The university’s smoke-free policy has been updated to prevent the use of e-cigarettes within university buildings.
E-cigarettes are now prohibited throughout all university buildings, around entrances to buildings, within internal courtyards or in any university vehicle. They are also prohibited in halls of residence, including individual bedrooms.
A university spokesperson said:
“The University aims to promote the health and well-being of its students, staff and visitors and to provide a healthy working and educational environment.
The policy has been extended to include e-cigarettes on the basis that there is currently confusion between cigarettes and e-cigarettes and this is causing concern to those using the University’s buildings and also making it difficult to enforce the policy. This action is in line with the response taken by other public organisations.
The University’s support services are available to provide advice on smoking cessation. It is recognised that the health implications of e-cigarettes are still being debated and accordingly the University will keep this policy under review until such time as a conclusion is reached.”
The university’s original smoke free policy was introduced in 2006 and is reviewed annually by the Safety, Health and Environment committee.
An e-cigarette is a battery-powered vaporiser that allows the user to inhale an aerosol rather than cigarette smoke that contains nicotine.
The majority of Scotland’s health boards banned the use of e-cigarettes in hospitals, schools and council buildings earlier this year.
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