The purpose of the No Smoking Policy is to limit exposure of the Amherst College Community to the effects of second hand smoke, and to reduce the risk of fire in and around our buildings.II. Scope:
The policy shall apply as indicated below to academic and administrative buildings, most areas of residential buildings, certain exterior areas, and Amherst College vehicles.III. Applicability:
The policy shall apply to all members of the Amherst College community for reasons of health, safety and well- being. Visitors shall be made aware of our policies and procedures by the faculty, staff and students, as applicable.IV. Responsibility:
It is the department heads’ responsibility to enforce the No Smoking Policy in and around their respective buildings, as well as in Amherst College vehicles, when utilized by that department. The Office of Human Resources can assist department heads with issues related to personnel, and Environmental Health and Safety is available to answer questions regarding the environment, health and fire safety.V. Policy
In accordance with the requirements of the State Building and Fire Prevention Regulations and the policies of the Town of Amherst, smoking is not permitted in schools, colleges, universities or public buildings. In addition, smoking is prohibited in areas of assembly, around flammable liquids and gases, and in other areas so designated as “No-Smoking” for reasons of fire prevention, health and safety.Smoking Areas – Smoking shall be permitted outside of buildings at a distance of not less than 25’. This requirement applies to entrances, exits, and loading docks, areas of assembly, air intakes, building overhangs, porches, areas used for the storage and transfer of flammable liquids and gases and other similar situations through which non-smokers would have to pass through, or where there may be a risk of fire or explosion.
Department Head Responsibilities
n Department heads should make reasonable accommodations for smokers, such as allowing them to smoke in their personal vehicles during inclement weather.No Smoking Signage - Amherst College would like to preserve the aesthetics of its buildings and grounds by limiting signage on and around the campus. However, when necessary, the use and placement of signage may be warranted. The respective department head(s) may seek approval for such signs. Signage, including “No Smoking” will be designed and posted in a manner that is both code compliant and visibly appealing.
n The respective department head or their designee shall handle issues related to smoking. The Office of Human Resources is available to assist the department head and/or smoker, when necessary.Smoking Receptacles – Smoking receptacles shall be fire resistant. The use of metal containers with a sand base is most practical. The containers should be small in size to prevent the accumulation of paper and other combustible waste. Smoking receptacles shall not be placed up against, or in close proximity to the entrance or exit of a building. The receptacles should be visible to potential users on the way to the entrance of the building, but shall be far enough back so as not to adversely affect the health and well being of a non-smoker entering the same building or facility.
Dormitory and Residential Occupancies – As of November 2003, smoking shall no longer be permitted in student rooms or individual apartments. Smoking is not allowed in common areas such as corridors, kitchens, laundry rooms, lounges, porches, restrooms or stairways.
- Smoking receptacles must also be placed at locations away from entrances at construction sites, as smoking is not permitted in or within 25’ of buildings being constructed or renovated.
Students, their guests and persons living in residential occupancies, including those used for summer programs, are no longer permitted to smoke in or within 25 feet of any building. Smoking and the careless disposal of smoking materials have been linked to health related issues including cancer and have resulted in fires that caused injury, death and significant property loss.Amherst College has implemented a No Smoking policy which now applies to all of our buildings, academic and residential. Guests should be made aware of the policy by contract, signage placed on the entry doors and by the person who permits entry.
Amherst College Vehicles – Smoking is prohibited in all vehicles owned and/or operated by the college. Non-smokers, regardless of when they enter a vehicle shall not be subjected to the effects of second hand smoke. In addition, smoke from smoking materials creates a film on the inside of windows and windshields and will stain other materials that it comes in contact with.
Smoking Cessation Programs – Amherst College, through the Department of Human Resources has identified smoking cessation programs through our insurance companies, effective June 01, 2002. Faculty and staff should, if they so desire, contact Human Resources to get all appropriate information entitled to them as part of their employee benefits, or contact the Faculty, Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at the University of Massachusetts – Amherst at 545-0350 to get additional information on smoking cessation programs in the area.
Amherst College strives to create a work atmosphere that is as free from recognized hazards as possible. Issues affecting the health, safety and the well being of our faculty, staff, students and their guests are paramount. Because the college recognizes the hazards associated with second hand smoke, it will assist as is practical with the elimination of the hazard for the non-smoker and provide suitable alternatives for those who wish to continue smoking, or would like to quit. It is not in the best interests of the college or the employee to encourage cigarette, cigar, pipe or other types of smoking by creating smoking areas inside or in close proximity to the building. Amherst College will continue to support a healthy and safe working environment for the entire campus community.