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GSA gets tougher on feds' smoking

Government tightens rules on smoking in and around federal buildings

Date published: 1/4/2009

ATTENTION, all federal workers who are also nonsmokers: You have been given a wonderful gift just in time for the New Year from your friends at the General Services Administration.

Effective Dec. 22, GSA has revised workplace smoking rules and made the restrictions even tougher.

The original order signed by President Clinton in August of 1997 was called "Protecting Federal Employees and the Public From Exposure to Tobacco Smoke in the Federal Workplace."

The result of that was a GSA bulletin, issued Oct. 20, 1997. This document set restrictions on smoking in all interior spaces owned, rented or leased by the executive branch, except in specially equipped designated areas. This, of course, sent most smokers outside of federal buildings, much to the dismay of people entering the buildings. This opened a debate over how far smokers had to stand away from the entrances to comply with the rules.

Nonsmokers also had problems with the specially equipped smoking areas. Depending on the number of smokers concentrated in one area, it was rare that "smoke-eaters" as they were affectionately called, could handle a room full of people puffing away without the smoke affecting people nearby.

Since that time, more studies have been conducted on the effects of second-hand smoke. Many state and local governments have implemented tough smoking bans in the workplace and in other public places.

This has made the federal government look like it is behind the times with regard to regulating workplace smoking.

Not to be outdone by state and local authorities, GSA has issued a new, more restrictive bulletin, prohibiting smoking in federal facilities and outdoor areas under executive branch control. An amendment that is effective six months after publication of this new bulletin prohibits smoking in courtyards and within 25 feet of doorways and air intake ducts on outdoor space under the control of GSA.

Agencies have six months to comply with the new requirements under this revised bulletin.

There are some limited exceptions. But requests for such exceptions must come directly from the person at the top of the agency leadership.

Smoking cessation programs are also encouraged at the agency level. Many agencies already offer them or have sources available through their Employee Assistance Programs.

If you are a smoker and thinking about quitting, this might be the motivation you need to help you decide. If you are a nonsmoker, you can breathe a little easier coming in and out of your building.

Michael Kole of Spotsylvania County is a career federal employee. Write c/o Federal Feedback, The Free Lance-Star, 616 Amelia St., Fredericksburg, Va. 22401; e-mail newsroom@freelancestar .com.

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Date published: 1/4/2009