I am working for an organisation that is in the process of building new premises. For many good reasons (amongst other things the need to minimise travelling distance and hence the time taken for breaks), the designated smoking area (not an enclosed or covered space, merely a hatched 'box' painted on the ground) is to be located outside the rear elevation. However, I have just learned that the gas meter enclosure is also to be sited in approximately the same place. Are there any guidlines that cover this from a safety point of view or should I just bite the bullet and relocate the designated smoking area?

Any advice would be much appreciated