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Smoking

Posted on by RMC
Understanding the Risk

Smoking remains a major cause of fires in industrial and commercial premises.

Management must be aware that despite legislation being in force to stop smoking in the workplace, staff and visitors may well continue to smoke illicitly which will increase the fire hazard.

Controlling The Hazard

In countries where smoking is self-evident, there are still ‘high risk’ areas where smoking should not be permitted under any circumstances due to the increased risk of fire. These areas include but are not limited to the following:

  • Flammable liquid or gas storage areas

  • Explosive dust atmospheres

  • Maintenance workshops and plant rooms

  • Computer and telecommunications rooms

  • Process control rooms

  • Electrical intake rooms

  • Warehousing and storage areas

Smoking control is not just about relying on legislation or providing designated external smoking facilities. There should also be a strong commitment from management to enforce and monitor the proper use of these smoking facilities by its employees and outside visitors.

Signage
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“No-smoking” signs should be displayed in all Smoke-free premises. Signs help to make it clear which premises are Smoke-free.

    Appropriate no-smoking signs must be displayed in a prominent position at every entrance to Smoke-free premises.

    Essentials for a Smoke Free Workplace

    • Create awareness about why smoking is not allowed

    • Smoking regulations should be location specific

    • Designated areas should be clearly marked by appropriate signage

    • The rules must apply to everyone entering the premises

    • Management must provide a strong commitment to enforcing and monitoring the “No Smoking” rules

    • Provide a safe and clearly marked area for smokers, preferably well away from the building

    • Provide adequate number of suitable receptacles for the safe disposal of smoking materials

    • Establish and enforce disciplinary actions for staff not adhering to the rules
    Discipline

    Staff should be made aware that smoking in areas where they are banned will constitute a breach of the No Smoking rule and be subject to disciplinary action.

    For further information, please contact your RMC Engineer

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