S2. Smoking

S2.1 Introduction
S2.2 Standard
S2.3 Procedure
        S2.3.1 Designated no smoking areas
        S2.3.2 Exemptions
        S2.3.3 Employee compliance
        S2.3.4 Student/visitor compliance
        S2.3.5 Assistance for a recognised quit smoking program
        S2.3.6 Recruitment

S2.1 Introduction

S2.2 Standard

To meet its legal obligations of the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995, the University is required to take all reasonable steps to provide employees, students and visitors with a safe place to work, study and visit.

To comply with this requirement, areas of the University are designated as  "Smoke Free" work environments, and the information contained in the Application section of this policy must be observed.

Complaints regarding non-compliance with this policy should be made, in the first instance, to the appropriate Category 4 Delegate or above, whose responsibility it is to enforce this policy.

S2.3 Procedure

S2.3.1 Designated No Smoking Areas

Smoking is prohibited in:

• all University buildings;
• verandahs attached to buildings;
• interconnecting covered walkways;
• building undercrofts;
• emergency fire stairs;
• University vehicles; and
• certain outdoor areas.

The definition of "certain outdoor areas" is as follows:

• adjacent to all entrances and exits to University buildings;
• adjacent to any window;
• adjacent to the intakes for air-conditioning plant; and
• adjacent to the Coffee Club, and
• the Palm Court area bounded by D, L and T blocks; and
• within twenty (20) metres of any part of the Clive Berghofer Recreation Centre (F Block).

To comply with this requirement, smoking is prohibited within five (5) metres of any University building (20 metres for F Block).

S2.3.2  Exemptions

There are no accepted exemptions to this policy following the introduction of the amendments to the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act 1998, reprinted as in force on 15 December 2006.  The USQ Club Bar and Beer Garden must comply with the referenced act.

S2.3.3  Employee Compliance

Employee compliance with this policy is a condition of employment. 

S2.3.4 Student/Visitor Compliance

All USQ students and visitors to USQ are required to comply with the requirements of this policy. 

S2.3.5  Assistance for a Recognised Quit Smoking Program

The University will provide assistance to its employees through a recognised quit smoking program.  The cost of this program will be met by both the University and the employee on a 50/50 basis.

S2.3.6 Recruitment

All job applicants to the University will be informed of the USQ policy on smoking in the workplace.