HS226 Smoking

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Criterion HS226 Guidance

Criterion HS226

No person on the premises smokes or vapes in any area which is available for use by children or for food preparation while children are attending the service.

Guidance

How to show you are complying

Educators must not smoke or vape in the home at any time while children are attending the service, including when children are asleep. Smoking or vaping is also not allowed during excursions.

If someone in the household smokes or vapes, they must not do so while children are attending the service, including in outdoor areas.

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How we assess compliance

When assessing whether you comply with HS226

We are likely to look at, measure or count

Whether anyone is smoking or vaping in the premises.

Why this is important

Creating a smoke and vape-free environment protects children from harmful exposure. This keeps all areas used by children safe and healthy while the service is operating.

Best practice: Going beyond compliance

To protect the health and wellbeing of children and other household members, it’s important to maintain a smoke-free and vape-free environment. Displaying clear signage at entry points or common areas helps communicate this expectation to visitors in a respectful and visible way.

These signs serve as a gentle reminder that smoking and vaping are not permitted on the premises, supporting a safe and healthy indoor environment.

Smokefree/Vapefree downloadable signs – Health Promotion Agency

Smokefree.org.nz provides international symbols for No Smoking and No Vaping, which you can download and print.

No smoking and no vaping symbols – Smokefree