Campus Smoking Policies

Our campus is comprised of two unique institutions, each of which has chosen to publish their own smoking policies for their staff and students. At this time we are unable to find a publically available copy of Durham College’s smoking policy, we will make it available here when the resource has been located. Below is University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s smoking policy. This policy is applicable around any university property and is utilized and referenced by many of the shared campus services like the campus library.A public copy of UOIT’s policy is located here

PREAMBLE

UOIT’s commitment to a safe and healthy environment is reflected in its policies and programs to control or eliminate workplace hazards. The University’s obligation to prevent injury or occupational illness includes the health of every employee and student, smokers and non-smokers alike, and is therefore committed to maintain a Campus Smoking Policy. The fundamental principle of the policy is to minimize the personal risk of exposure to (second hand) tobacco smoke while complying with all relevant legislation and by-laws.

The University recognizes:

  • that the majority of university students, faculty and staff do not smoke
  • that direct contact with second-hand and side stream smoke constitutes a considerable source of annoyance and a health hazard
  • that formal smoking policies are recognized as an effective way of reducing involuntary contact smoke in workplaces
  • that accommodation should be made where possible for members of the university community who do not smoke
  • that the enforcement of this policy will also reduce potential fire hazards

 

DEFINITION

“Smoking” is defined as the inhaling, exhaling, burning or carrying of any lighted cigar, cigarette, pipe or other lit smoking paraphernalia.

POLICY STATEMENTS

In order to provide a safe and healthy campus environment and to reduce the risk of exposure produced by smoking, smoking is prohibited in any university buildings or within 10 meters of any university building entrance except in designated smoking areas.

APPLICATION

This policy applies to all staff, students, visitors, and contractors on all university owned or leased properties. All university events hosted on university property that is owned, leased or rented are also subject to this policy.

1.0 PROHIBITION

There shall be no smoking:

  • in any enclosed university buildings, including university residences, and university vehicles (while on, or off campus), and in any building space that is leased or rented by the university
  • within 10 meters (or 30′) of any university building entrance, loading docks, or fresh air intakes, and
  • in/at any outdoor athletic/recreational areas

2.0 VIOLATIONS

All staff members are encouraged to promote compliance of this policy and by-law.

2.1 Violations of this policy by staff members or contractors should be reported to their Supervisor/Manager

2.2 Violations of this policy by students should be reported to Security Services and/or the appropriate Dean and/or the Manager, Student Rights and Responsibilities

3.0 SIGNAGE

3.1 “Smoke-free Entrances” and “Designated Smoking Areas” are determined by the Vice-President, Facilities and Ancillary Services with endorsement from the Joint Health & Safety Committees. The university will post and maintain appropriate signage in these prescribed areas. Each entrance will also display a by-law “No Smoking” sign at each entrance as required.

4.0 ASHTRAYS/RECEPTACLES

4.1 All smokers are expected to use the external cigarette waste receptacles (ashtrays) as provided by the university. Failure to use the receptacles may result in the removal of designated smoking areas. The university will ensure that all ‘ashtrays’ or other similar receptacles will be removed from all enclosed workplaces.

SMOKING IN PERMITTED AREAS

To reduce the exposure of second hand smoke, there shall be no smoking within 10 meters (or 30′) of any university building entrance except in designated smoking areas.

LEGISLATION

The Regional Municipality of Durham

Smoke-Free By-law (By-law 66-2002)

Occupational Health & Safety Act Sec 22(1)

Smoke-Free Ontario Act (June 13, 2005/effective May 31st, 2006)

Bill 164 (replaces the Tobacco Control Act, 1994)