Smoking

Overview

The harmful effects of smoking tobacco are well-known, and there is no safe level of exposure to second-hand smoke. UTS complies with its obligations to enforce the prohibition of smoking in and around campus buildings, in vehicles and elsewhere.

UTS has a duty of care to protect its staff, students, contractors and visitors from hazards such as second-hand smoke.

However, it is acknowledged that some members of the UTS community continue to smoke. In response to this, the university has designated smoking areas intended to isolate the hazard presented.

UTS encourages staff and students' participation in quit smoking initiatives.

Legislation

UTS has a commitment to providing a smoke-free environment by reducing the exposure of all staff, students, contractors and visitors to second-hand smoke.

The intent of legislation such as the Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 (NSW) and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW) and university policy is to prevent exposure to tobacco smoke at places of work and around the campus.

The Smoke-free Environment Act prohibits smoking in a wide variety of outdoor public places. In line with section 6A of the Act , these areas include:

  • within 10 metres of children’s play equipment in outdoor public places
  • swimming pools
  • spectator areas at sports grounds when organised sporting events are being held
  • railway and or light rail station platforms
  • ferry wharves
  • light rail stops
  • bus stops
  • taxi ranks
  • within 4 metres of a pedestrian access points to a building.
  • a seated dining area
  • within 4 metres of a seated dining area on licensed premises, restaurant or café
  • within 10 metres of a food fair stall.

University policy

Smoking is prohibited in any UTS building on campus and is also prohibited in university vehicles. Smoking on campus outside university buildings is only permitted in clearly marked designated smoking areas (refer Campus Policy).

The use of electronic, e-cigarettes or vaping is also prohibited in any UTS building on campus and/or in any university vehicle.

Smoke-free environment

Smoking is banned on campus, except for within designated smoking areas. Smoking in the designated areas is only allowed within the marked space provided. UTS provides signage to clearly identify areas where smoking is prohibited. Cigarette butt bins are provided to further promote a clean environment, and the designated smoking areas are patrolled by Security and Emergency Management. Information is also made available to those smokers seeking assistance to quit.

Please help to keep UTS a smoke-free environment by:

  • Refraining from smoking outside of the designated areas
  • Informing visitors that UTS is smoke-free and seek their cooperation
  • If you see someone smoking support them by politely indicating that UTS is smoke-free and directing them to the nearest designated smoking area.

Designated smoking areas

We prefer that you do not smoke whilst on campus.

Smoking is not permitted inside any UTS building nor in any university vehicle. This includes areas adjacent to building entrances and exits, windows and air intakes for air conditioners.  UTS Security and Emergency Management performs regular patrols of the campus for your safety. You must follow the reasonable directions of UTS Security while on campus.

Please dispose of cigarette butts in the bins provided.

Smoking, vaping or the use of electronic or e-cigarettes outside university buildings on campus is only permitted in clearly marked designated smoking areas.  These designated smoking areas at the locations listed below:

Broadway campus

Building 1 (CB01)Level 4 (Broadway frontage)
Building 6 (CB06)Level 4 postgraduate courtyard

The signage for the designated smoking areas is as follows:

Smoking Area

 

Smoking cessation support

UTS encourages staff and students' participation in quit smoking initiatives.

As an alternative to abruptly stopping ('cold turkey'), many treatment options are available to aid smokers to cease smoking. These treatments range from the provision of advice (such as telephone-based coaching) and intensive behavioural support (i.e. counselling) to pharmacological treatment including nicotine replacement therapies (delivered via adhesive skin patch, oral or nasal spray, chewing gum or lozenge), to prescription medications.

Students and staff should consult their preferred medical practitioner or health care provider to determine their most suitable treatment options.

Resources

UTS resources

External resources

Quick info

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.