Smoke-Free Environment Safe Operating Procedure

Product Overview

Summary: This Smoke-Free Environment Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, legally compliant framework for creating and maintaining a smoke-free workplace across all sites and work activities. It supports Australian businesses to protect workers, visitors, and contractors from second-hand smoke exposure while managing vaping and other nicotine products in line with WHS obligations and local legislation.

A smoke-free environment is no longer just a ‘nice to have’ – it is a core WHS and wellbeing requirement for Australian workplaces. Exposure to second-hand smoke and, increasingly, vapour from e-cigarettes can create significant health risks, trigger pre-existing medical conditions, and lead to disputes between workers and visitors. This Smoke-Free Environment Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, defensible approach to eliminating or tightly controlling smoking and vaping at work, including at entrances, vehicles, remote sites, and client premises.

The SOP outlines how to define smoke-free zones, manage designated smoking areas (where permitted), communicate expectations to workers and contractors, and respond to non-compliance in a fair and consistent way. It helps your organisation align with WHS laws, state and territory tobacco legislation, and public health requirements, while supporting a culture of respect and wellbeing. By implementing this procedure, you reduce the risk of complaints, grievances, and enforcement action, and provide clear guidance for managers who need to address smoking-related issues confidently and lawfully.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with WHS duties and state and territory smoke-free and tobacco control laws.
• Reduce worker and visitor exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour, supporting a healthier workplace.
• Standardise how smoking and vaping are managed across all sites, shifts, and work groups.
• Minimise conflict, grievances, and inconsistent decision-making around smoking breaks and locations.
• Support organisational wellbeing initiatives, including smoking cessation and health promotion programs.

Who is this for?

• Business Owners
• Directors and Officers (PCBU representatives)
• HR Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• People and Culture Managers
• Facilities and Site Managers
• Line Managers and Supervisors
• Return-to-Work and Injury Management Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke
• Exposure to e-cigarette vapour and aerosols
• Aggravation of respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD
• Increased risk of cardiovascular and chronic illness from environmental smoke
• Fire risk from discarded cigarette butts and smoking materials
• Psychosocial risks arising from conflict and complaints about smoking behaviour

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Smoking, Vaping, Smoke-Free Areas, Designated Smoking Areas)
• 3.0 Legal and Regulatory Requirements
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Accountability
• 5.0 Smoke-Free Workplace Principles
• 6.0 Designation and Management of Smoke-Free Areas
• 7.0 Designated Smoking Areas (Where Permitted) – Location and Controls
• 8.0 Use of E-Cigarettes and Vaping Devices
• 9.0 Communication, Signage and Worker Consultation
• 10.0 Managing Smoking Breaks and Work Scheduling
• 11.0 Contractor, Visitor and Client Management
• 12.0 Health, Wellbeing and Smoking Cessation Support
• 13.0 Non-Compliance, Discipline and Issue Resolution
• 14.0 Risk Management and Fire Safety Considerations
• 15.0 Training, Induction and Awareness
• 16.0 Record Keeping and Documentation
• 17.0 Monitoring, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Related Policies, Procedures and Forms

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks: Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Work Environment and Facilities: Code of Practice
• Relevant state and territory Tobacco and Smoke-Free Environment legislation (e.g. Smoke-free Environment Act 2000 (NSW), Tobacco Act 1987 (VIC))
• AS 3745:2010 Planning for emergencies in facilities (for integration with emergency and evacuation arrangements)
• ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems (as a best-practice framework)