This Smokefree and Vaping Policy protects the health and safety of E & A Cleaning Solutions Ltd staff and clients. As a commercial cleaning business, we strictly prohibit smoking and vaping in all company vehicles, offices, and client properties. We actively champion a healthy workforce through our internal, in-house Smokefree Bolton Ambassador.
1. Introduction
E & A Cleaning Solutions Ltd is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and pleasant working environment. Exposure to second-hand smoke and vapor poses documented health risks to our employees, subcontractors, and clients. As a commercial cleaning company, we are dedicated to protecting our team and promoting public health.
2. Scope
This policy applies equally to all E & A Cleaning Solutions Ltd employees, directors, subcontractors, agency workers, visitors, and clients. This applies while working at our registered office, inside any company-owned vehicles, and at all external commercial/domestic client cleaning sites.
3. Policy Statement
All enclosed and substantially enclosed workplaces, public spaces, and company vehicles used by E & A Cleaning Solutions Ltd are strictly smokefree by law. Smoking, the use of e-cigarettes, and vaping are explicitly prohibited at all times across these premises.
4. Roles and Responsibilities
• Management: Ensure all staff are aware of this policy and provide a safe work environment free from second-hand smoke.
• Employees & Subcontractors: Strictly adhere to this policy. Employees are expected to represent the company professionally and follow the specific smoking/vaping rules of individual client sites.
• In-House Smokefree Ambassador: One of our directors is a qualified Smokefree Bolton Ambassador. They provide Very Brief Advice (VBA) to staff, subcontractors, visitors, and clients who wish to quit smoking or vaping.
5. Implementation and Operation
During site inductions, new employees and subcontractors will be made aware of this policy. Our Smokefree Ambassador will make stop-smoking resources and VBA guidance readily accessible company-wide to assist anyone looking to reduce or stop their tobacco/vape use.
6. Management Procedure
When deploying cleaning teams to client sites, supervisors must verify the client's own smokefree rules. Cleaners must only smoke or vape during designated, pre-approved break times and must do so entirely off the client's premises, in designated outdoor smoking zones only.
7. Exemptions
Due to strict health and safety and fire hazards associated with commercial cleaning materials, there are absolutely no exemptions for smoking or vaping inside any E & A Cleaning Solutions Ltd or client building, nor in any company vehicle.
8. Support for the Employee
We support employees who wish to quit smoking or vaping. Our internal Smokefree Bolton Ambassador is available for confidential, one-on-one cessation consultations. Employees can also access free, personalised 12-week stop smoking programmes, local pharmacy support, and resources via Bolton Council's Stop Smoking initiatives.
9. Disciplinary Procedure
Breaching this policy undermines our health and safety obligations. Smoking or vaping in enclosed company vehicles, client premises, or offices constitutes misconduct. It will be addressed through the E & A Cleaning Solutions Ltd disciplinary procedure, which may lead to disciplinary action up to and including summary dismissal for gross misconduct.
10. Management Review
The management team, alongside our Smokefree Ambassador, will review this policy every 12 months. This ensures ongoing compliance with UK employment and health and safety legislation, as well as alignment with Bolton Tobacco Control Plan objectives.