Key compliance requirements for smoke-free premises

Businesses must implement the following measures to legally comply with the Health Act 2006:

• No smoking indoors: smoking is prohibited in all enclosed or substantially enclosed public places and workplaces. This includes offices, factories, bars, restaurants and vehicles used for work purposes.
• Proper signage: businesses are required to display appropriate "No Smoking" signs in smoke-free areas. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
• Enforcement: local authorities are responsible for enforcing the legislation. Non-compliance can lead to fines of up to £2,500 for businesses and £200 for individuals found smoking in prohibited areas.

Role of no smoking safety signage:

"No Smoking" signs help businesses to comply with smoke-free regulations. Businesses must display at least one legible no smoking sign at each entrance to a smoke-free premise, stating that it is illegal to smoke on the premises. The sign must:

• Be clear and easy to read.
• Include the international no-smoking symbol (a red circle with a bar through a lit cigarette).
• State that smoking is not permitted.

Displaying these no smoking signs helps communicate the law, reduce second-hand smoke exposure, and protect public health.

For useful resources on laws, policies, and guidance on smoking and health in the UK, you can refer to the Action on Smoking and Health website  ASH Law and Policy Page.

Types of no smoking signs:

We offer a wide range of no smoking signs, available from stock in a choice of sizes and materials designed for different settings:

• Standard no smoke sign: these signs feature the universal symbol of a cigarette with a red circle and a diagonal line. They are suitable for entrances to offices, public buildings, or commercial spaces.
• 'No smoking, it's against the law' signs: these signs emphasise the legal obligation to comply with smoke-free regulations, ideal for spaces where reinforcing the law is essential (e.g., public venues or transport hubs).
• 'No smoking beyond this point' signs: used to demarcate specific smoke-free zones within larger premises, such as parts of factories or warehouses.
• No smoking & no vaping signs: as vaping is increasingly regulated in certain workplaces, these signs explicitly prohibit both smoking and vaping.
• Designated smoking area sign: these signs indicate areas where smoking is permitted, helping to prevent violations by guiding smokers to appropriate locations.

Workplaces with significant risks from smoking

In addition to the health risks posed by second-hand smoke, some workplaces face heightened risks from smoking due to the presence of flammable materials or equipment. Smoking in these environments can result in catastrophic accidents. For example:

• Construction sites: exposure to flammable substances like gas, fuel, and chemicals increases the fire hazard from smoking.
• Petrochemical plants: smoking near oil, gas, and other volatile substances can lead to explosions or serious fires.
• Factories handling combustibles: in industries dealing with wood, paper, textiles, or other easily ignitable materials, smoking poses an extreme safety hazard.
• Hospitals and care facilities: beyond fire risks, patients with respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems are particularly vulnerable to second-hand smoke.

By displaying the appropriate no smoking signage and maintaining strict compliance with the law, businesses can ensure a safer, healthier environment for both employees and visitors.

All our signs including ‘No Smoking’ Health & Safety Signs are fully compliant with current UK legislation and best practice guidelines, including the internationally recognised ISO 7010 standard.

Have you seen our customised construction site safety boards?

Our exclusive range of  Construction Information Boards offers a range of practical, customisable solutions designed to promote safety, compliance, and organisation on construction sites. These boards ensure that vital information is clearly displayed and easily accessible to all personnel on-site. These durable signs made of rigid plastic are a great way to reinforce site rules and safe working, including maintaining smoke-free construction sites.

For more information on any aspect of our safety sign solutions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. Call us on  0800 043 0161 or email  sales@safetybuyer.com