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High Fire Risk and New Smoking Policy

Due to Northern California's extreme fire danger this year, the SLAC Chief Safety Officer today issued a new policy requiring that anyone who smokes on SLAC property do so in specifically designated areas. The policy also requires anyone barbequing on SLAC property to first obtain a Hot Work Permit. This policy is effective immediately.

The designated smoking areas, a map of which can be seen here, all include fire-proof disposal containers; are at least 20 feet from readily combustible or flammable materials; are at least 20 feet away from any doorway, walkway, air intake or functional window; are not in a pathway that a non-smoker must use to enter a building; and include signage indicating a "Designated Smoking Area."

Ashtrays and receptacles in other areas are being removed, or if they could not be removed will be tagged out.

In addition, smoking is expressly prohibited along the Linac Roads, in any area near grasslands, and in SLAC or General Services Administration vehicles.

Hot work permits for barbeques (as well as any other use of open flames) may be requested from the Fire Station. A representative of the Fire Marshal Office will inspect the barbeque location to evaluate the risk and recommend controls. If the barbeque location is not viable, recommendations will be provided for safer barbeque locations. The Sector 6 barbeques are closed for the 2008 fire season effective immediately and until further notice. The area is still available for picnics.

If you observe anyone violating this policy, please ask the individual to safely extinguish the item. If they do not, it is important that you contact Security at x5555. Any ignition of vegetation could create a major fire affecting SLAC and the surrounding community.

Because we are concerned with the health of all employees, this is the first step in moving SLAC to a non-smoking workplace, which will be phased in over time. We will keep you advised of the timelines as they are developed. SLAC’s Medical Department and the Stanford Health Improvement Program (HIP) both offer smoking cessation consulting and/or classes to assist those who wish to quit smoking.

Thank you for doing your part to keep us all safe. If you have any questions, please contact Ralph Kerwin (x2095) or Lance Lougee (x2997).

—Craig Ferguson, SLAC Today, July 21, 2008

Above image: Beginning today, smoking on-site will only be allowed in specifically designated smoking areas. A map of the full site can be found here.