Smoking Policy

Smoking Policy

Sponsor:

Assistant Vice President for Human Resources

Contact:

Director for Human Resources

Category:

Human Resources

Number:

900.002

Effective Date:

01/01/1990

Implementation History:

first draft 01/01/1990, updated 3/21/2022

Keywords:

Smoking, Vaping, Buildings, Facilities, Air Quality

Background Information:

This policy was created to provide details explaining how SUNY Empire is in compliance with the New York State Clean Indoor Air Act.

Purpose

Informs employees of the university's policy on smoking in the workplace.

Definitions

Work area: a room, office, State car, or any other area enclosed by walls and doors.

Statements

The New York State Clean Indoor Air Act (the Act) prohibits smoking and vaping in nearly all public and private indoor workplaces to protect workers and the public from exposure to harmful secondhand tobacco smoke and vaping aerosols.

Smoking and vaping are prohibited in any indoor workplace.

Non-smokers must not be exposed to second hand or side stream smoke without their consent.

All locations that are owned, leased or controlled by SUNY Empire are within the scope of this policy. All employees, students, vendors and visitors must comply with this policy and the policies established by landlords. If a smoking policy exists at a leased location which is less restrictive than the Act, the SUNY Empire occupants must be in compliance with the Act.

The decision to establish designated smoking areas in each SUNY Empire location will be made by a senior administrator. If the decision is to establish a smoking area, implementation must be discussed by the Senior Director of Operations with the CSEA and UUP chapter presidents or their designees. Designated smoking areas must be in compliance with the Act, and with other applicable building regulations and certifications, including but not limited to those buildings recognized by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program.

Any State employee may contact the New York State Employee Assistance Program at 1-800-822-0244.

Compliance with the provisions of this policy is a condition of employment with the Empire State University.

Applicable Legislation and Regulations

New York State Clean Indoor Act (Public Health Law Article 13-E)

Clean Indoor Air Act 

Related References, Policies, Procedures, Forms and Appendices

Procedures 

All university owned properties have a designated smoking area as illustrated in the appendices to the policy. Smoking by all employees, students, vendors and visitors should occur in the designated areas to ensure compliance with this policy and the Act.

Smoking at SUNY Empire facilities that are leased should occur in the areas designated by the property owner, or in adherence with the Act.

Appendices 

Appendix A Rochester Smoking Area (PDF 370kB) Designated smoking areas and proposed areas of smoking signs for the SUNY Empire Rochester location.

Appendix B Saratoga Springs Union A (PDF 457kB) Designated smoking areas and proposed areas of smoking signs for the SUNY Empire Saratoga Springs, Union Avenue locations.

Appendix C Saratoga Springs West Ave Smoking Area (PDF 993kB) Designated smoking areas and proposed areas of smoking signs for the SUNY Empire Saratoga Springs, West Avenue locations.

Appendix D Selden Smoking Area (PDF 288kB)Designated smoking areas and proposed areas of smoking signs for the SUNY Empire Selden location.

Related References 

LEED Certification Requirements