ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
S70.12
Revised 12-05
Environmental Health and Safety
335-3041
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LAW AND POLICY
Washington state law (RCW Chapter 70.160) and University policy prohibit smoking in public places and places of employment.
RESPONSIBILITY
WSU employees, students and visitors are responsible for complying with the following University smoking policy.
Smoking is prohibited in any Washington State University owned, leased, or rented public place, or place of employment.
DEFINITIONS
Smoke or Smoking
"Smoke" or "smoking" refers to the carrying or smoking of any kind of lighted pipe, cigar, cigarette, or any other lighted smoking equipment.
Place of Employment
"Place of employment" refers to any area under the control of Washington State University through which employees are required to pass during the course of employment, including, but not limited to:
- Entrances and exits to the places of employment, and including a minimum distance of twenty-five feet from:
Entrances,
Exits,
Windows that open, and
Ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited;
- Work areas;
- Restrooms;
- Conference and classrooms;
- Break rooms and cafeterias; and
- Other common areas.
Public Place
"Public place" means that portion of any WSU owned, leased, or rented building or vehicle, and includes a minimum distance of 25 feet from:
- Entrances,
- Exits,
- Windows that open, and
- Ventilation intakes that serve an enclosed area where smoking is prohibited.
Public places include, but are not limited to classrooms; laboratories; offices; residence halls; elevators; public conveyances or transportation facilities, including transit shelters; museums; concert halls; theaters; auditoriums; exhibition halls; indoor and outdoor sports arenas; hospitals; nursing homes; health care facilities or clinics; enclosed shopping centers; retail stores; retail service establishments; financial institutions; educational facilities; ticket areas; public hearing facilities; public restrooms; libraries; restaurants; waiting areas; lobbies; reception areas; bowling alleys; skating rinks; reception areas; and hotel or motel rooms that are rented to guests.
A public place does not include a private residence unless the private residence is used to provide licensed child care, foster care, adult care, or other similar social service care on the premises.
University apartments, but not apartment common areas, are considered private residences.
When a private residence is open for a public event, smoking is prohibited.
SIGNAGE
WSU posts signs at each entrance to WSU owned, leased, or rented public places and places of employment regarding the requirement that there be no smoking within 25 feet of the entrance.
FIRE DESIGNATION
The University Fire Marshal may designate other locations as no smoking areas, e.g., areas having flammable materials.
VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT
Any person passing by or through a public place while on a public sidewalk or public right of way has not intentionally violated this policy.
Any person who intentionally violates this policy by smoking in a public place or place of employment, or any person who removes, defaces, or destroys a sign required by this policy, is subject to a civil fine of up to $100.
Any student, staff, or faculty member who violates the University smoking policy may also be subject to corrective or disciplinary action by the University.
The WSU Police Department and local law enforcement agencies enforce the no smoking prohibition by issuing a notice of infraction to be assessed in the same manner as traffic infractions.
Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S) and local health departments enforce state law regarding the duties (e.g., signage, etc.) of owners or persons in control of WSU public places and places of employment. (RCW 70.160.050)
DISPUTES
Students, faculty, and staff refer disputes regarding smoking and no smoking areas to the responsible department administrator.
Department administrators may contact EH&S and the WSU Police Department for assistance in interpretation of this policy and Washington state law.
SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAMS
WSU students, faculty, and staff may contact the Health and Wellness Services for information about University-sponsored smoking cessation programs; telephone 335-3575.
A WSU faculty or staff employee may also contact Human Resource Services to access a smoking cessation program through his or her health insurance provider; telephone 335-4589.