Indoor Clean Air is a Priority, Too

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KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – It’s the time of year when woodstove users check the daily air quality advisory. However, there is a year-round Klamath County Public Health indoor clean air commitment.

The Indoor Clean Air Act (ICAA) protects all Oregonians from the harms of secondhand smoke. Also known as the Smoke-free Workplace Law, the ICAA creates smoke free public places and places of employment with the intent of protecting the health of employees and the public. Tobacco remains the leading cause of preventable death and disease in the United States, including in Oregon.

What do I have to do to comply with the law?

If you are an employer, it is your responsibility to ensure that your workplace is smoke, aerosol and vapor free. All employers are subject to the ICAA. Employers are required to:

  • Prohibit smoking, aerosolizing or vaporizing in the workplace and within 10 feet of all entrances, exits, accessibility ramps that lead to and from an entrance or exit, windows that open and air intake vents.

  • Post "No Smoking or Vaping within 10 feet" signs at all building entrances and exits (decals are available for download and printing).

  • Remove all ashtrays and other receptacles for smoking debris from your workplace and from within 10 feet of entrances, exits, accessibility ramps that lead to and from an entrance or exit windows, and ventilation intakes.

  • Ensure that outdoor seating areas where smoking is allowed are not enclosed.

  • Mark as non-smoking/aerosolizing/vaporizing outdoor seating or dining areas that are within 10 feet of entrances, exits and accessibility ramps that lead to and from an entrance or exit, windows that open and ventilation intakes.

Other steps you can take to make sure your business is in compliance with the law:

  • Make sure all employees are informed about the law and how to comply.

  • Talk with your customers about the law.

  • Provide training to employees on how to ask visitors and patrons not to smoke, aerosolize or vaporize.

  • Encourage employees who use tobacco to quit. Encourage them to visit www.quitnow.net/oregon or call Oregon's toll-free QUIT LINE at 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or, for Spanish, 855- DEJELO-YA (855-335356-92).

Violations of the law may be reported by completing an online complaint form, which is most easily found by searching the Oregon.gov/oha site for ICAA online complaint, or by calling 1-866-621-6107. Reports can be made anonymously and are followed-up by Klamath County Public Health personnel.

Press release provided from Klamath County Department of Public Health.