XIII.  CLEAN AIR GUIDELINES

 

Introduction and Purpose

 

One of the primary health and social issues in our society concerns the effects of tobacco smoking on the health and well being of the smoker and the non-smoker and the need for both to co-exist.

 

The purpose of these guidelines is to provide Virginia Western Community College students, employees, and visitors with a statement and understanding of the college's position on smoking.  These guidelines are designed to foster the health and safety of all students and employees and the conduct of college business.

 

It is the position of Virginia Western Community College to respect the preference of both the non-smoker and the smoker in and around VWCC buildings and facilities.  When these preferences conflict, it is expected that the persons involved, including VWCC management and faculty, will endeavor to find a reasonable accommodation and resolution of the differences.  Where differences continue, preference will be given to the non-smoker.

 

1.    Prohibited Areas

 

       Smoking is prohibited in all locations that currently observe smoking restrictions, including classrooms, the auditorium, computer laboratories, the library, the learning center, electronic equipment locations, the computing center, cashier areas, elevators, and the admissions area.  Additionally, smoking is prohibited in any location where it would be a hazard to equipment, records, or supplies from fire, ashes, or smoke.  Smoking is prohibited in locations where combustible fumes might collect, to include Building and Grounds storage rooms, custodial closets, storage cabinets for paints and flammable materials, and chemistry labs.

 

2.    Shared Work Environments

 

       In work areas where space is shared by two or more persons, including areas divided by cubicles, an effort shall be made to accommodate individual preferences to the degree prudently possible.  This should first be accomplished between the employees affected.  Where objections exist, the supervisor should try to accommodate the preferences of smokers and non-smokers in these areas as follows:

 

            ·designation of smoking and non-smoking areas,

            ·rearrangement of the workplace, or

            ·allow employees to purchase portable air cleaners.

 

       If satisfactory accommodations cannot be reached as delineated above, the supervisor should attempt to gain cooperation of employees to refrain from smoking or lessen the amount of smoke in the environment.  If separation and cooperation do not work, the supervisor is authorized to prohibit smoking altogether in these workplaces.

 

 

       Occupants of private offices shall refrain from smoking when two or more people are within the confines of the office unless all parties agree that smoking can take place.

 

3.    Areas of Common Use

 

       Smoking shall be prohibited in conference rooms, unless all in attendance agree to allow smoking.  If the conference room is large enough for smoking to be allowed, a separate smoking section shall be designated.  When smoking is prohibited, periodic breaks should be scheduled according to college policy.

 

       In enclosed locations of common use, such as, the cafeteria, dining areas, and employee lounges, smoking shall not be permitted.  Further, smoking will be prohibited in hallways of buildings and in restrooms.  Designated smoking areas will be provided on the outside of each building.  In college vehicles, smoking shall be permitted only when there is no objection from other occupants.

 

Employees, students, and visitors are expected to honor the smoking restrictions and to be considerate of non-smokers in their vicinity.  Questions regarding these guidelines may be addressed to the college administration.

 

Updated 7/92