Following the smoking ban, are smoking shelters a fire risk?
The answer to this question is undoubtedly "Yes" if a badly-designed or makeshift outdoor area is pressed into service.
As well as ensuring that smoking shelters comply with the relevant legislation relating to design and in relation to the fire risk they may present to property, smoking shelters should also be:
- Subject to a specific fire-risk assessment
- Constructed from non-combustible materials
- Sited at least 10 metres from nearest building where possible
- Provided with suitable metal ashtrays and a separate metal waste bin with a fitted lid
- Kept clear of combustible materials, including debris and vegetation.
Please do not hesitate to contact this office for further advice on how your own policy may be affected by this issue.
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