General Workplace Safety
Smoking

Smoking

The new BBC Smoke Free Policy applies from 2 April 2007.

The law prohibits smoking in premises if they are:

(a) used as a place of work,

(b) where members of the public might attend that workplace.

The law makes it is the responsibility of employers to prevent smoking in the workplace in enclosed or substantially enclosed areas.

The BBC Smoke Free Policy can be found on the BBC People site. FAQs are also available.

In England and Northern Ireland only (not Scotland or Wales) the legislation allows smoking on enclosed sets under certain restrictions:

The performer is only allowed to smoke for the 'take', not the rehearsal.
No one except the performer may smoke on an enclosed set [see bullet point above].
Production complies with local Studio or Location arrangements.
Exposure to cigarette exposure is strictly controlled.
Informed consent is obtained from anyone who may be affected by the smoke, considering among other things, pre existing health conditions.
The BBC does not recommend the use of "herbal" products as an alternative to tobacco because the risks from these are less well understood than those from tobacco.
Fire and emergency arrangements are in place.