CHW226-Smoking Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Smoking Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline {{org_field_name}}’s approach to managing smoking within the care home in accordance with Care Inspectorate Wales (CIW) regulations, the Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020, and the Health Act 2006. This policy ensures a balance between the rights of individuals who smoke and the health, safety, and well-being of all residents, staff, and visitors. It provides clear guidance on designated smoking areas, smoking cessation support, and the responsibilities of staff in enforcing the policy effectively.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all residents, staff, visitors, agency workers, and contractors within {{org_field_name}}. It covers:

Smoking regulations and compliance with legal requirements.
Designated smoking areas for residents and visitors.
Protection of non-smokers from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Support for residents and staff who wish to stop smoking.
Use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) within the care home.

3. Smoking Regulations and Legal Compliance

In compliance with Smoke-free Premises and Vehicles (Wales) Regulations 2020, smoking is prohibited in enclosed public spaces, workplaces, and certain outdoor areas. Care homes are required to maintain a smoke-free environment in all indoor communal areas and ensure that designated smoking areas meet legal safety requirements.

Smoking indoors is strictly prohibited, including in residents’ rooms, communal lounges, dining areas, corridors, and staff rooms.
Outdoor smoking areas must be clearly marked, well-ventilated, and away from windows, doors, and communal spaces to minimise exposure to second-hand smoke.
All staff, residents, and visitors must comply with these regulations, and breaches will be managed through appropriate enforcement measures.

4. Managing Smoking at the Care Home

4.1 Resident Smoking and Designated Smoking Areas

Residents who choose to smoke will be supported to do so safely within the designated smoking area.

A designated smoking area is provided outdoors, ensuring it is safe, sheltered, and accessible, particularly for residents with mobility needs.
The area is equipped with appropriate seating, fire-resistant ashtrays, and clear signage outlining smoking rules.
Residents will be assessed for smoking risks, particularly if they have cognitive impairments, mobility issues, or oxygen therapy needs.
Smoking should only take place in designated areas and never inside the building or near fire exits.

4.2 Support for Residents Wishing to Stop Smoking

{{org_field_name}} encourages residents who wish to quit smoking and provides access to:

NHS Stop Smoking Services and local smoking cessation programmes.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches or gum, under GP guidance.
Counselling and behavioural support for smoking cessation, available through external providers.
Regular discussions in resident care plans to ensure individuals receive appropriate support tailored to their needs.

Residents will not be pressured to stop smoking but will be provided with informed choices and professional support if they wish to quit.

4.3 Staff Smoking Policy

To promote a healthy environment, staff smoking is strictly regulated:

Staff are not permitted to smoke anywhere inside the care home.
Smoking breaks must be taken outside of resident supervision times and only in designated smoking areas.
Staff must wash their hands and change clothing if necessary after smoking to minimise exposure of smoke residue to residents.
Staff who wish to quit smoking will have access to smoking cessation support as part of {{org_field_name}}’s staff well-being programme.

4.4 Visitors and Contractors

Visitors, including relatives and external contractors, must adhere to the smoking policy and only smoke in the designated area.
Visitors are not permitted to provide cigarettes or tobacco products to residents without prior agreement from the care team.
Visitors who do not comply will be politely reminded of the smoking policy, and repeated breaches may result in restricted access.

4.5 Use of Electronic Cigarettes (Vaping)

The use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) is permitted under the following conditions:

Vaping is only allowed in designated outdoor areas, not inside the care home.
Residents who vape must store their devices safely and avoid charging them overnight or unattended.
Staff are not permitted to use electronic cigarettes inside the premises or while on duty.

4.6 Smoking and Fire Safety Precautions

Smoking presents a fire risk, and {{org_field_name}} has strict protocols in place to mitigate potential hazards:

Residents who smoke will undergo a risk assessment to determine any safety concerns.
Fire-resistant ashtrays are provided in designated smoking areas.
Smoking near oxygen equipment is strictly prohibited, and staff must ensure that residents on oxygen therapy do not smoke or come into contact with open flames.
Regular fire safety drills and staff training include guidance on handling smoking-related fire risks.
All residents, staff, and visitors are reminded about fire safety precautions relating to smoking.

4.7 Managing Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with the smoking policy will be handled through:

Verbal warnings for minor infractions and education on smoking regulations.
Formal warnings for repeated violations, documented in staff or resident records.
Enforcement measures, such as restricting access to smoking areas if misuse continues.
Safeguarding referrals if a resident’s smoking behaviour places themselves or others at risk.

Staff will always approach non-compliance with understanding and support, ensuring individuals are aware of alternative solutions such as smoking cessation programmes.

5. Promoting a Healthy Environment

{{org_field_name}} is committed to:

Encouraging smoke-free lifestyles through awareness and education.
Reducing the risk of second-hand smoke exposure for non-smokers.
Supporting residents and staff who wish to quit smoking.
Ensuring that all smoking-related activities comply with legal and safety requirements.

6. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

Health and Safety at Work Policy (CHW16) – for staff responsibilities in maintaining a safe environment.
Fire Safety and Evacuation Procedures (CHW20) – for fire prevention measures relating to smoking.
Risk Management and Assessment Policy (CHW18) – for assessing smoking risks among residents.
Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (CHW13) – for protecting vulnerable individuals from harm related to smoking.

7. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if regulatory changes or operational needs require updates. All staff and residents will be informed of any changes to ensure compliance.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.