet the letter and the spirit of the law

The outside area to be designated for smokers’ use shall provide shelter from the elements without being “substantially enclosed”. The location will also be one which does not compromise any non-smoking enclosed space by its proximity.
Signage will be prominent and comprehensive throughout College buildings, particularly at any point of entry from an outside area.

signs will comply with the legal requirement by being a minimum of A5 in size and include the specific wording “NO SMOKING. It is against the law to smoke in these premises”. Lettering and signage shall be of a font, design and background colour which is not challenging to those with a sight or literacy related disability.
the conventional non-smoking symbol shall be attached to all internal doors.

All student and employee inductions and health and safety (“housekeeping”) announcements at the start of external training sessions or conferences will clearly state the non-smoking requirement and identify the designated smoking areas.
The Student Handbook and all other similar course or departmental manuals given out to students will contain a message stating the non-smoking policy.

ENFORCEMENT

It is clearly understood by the College that the comprehensive implementation of a smoking ban and non-smoking policy is only realistically achievable with the collective co-operation of all members of the College community. All should accept the responsibility to politely challenge those who breach the policy, whilst those who are smokers should accept the constraints placed on their smoking habit.
In particular, College employees should accept that anyone who knowingly permits smoking in any areas, other than those designated, is compromising the College’s collective legal duty and places the corporation at risk of breaching the law, with consequential financial penalties (of up to £2,500 for each offence).
In the interests of parity, fairness and equality, employees who require time to smoke can only do so within the normal time allocated for breaks. Any changes to these arrangements, such as a shortened lunch break to allow other short breaks, must be arranged by discussion with the relevant line manager. All such arrangements should be recorded in writing, with copies going to both parties.
Failure by staff or students to comply with this policy will result in disciplinary action being taken under the relevant disciplinary procedures.
In the event of the policy being breached by users of the College premises and facilities (other than staff and students), the following procedure is advised:

In a polite manner, draw attention to any non-smoking signs and remind them of the no smoking policy.
Remind them that breaking the non-smoking ban is an offence.
Explain that by permitting anyone to smoke in a non-smoking public place, the College itself is also seen as committing an offence.
If the person refuses, the matter should be drawn to the attention of a member of the College management or College security staff.
If the request by the second member of staff is also refused, then the College reserves the right to ask the person to leave the premises.
In all situations involving requests for people to comply with the ban, confrontation is always to be avoided. The assistance of the police should be called if any threats are made or threatening behaviour experienced.

HELP TO STOP SMOKING AND HEALTH EDUCATION

The College recognises its duty, and the responsibility associated with a non-smoking policy, of assisting and supporting those who smoke in encouraging them to break the habit. However, it intends to do this by adopting differing approaches for staff and students.
Staff

The College will acquire literature produced by the local Primary Care Trust and arrange for them to be distributed and displayed.
On an annual basis, it will conduct a smokefree campaign specifically designed for staff and make arrangements for the relevant health agency to offer a “cessation clinic” on College premises.
When confirming an offer of employment, information on how to make contact with “stop smoking services” will be a standard feature in the content of the letter.

Learners/students

Student Services will display and be fully stocked with all appropriate literature drawing attention to the addictive nature and the negative health effects associated with smoking (including passive smoking).
The Student Advisers will also support and facilitate contact with health agencies for any student wishing to give up smoking.
Events such as “Health Days” will include invitations to health agencies concerned with smoking.
The College drugs policy will be reviewed to explicitly identify and incorporate tobacco, tobacco-based products and smoking.
In particular, the designated outdoor smoking area will conspicuously feature anti-smoking slogans and invitations to assist anyone wishing to give up.