Signage is governed by the smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2007

As well as being World Tobacco day, it is exactly a month today until the smoking ban comes into force (1July) in England. The Health Act 2006 will outlaw smoking in almost all workplaces from that date.

Employers are now considering all the various compliance issues raised by the Health Act and it seems that one of the issues representing a significant concern is signage. Many employers are not sure how to incorporate the no-smoking signs into their building structure especially when listed buildings are concerned.

Signage is governed by the smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2007 which put specific obligations on businesses to exhibit no-smoking signs in all smoke-free premises. The signs are to be displayed at each entrance to smoke-free premises including back doors, staff-only entrances and fire exits. The duty requirement is imposed on the occupier or the manager of the premises.

The signs must fulfil a number of requirements:

·                        they must be A5 in size, displaying the no-smoking logo of a burning cigarette in a red circle with a diagonal line through it;

·                         the sign must include the wording “No smoking. It is against the law to smoke in these premises.” The words “in these premises” may be replaced to make the sign more personal to the premises, for example, “in this hotel”; “in this office”.

Employers are permitted to make their own signs to tailor them to their own needs, but they must observe the following guidelines:

·                          the smoke-free premises sign must be at least A5 in area (210mm x 148mm); 

·                         the international no-smoking symbol must be at least 70mm in diameter; 

·                         signs must be printed in colour (red and black on a white background).

Further information on the duties under the smoking ban please email paul@pscfiresafety.com