850.2 Smoke Free Workplace

850.2 Smoke Free Workplace

A. Background

The Surgeon General of the United States has determined that cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of illness and premature death in the nation. Moreover, research indicates that nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to passive (secondhand) tobacco smoke are also at increased risk of illness. For these reasons, the Surgeon General has urged employers to implement health promotion programs with special emphasis on smoking cessation. In addition, local ordinances have been passed with the intention of restricting the use of lighted smoking materials in public places. As an institution committed to providing a safe and healthful environment, Furman University adopts this smoking policy and smoking cessation program.

B. Policy

It is the policy of Furman University to provide a safe learning and working environment for students and employees. It is recognized that smoke from cigarettes, pipes and/or cigars is hazardous to health. Therefore, it is the goal of Furman to offer a smoke free environment to the greatest extent possible. To achieve this goal, Furman will limit smoking as set forth in this policy and will provide access to smoking cessation programs for employees and students who currently smoke.

C. Guidelines

1. No Smoking Areas Smoking is prohibited in all indoor locations including but not limited to:

a. general office space, including private offices;

b. computer rooms, classrooms, laboratories, lecture rooms, conference rooms, and library;

c. storage rooms, supply rooms, copy rooms, and mailroom;

d. common areas; including elevators, stairwells, hallways, lobbies, reception areas, employee lounges, cafeterias, breezeways between buildings, break rooms, and restrooms;

e. garages, maintenance shops and mechanical rooms;

f . hazardous areas containing or in close proximity to flammable liquids, gases and vapors;

g. stadium offices, concession stands, press box, gym, physical activities center;

h. theaters, except for smoking required in plays (or scenes) for the actors/actresses on stage;

i. exhibit halls, auditoriums;

j. interior areas of campus housing buildings.

2. The University Housing policy prohibits smoking in all interior areas of campus housing buildings. Smoking is only allowed on porches and balconies of campus housing buildings.

3. Smoking is prohibited in the university pool cars that are available for checkout. Smoking is permitted in university vehicles assigned to employees provided tobacco products are disposed of in a receptacle designated for that purpose and provided that smokers accommodate the requests of other passengers in the vehicle.

4. This policy applies to all students, faculty, and employees of the university whether full-time, part-time, or temporary and to all visitors, alumni and any other person on campus for any purpose.

5. Smoking is permitted outdoors (except in the stands during games at the stadium).

6. In an effort to promote the health and safety of students and employees, the university will offer smoking cessation programs. Programs will be announced through newsletters, posters, mailings, etc.

7. Enforcement

a. It is the responsibility of all administrators, faculty, staff, and students to enforce the university's smoking policy. Anyone smoking in a nonsmoking area should be directed to a smoking-permitted area.

b. Disputes over the interpretation of the policy or complaints about individuals violating the policy and/or guidelines, should be brought to the attention of a supervisor using the normal channels for making complaints.

c. Supervisors should follow existing policies and procedures to deal with complaints received or infractions of this policy.

d. Students should follow the procedures outlined in the Helmsman.

 ...........................