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 15 th August 2006 pdf for
printing (382 K)
SEED has advised that
the use of smoking machines indoors, even in a fume cupboard and following
the control measures resulting from a suitable risk assessment as outlined
in SSERC
Bulletin 217, is illegal. SSERC has been informed that teachers
carrying out this demonstration in a laboratory are liable to be
prosecuted.
However, SEED states
that it would be legal to demonstrate the smoking machine outdoors. We are
of the opinion that certain weather conditions could make outdoor
demonstration of the smoking machine less safe than indoor demonstration,
carried out within a fume cupboard and with appropriate control measures in
place. For example, light and variable winds may cause smoke to drift and
be inhaled by observers.
Please advise your
teaching and support staff of this guidance from SEED.
This situation
results from recent legislation introduced by the Scottish Executive. The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act, 2005
aims to discourage individuals from smoking. This Act, we are told, has
made illegal the indoor use of the smoking machine, a well-established
school demonstration, which also aims to discourage young people from
smoking. This demonstration, when carried out as described in this SSERC Bulletin 217,
presents minimal risk to onlookers whilst delivering a powerful, visual and
lasting message on the dangers of smoking tobacco. SSERC believes that the
use of the smoking machine in schools is effective, valuable and should be
exempt from The Smoking, Health and Social Care (Scotland) Act, 2005.
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