Smoking and Vaping Policy¶
| Document Reference | POL_HSQE_22 |
|---|---|
| Revision | 3 |
| Issue Date | 1st July 2025 |
| Next Review | 1st July 2026 |
| Status | Uncontrolled when printed |
Purpose¶
A M Water Services Ltd is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all employees. This policy ensures compliance with smoke-free legislation while respecting individual choices during designated breaks and supporting those who wish to quit smoking.
Scope¶
This policy applies to all employees, directors, contractors, and visitors to A M Water Services Ltd premises, vehicles, and client sites, including all forms of smoking, vaping, and electronic cigarettes.
Legal Requirements¶
This policy ensures compliance with the Health Act 2006, Smoke-free (Premises and Enforcement) Regulations 2006, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.
Policy Statement¶
Smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited in all company buildings, vehicles (whether marked or unmarked), welfare units, site cabins, storage containers, and any enclosed work areas. This includes areas within five metres of building entrances, near flammable materials, and in excavations or confined spaces where our teams work on water mains or grab operations. Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are treated exactly the same as traditional cigarettes and must not be used in any smoke-free areas. We maintain this policy not only for legal compliance but because we recognize the health risks associated with passive smoking, including increased risks of lung cancer and heart disease, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.
Where designated smoking areas are provided, these will be located at least five metres away from buildings and entrances, with adequate ashtrays and disposal facilities. On client sites, particularly water treatment works or construction sites, our teams must follow the client's smoking policies which may be stricter than our own. We respect that many of our clients operate completely smoke-free sites, and compliance with their requirements is essential for maintaining our professional relationships and securing future contracts. Smoking breaks must be taken during normal break times only, with no additional breaks permitted specifically for smoking. Anyone leaving site to smoke must clock out, and work priorities always take precedence over smoking breaks.
Fire safety is paramount in our operations, especially when working near water infrastructure or operating grab lorries near potentially hazardous materials. All cigarettes must be fully extinguished in proper ashtrays, never thrown on the ground or disposed of in general waste bins. Smoking is absolutely prohibited in company vehicles, as these are considered workplaces under the law and often contain equipment or materials that could be damaged by smoke or pose fire risks. Regular cleaning of designated smoking areas helps maintain our professional image and reduces fire hazards from accumulated cigarette waste.
Implementation and Support¶
We support employees who wish to quit smoking by providing information about NHS stop smoking services and allowing reasonable time off for cessation appointments. Non-compliance with this policy will be addressed through our standard disciplinary procedures, starting with informal reminders and potentially progressing to dismissal for serious breaches such as smoking in hazardous areas or company vehicles. Managers and supervisors are responsible for enforcing this policy fairly and consistently, while all employees must comply with the policy, respect non-smokers' rights to a smoke-free environment, and report any breaches they observe.
Review¶
This policy will be reviewed annually by the Directors to ensure it remains effective and continues to protect the health and wellbeing of our workforce while maintaining compliance with smoke-free legislation.
Signed:
Aaron Mason Director A M Water Services Ltd 1st July 2025
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