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#1 Posted : 18 May 2007 10:10:00(UTC)
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Posted By Robert S Woods
Has any guidance been given on the problem of cigarette smoke entering the building through open windows or doors? Our hardened band of smokers feel it’s ok to stand and smoke anywhere as long as they’re outside. By the back door and under the open side windows seem to be particularly ok places.
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#2 Posted : 18 May 2007 10:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By J Knight
Hi Robert,

I haven't seen anything in the written guidance, but its common-sense to avoid sites where smoke will re-enter the building,

John
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#3 Posted : 18 May 2007 10:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By ITK
You will find the answer here;

http://www.smokefreeengl.../locations.html#blowback
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#4 Posted : 18 May 2007 10:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By SLS
Allowing smokers to stand near/next to doors and/or open windows defeats the purpose of the new smoking law i.e. to protect people from second hand smoke.

I have simply written it into our new smoking policy that smoking is not permitted in these areas, and that smoking is prohibited from ALL areas on site, except for the areas which have been clearly marked with appropriate signage and ashtrays provided.
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#5 Posted : 18 May 2007 10:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By Bill Collins
Hi Rob,
We all know second hand smoke is a health issue so even without specific guidance COSHH would apply (as it always did). So if anyone is asking for advice, that would be my approach.
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#6 Posted : 18 May 2007 10:40:00(UTC)
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Posted By Lee Mac
Hi Robert,

I had the same problem at my workplace, I sent around a memo to staff that we were engendering a degree of 2nd hand smoke in the workplace despite an initial memo stating that smokers do not allow the by-products (2nd Hand Smoke) from their smoking enter into any workplace and therefore smoking near to doors/windows was strictly prohibited in line with the Smoking Ban Requirements.

I highlighted how it was occurring and I requested co-operation of all smokers to consider the place they are smoking. I also added within the memo that if no improvement was noted within a set period we would be introducing a company policy for a complete smoking ban for the whole of the grounds.

Thankfully we received full co-operation.

Let me know how you get on and what "persuasive" techniques you use.


Lee


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#7 Posted : 18 May 2007 10:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By Lee Mac
Engendering = encountering!! It a colloquial thing!!LOL
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#8 Posted : 18 May 2007 15:16:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jim Walker
Waterpistols??
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#9 Posted : 18 May 2007 15:23:00(UTC)
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Posted By Merv Newman
Apply the insurance rule : no combustibles within 15 meters (50 feet) of the building.

And don't put a roof on the smoking shelter.

And consider the 10 minute fag break as unpaid time to be made up at the end of the day.

Hard B.

Merv (pipe smoker)
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#10 Posted : 19 May 2007 00:26:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ken Taylor
This is going to be an issue with a number of pubs who are now arranging to erect canopies around parts of their premises and even converting adjacent windows to doors in order to facilitate access for smokers.
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#11 Posted : 19 May 2007 20:08:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Murgatroyd
I don't see why it is an issue.
If it is close to the building then the building is part of the shelter.If it has a roof (solid or fabric) then just over 2 of the walls won't have to be there !
If they have converted a window into a door, one hopes they first obtained planning permission (if needed)
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#12 Posted : 20 May 2007 00:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By Ken Taylor
Planning permissions are being sought, John. It's interesting how suddenly several doors are needed where one adjacent door and a number of windows were adequate before.

A suspicion is that the giant planters with pot plants, trellis, patio heaters, etc will follow after planning approval is obtained and that with the doors open in all but the more inclement weather there will continue to be considerable smoke ingress to the main building - particularly with a 'favourable' breeze thereby negating much of the intended benefit of the legislation.
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#13 Posted : 20 May 2007 10:23:00(UTC)
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Posted By Dave West
I know as part of the regs we have a duty of care to prevent smoke entering the buildings

The problem i had was that outside was council land and we have no say. The advice line told me there was nothing in the regs to cover this so my bosses made it company policy on quality and company image grounds as there were groups gathering at the front of the building, they made a hell of a mess and it also did not look good to visitors especialy as we are a medical manufacturing company.

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#14 Posted : 21 May 2007 11:32:00(UTC)
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Posted By Philip Beale
Would it no be easier just to have designated areas for smoking and then enforce it. Threating to ban smoking on the whole site will just get peoples back's up and you will get no cooperation.


Phil
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#15 Posted : 21 May 2007 12:23:00(UTC)
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Posted By Paul Darby
Just playing devils advocate.... as a non-smoker, if I go into the shelter, do the smokers have to stop smoking?!
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#16 Posted : 21 May 2007 12:26:00(UTC)
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Posted By Lee Mac
The ban is for the protection of workers- therefore no workers should be required to enter into this part of the premises.

You as Joe Public have a choice, so if you entered you would be doing so at your own risk.


Lee
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#17 Posted : 22 May 2007 10:27:00(UTC)
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Posted By Angela Oakey-Jones
Hi Robert,
The NHS has no problem with banning smoking on the entire site of a hospital. We're also looking to control the passive smoking risks of nurses working in patient's homes. There's a Royal College of Nursing document specifically relating to second-hand smoke which might give you some useful pointers. If you google "RCN second hand smoke" it's the first link.
Hope this helps

Angela
Southend Hospital
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