The Premises and Enforcement Regulations 2006 took effect in back 2007, requiring any public place or workplace classified as “enclosed” or “substantially enclosed” to become smoke-free. This resulted in the need for smoking shelters.
As of 2019, 13.9% of the UK population classed themselves as smokers.
However, because a significant section of the population continues to smoke, employers and organisations must have a suitable smoking shelter option. The 25-34 age group, which makes up a substantial portion of the working population, has the highest percentage of smokers.
As a result, ensuring that you have a suitable smoking shelter solution is essential for employee morale and client satisfaction.
What Is the Difference Between Enclosed and Substantially Enclosed Smoking Shelters?
Enclosed: The building has a roof and is completely enclosed except for the doors, windows, and passageways.
Substantially enclosed: The building or premises has a roof of some type. Any openings will have a total area of less than half the area of the surrounding walls.
How can my business comply with the smoking shelter regulations?
Smoking is permitted in locations without a roof or if the total surrounding wall surface is less than half the amount covered by the Premises and Enforcement Regulations 2006.
This guideline should be used with caution because, while it examines all areas of open space, such as framework, it also considers the influence of future changes, such as a plant growing.
The modular design of the BDS Smoking Shelter eliminates the burden of these issues, ensuring that everything is taken care of before installation.
Health and Safety Considerations for Your Smoking Shelter
It is a permanent building, and any smoking shelter you install will almost always require planning clearance. To find out if this is the case, contact your local government.
It’s also a good idea to think about if you’ll need Building Regulation permission, but this is unlikely in most circumstances because the smoking shelter isn’t tied to anything else.
Consider any environmental rules that may impact where you build your smoking shelter, particularly if you live in a region with more regulations than usual, such as national parks or historic structures.
The Smoking Shelters from Shelter Store have a modular design and are built to last.
The Location of Smoking Shelters
Smoking shelters must be at least 20 feet away from any building entrances, exits, or ventilation points to be legal.
However, there are a few more variables to consider when deciding where your smoking shelter will be located. Smoking Shelters from Shelter Store are self-contained; they can be placed anywhere that meets the described criteria.
All smoking shelters must allow sufficient airflow to guard against second-hand smoke through and around them. This can be done in several ways, including incorporating gaps.
Consider accessibility as well. Is the smoking shelter accessible in a secure manner? Is it accessible by crossing a road or parking lot? If so, make sure to have proper health and safety safeguards have been implemented.
Contact our experts, and they will assist with any questions that you might have.