Introduction

In accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, it is incumbent on City of Dublin Education and Training Board to ensure, insofar as is reasonably practicable, the safety, health and welfare at work of all staff and to protect students/learners, visitors, contractors and other persons at Schools/Colleges/Centres from injury and ill health arising from any work activity.

As places of work, smoking of tobacco products is already prohibited in City of Dublin ETB premises (ref. Tobacco Smoking (Prohibition) Regulations 2003).

Scope of this policy

This policy addresses the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), ‘vaping’ and/or other electronic tobacco replacement products on City of Dublin Education and Training Board premises.

Policy Statement

The use of any Electronic Smoking/Vaporising Devices is banned from all City of Dublin ETB Administration Offices, Schools, Colleges and Centres.

Rationale

The World Health Organisation is of the view that the safety of e-cigarettes has not been scientifically demonstrated and the potential risks they pose for the health of users remains undetermined.

Because e-cigarettes resemble ordinary cigarettes, their use may promote or re-normalise smoking, disrupt the environment for non-smokers, make it harder for smokers to quit and for City of Dublin ETB to support its smoke-free policy.

Implementation and Review

The successful implementation of this policy requires the full support and active co-operation of all City of Dublin ETB staff, contractors and students.

Principals/Directors/Co-ordinators/Heads of Centres/ will have responsibility for the implementation of this policy.

In order to enforce implementation of this policy, signage such as Appendix 1 should be displayed prominently in all City of Dublin ETB premises.

The date of implementation of this policy will be the date of noting by City of Dublin Education and Training Board.

This policy will be reviewed periodically in light of changes in legislation and advice received from the Department of Education, Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS), the Health Service Executive and other relevant sources.

Appendix 1