Smoking in Royal Mail vans?

wamdue · Post by **wamdue** » 01 Nov 2012, 23:33

Long story short, I and some other Agency workers, were in a Royal Mail van today, and one of the Agency Workers was smoking in the van, when he asked if it was ok, the Royal Mail guy, said it was if he opened the window

I am pretty sure smoking is not allowed in company vehicles any more, how come it was allowed? I am a non smoker, but im not always going to walk away when someone lights up, but in a work environment I dont expect to be around people who are smoking.

olilew · Post by **olilew** » 02 Nov 2012, 00:09

its one of those 'it's not allowed but everyone does it'. as a non-smoking cover van driver, i hate it!

wamdue · Post by **wamdue** » 02 Nov 2012, 00:24

putting aside that this is Royal Mail, it it basic work place law, I would not expect it anywhere, and that its "allowed" reflects very badly on the Royal Mail.

Fair enough I did not go looking at the time, but I dont recall a non smoking sticker in the van.

Not sure why Royal Mail feels it maybe above such regulations.

IcanthelpthewayIam · Post by **IcanthelpthewayIam** » 02 Nov 2012, 00:56

wamdue wrote:putting aside that this is Royal Mail, it it basic work place law, I would not expect it anywhere, and that its "allowed" reflects very badly on the Royal Mail.

Fair enough I did not go looking at the time, but I dont recall a non smoking sticker in the van.

Not sure why Royal Mail feels it maybe above such regulations.

royal mail is not above the regulations, if you are unhappy with the current situation i would suggest you raise it with your union rep or line manager

PhilthyPhil · Post by **PhilthyPhil** » 02 Nov 2012, 05:48

It is against the law. We had a guy fined for it once. Also all vans should display a no smoking sign by law.

pinstripe · Post by **pinstripe** » 02 Nov 2012, 10:44

Correct it is illegal. It doesn't matter if the driver says it's ok, or if the window is open. By law it is illegal. As far am I'm aware, both the driver and RM can be fined for it.

wamdue · Post by **wamdue** » 02 Nov 2012, 11:05

as I know im agency, that yesterday was my first day, so I dont exactly know names, yet alone have a union rep.

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 02 Nov 2012, 11:12

wamdue wrote:as I know im agency, that yesterday was my first day, so I dont exactly know names, yet alone have a union rep.

Whether you started yesterday or not you have a right to protect your health.
Smoking in the vans is not permitted under any circumstances.
Ask him to stop,if he doesn't...tell him to stop...if he doesn't...report him to management.
What happens after that is his tough s**t for being an idiot.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 02 Nov 2012, 13:42

This is specifically for Wales, however most of the details are transferable between the different laws

http://www.torfaen.gov.uk/en/Environmen ... g-Ban.aspx" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Responsibility for enforcement of the ban rests with local authorities, who have a range of powers available to them to ensure the smoking ban is effective. Offences that could lead to enforcement action include:

The premises covered by the ban are essentially anywhere with a roof and which are enclosed by more than 50% walls – so that could include covered walkways in shopping malls etc. as well as shops, pubs and workplaces etc. The ban also covers work vehicles, including taxis.

Smoking in a Smokefree place
Failing to display the required no-smoking signs
Failing to prevent smoking in a Smokefree place.
Non-compliance of the Smokefree law is a criminal offence. Fixed Penalty Notices can be issues for some offences, whilst more serious cases may lead to prosecution.

The fixed penalties are:
failing to display correct signage, a fixed penalty charge will be £200 (reduced to £150 if paid in full within the stipulated time).
smoking in a smoke-free premises, a fixed penalty charge will be £50 (reduced to £30 if paid within the stipulated time).
The maximum fines on prosecution are:
Failing to display the correct no-smoking signs (£1000 maximum)o Smoking in a smoke-free place (£200 maximum)
Failing to prevent smoking in a smoke-free place (£2500 maximum)o Intentional obstruction of an enforcement officer (£1000 maximum)

twoloops · Post by **twoloops** » 19 Jan 2018, 15:21

Is there any rules about vaping in the RM van, I've had a postie vaping in my van today & it stunk, I did tell him I was finding it offensive, he seemed to think I was joking, he also said there was no smell to his vape, but this stunk, it was really getting to me & he just carried on vaping. Anyone know the rules?

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 19 Jan 2018, 15:24

TrueBlueTerrier wrote:From a FOI request (when we had to reply to them)

https://www.scribd.com/document/2119145 ... tes#scribd" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

“Royal Mail Group does not allow the use of electronic cigarettes in any Royal Mail Group building or vehicle.”

twoloops · Post by **twoloops** » 19 Jan 2018, 15:30

Thank you TBT I think the no smoking stickers in the vans need updating to add the vape, also as a non-smoker would you be in your right to ask not to be working with a vaper or smoker? Must admit when I've worked with a smoker they do stink when they do get back in the van.

Post by **TrueBlueTerrier** » 19 Jan 2018, 15:32

You are within your rights to ask not to work with a smoker. However, RM has no compulsion or legal obligation to honour your request.

Still, nothing asked nothing gained.

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 19 Jan 2018, 15:56

Must admit when I've worked with a smoker they do stink when they do get back in the van.

If stink was a justification for not working with someone the business would be in trouble, from not enough deodorant to far too much deodorant, old lady perfume, 1980s aftershave, bad breath and the general great unwashed I've smelt them all. At least smokers tend only to stink after a smoke. Some of these guys stink 24/7.

fishtank · Post by **fishtank** » 19 Jan 2018, 15:59

And then there's the serial farters....

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