I. Purpose: To establish a tobacco free work place. To maintain a professional image for the public. To reduce the risk of illness from presumptive tobacco related injuries to District personnel.
a. Second hand smoke is an established cause of lung cancer, heart disease and respiratory diseases. Because we recognize the hazards caused by exposure to tobacco smoke and second hand smoke, we seek to establish a safe, healthful, tobacco free work place for District personnel, as well as visitors to our facilities. This will reduce the risk of illness to District personnel from presumptive tobacco related injuries and provide for a positive professional image to the public.
II. Policy: The use of all tobacco products in or around District and Association property, including vehicles, is prohibited.
a. District personnel are prohibited from using tobacco products while on duty. (Personnel Policy Article 13.3.4)
b. The areas affected by the policy include all indoor areas such as private offices, conference and meeting rooms, eating areas, storage areas, hall ways, restrooms, and apparatus staging areas. Outdoor areas include district owned parking lots, recreation areas, and bar-b-que areas. This policy prohibits all tobacco use in any district owned vehicles.
c. Signs may be posted at each entrance to district facilities identifying the facility as a smoke free facility. Smoking will be prohibited within 20’ of any entrance to district facilities.
d. The District will help any member who wants to quit the use of tobacco products by assisting them to access tobacco cessation material and or a recommended tobacco use cessation program.
e. This policy supersedes Job Description restrictions on tobacco use and supplemental employment contract restrictions on tobacco use that were established prior to the origination date of this policy.