Applied Sciences University Smoke-Free New Campus Policy
https://www.asu.edu.bh/student/health-safety/
- Policy Principles
- Smoking/vaping is prohibited within all University buildings, facilities, grounds, University-owned vehicles, and property leased to or managed by the University with the exceptions of:
- Controlled research, or educational, theatrical, or religious ceremonial purposes, with prior approval from the Dean or Director responsible for the facility.
- Privately-owned vehicles and locations outside of the New Campus ASU
- Littering the campus with remains of disposable tobacco/nicotine products is prohibited.
- Assistance with smoking/vaping cessation for students, faculty and staff is available through the Applied Sciences University health unit. More information can be found at https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ASU-Student-Application-Guide.pdf
- Information regarding smoking, vaping, and tobacco use at Applied Sciences University canbe found within their Smoking Policy
IV. Applicability
This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, consultants, contractors, and visitors.
V. Policy Management
Responsible Office: Risk Management and Safety
Responsible Executive: Executive Director of Risk Management and Safety
Responsible Officer: Director Health Promotion and Wellness Services
VI. Definitions
- For the purpose of this policy, the Applied Sciences University campus shall be defined as that which is contained within the legal property boundaries of all property owned, leased to or managed by theUniversity or managed by Applied Sciences University.
- For the purpose of this policy “smoking” is defined as inhaling, exhaling, burning or possessing lighted tobacco products, including cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and hookahs.
- For the purpose of this policy, “vaping” includes the use of any oral electronic nicotine delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes and vaping devices (e.g., JUUL devices).
VII. Policy Procedures
- The success of this policy depends upon the thoughtfulness, consideration, and cooperation of smokers, vapers and non-smokers. Adherence to this policy is the responsibility of all students, faculty, staff, and visitors of Applied Sciences University. All students, faculty, staff, and visitors who are in violation of this policy will be asked to comply by discarding their tobacco or vape product.
- As necessary, facility and property managers will regulate enforcement of this policy, including but not limited to posting appropriate signage. Any concerns about and/or violations of the policy will be brought to the attention of the individuals responsible for the operation of the University facility in question and/or the supervisor responsible for the work area.
VIII. Sanctions
Individuals refusing to comply with this policy and repeat offenders must be addressed through the existing disciplinary policies outlined in the Code of Student Conduct, Faculty Handbook and the Human Resource policies housed in the University Policy Database.
IX. Exclusions
As noted above:
- Smoking/vaping in University facilities will be permitted for controlled research, educational, theatrical, or religious ceremonial purposes, with prior written approval of the Dean, Director, or Department Head responsible for the facility.
- Smoking/vaping is permitted in privately-owned vehicles (windows up) parked within the perimeter of campus.
Health and Safety Handbook
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Health-Safety-Handbook-15-Sep-2020.pdf
Health and Safety is a top priority for Applied Science University (ASU). Irrespective of whether you are a student, member of staff working here, we need to ensure that you come into ASU and return home safely at the end of the day, without any accidents or any harm to your health. ASU is committed to ensure that all the activities undertaken at the university premises are carried out to the highest possible standards of health and safety.
The Occupational Health and Safety policy at the university is designed to achieve the following objectives:
3.1 Safeguarding and protecting employees’ health and working capacity.
3.2 Carrying out continuous improvement at the university to improve the working conditions at the university and make it safer for employee’s health and safety.
3.3 Developing an organizational culture that promotes the advancement of healthy and safe working conditions and a harmonious working environment; resulting in happier and more productive employees.
Basic Health and Safety Rules
Applied Science University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, staff, visitors and contractors.
This Health and Safety Handbook specifically mentioned with regards smoking regulations, emergency action plan and security rules, etc. Other than it is expected that all members of Applied Science University follow the below mentioned basic health and safety rules.
7.1 The Head of Administration Department and Health and Safety Supervisor ensure that students and staff receive appropriate safety training.
7.2 To maintain the good image of the Applied Science University, students and staff will be reminded to be attired in a manner befitting the status of university.
7.3 The contractors and maintenance staff wear appropriate, suitable protective uniform at the university.
7.4 Make sure that you are aware of the location of fire assembly point and escape routes. In the event of an emergency do not panic and follow the emergency response procedure.
7.5 Students and staff are forbidden to carry out any repairs on the electrical appliances at the university.
7.6 Students must not, under any circumstance, light candles, joss sticks or other flammable items in their classroom or university premises. Such actions constitute serious fire risks and will activate the smoke detectors.
7.7 Horseplay, running and practical jokes are prohibited in the Applied Science University due to potential slipping, tripping and collision hazards.
7.8 Students and Staff must cooperate with and follow university emergency arrangements.
7.9 The Applied Science University implemented arrangements to encourage students and staff to report hazards and unsafe conditions to the Health and Safety Supervisor or Security Control Room.
7.10 The contractor must wear Personal Protective Equipment required to carry out any maintenance or construction activities at the university.
7.11 The contractor must obtain permits and gate pass for maintenance and construction activities.
7.12 All university members must aware of all safety facility locations such as first aid kit, first aid room, firefighting equipment and emergency exit.
Smoking Restriction
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Health-Safety-Handbook-15-Sep-2020.pdf
Applied Science University wishes to provide, as far as is reasonably practicable, a healthy, safe and comfortable environment for employees and students as well as a safe environment. This section aims to minimise the harmful effects of passive smoking and its related discomfort to others and to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.
- Generally, smoking is forbidden in the Applied Science University with the exception of designated smoking area.
- Appropriate no smoking signs are displayed in the premises.
- The designated smoking rooms are 422 and 329 which allow smoking whilst being seated.
- Provided suitable ashtrays in the smoking room and ensure cigarettes are completely extinguished before you leave a smoking room.
- Opening or closure of smoking room is subject to management discretion.
5 Rules on Smoking in the Kingdom of Bahrain
https://bahrainofw.com/rules-on-smoking/
Among the do’s and don’ts in Bahrain are rules on smoking and tobacco products. In 2009, the Kingdom introduced strict laws that were ratified by His Majesty King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifah.
The laws include the prohibition of smoking in indoor public places, in private cars with the presence of children, and other anti-smoking rules, which we discuss further below…
Anti-Smoking Rules in the Kingdom of Bahrain
#1 – No smoking in indoor public places.
Smoking in indoor public places, such as cafés, restaurants, shopping malls, hair salons, hotels, and public transportation is not allowed.
#2 – No smoking in private cars… where there are children.
Even if you’re inside your own car, but there are children in the vehicle with you, smoking is still not allowed.
#3 – No advertising of cigarettes.
The promotion and advertising of cigarettes and tobacco products is strictly prohibited.
#4 – No selling of cigarettes to anyone below 18 years old.
When a shopkeeper is in doubt of a customer’s age, he/she shouldn’t hesitate to ask for identification proving that the latter is 18 years old or above.
#5 – “No Smoking” signs should be displayed.
In places where smoking is strictly prohibited, “no smoking” signs should be posted in prominent areas where people can easily see them.
Aside from these rules, cigarette vending machines, the importation of chewable-based tobacco products — along with the planting and manufacturing of tobacco in Bahrain — are strictly prohibited in the Kingdom.
Anyone who violates these rules will be fined. Similarly, establishments that fail to follow them run the risk of being closed for up to three months.
Fire Prevention
https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Health-Safety-Handbook-15-Sep-2020.pdf
Fire is the combination of Oxygen, Heat and fuel. Three things must be present at the same time to produce fire such as enough oxygen to sustain combustion, enough heat to reach ignition temperature and some fuel or combustible materials. Together they produce chemical reaction is fire.
Fire prevention is all ASU members’ responsibility. Most fires develop only because of carelessness – e.g. combustibles left close to sources of heat or ignition, accumulations of combustible waste, cigarettes not fully extinguished.
Fire hazards can result at the university from the following:
- Electrical sources
- Smoking, inconsiderately dispose of their cigarettes.
- Poor hose keeping and presence of flammable materials such as accumulation of excess paper, cardboard, chemicals and wood, etc.
Assessment of Smoking Prevalence and Smoking-cessation Efficacy in Bahrain
Aim of the work:
This study aimed at evaluating smoking prevalence in Bahrain city as well as
people’s awareness regarding the impact of smoking on health and their knowledge towards
assisted smoking cessation programs.
Methods:
A questionnaire-based study was conducted in a polyclinic waiting area, cafes and other public places in Bahrain. Participants were recruited to represent diversity in smoking status, gender, age groups, level of education, and health status.
Results:
Smoking prevalence rate was found higher among males (70%) compared to females (53.2%). Comparing tobacco products used, waterpipe (51.8%) was found to be more common than cigarettes (48.2%). Concerning the level of education, high-school and BS holders were found to smoke more than others (72.2% and 63.5% respectively). Speaking of knowledge towards assisted smoking cessation, people were found to be in majority unfamiliar with available products that may aid in quitting smoking (46.7%).
Conclusion:
Health care professionals including pharmacists, together with the government, have a vital role to play in the contribution of the decrease in smoking prevalence and in encouraging smoking cessation through different strategies. This may be possible by setting laws and regulations to control tobacco and proper pharmacist-patient communication and counselling.
Events at ASU Regarding Smoking
Diabetes, Epilepsy and Lung Cancer Awareness
Applied Sciences University ASU have organized a health campaign entitled “Diabetes, Epilepsy and Lung Cancer Awareness “ . One in Six of Lebanese people has diabetes. The campaign’s goal and duty are to make the remaining five aware of the diabetic person’s case, symptoms and treatment. The committee also oriented them about how to test one’s own blood for glucose levels, as well as the normal and abnormal findings. As for lung cancer, the students focused on smoking since it is the major cause of this type of cancer (more than 90% of lung cancer patients are smokers). The Committee has done that through a game: one of the public has to exchange a smoker’s cigarette with a gum cigarette .The public was well satisfied with the knowledge they gained. Although it was a very sensitive and important bundle of information.