Hanscom emphasizes tobacco-use policy, restrictions

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  • By 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
Hanscom Air Force Base is taking measures to reinforce Air Force policies regarding tobacco use on base, focusing specifically on properly locating, marking and enforcing the use of Designated Tobacco Areas, or DTAs.

DTAs will be marked as the only place people are allowed to use tobacco in any form. The term tobacco includes, but is not limited to, cigars, cigarettes, electronic-cigarettes ("e-cigarettes"), stem pipes, water pipes, hookahs and smokeless products that are chewed, dipped or sniffed, according to Will Carpenter, 66th Medical Squadron Health Promotions specialist.
  
Air Force Instruction 40-102 governs tobacco use and sets restrictions. The AFI strictly prohibits using tobacco products in the Air Force workplace, lodging, vehicles and aircraft. Tobacco use is also prohibited in recreational facilities, including athletic complexes such as the softball fields, golf courses and beaches unless performed in an approved DTA.

These designated areas must be at least 50 feet from common points of facility entry and not in front of buildings or air intake ducts, Carpenter said. No DTA shall be within 100 feet of playgrounds, to minimize the health risks of secondhand smoke to children playing, entering or exiting the area.  Each DTA should be marked with proper signage and will be the only place cigarette butt receptacles are placed. 

The 66th Civil Engineering Division has worked with facility managers to develop DTA maps, which have been approved by the installation commander, Col. Michael Vogel. Civil Engineering will soon install DTA signs in accordance with the approved maps. 

"For those facilities in close proximity of each other, the DTA may be a shared location," Vogel said. "If anyone is unsure about where the closest DTA is located, they should consult their facility manager."

It is also important to note that, per Air Force Instruction, tobacco use does not entitle tobacco users to additional break time from duty compared with non-tobacco users and that tobacco users are responsible for keeping DTAs clean and free of cigarette butts and debris, Vogel said. 

The locally negotiated Memorandum of Agreement with NFFE Local 1384 states that tobacco use by civilians is permitted in private vehicles on base as long as the vehicle is not less than 50 feet from building doors, windows, air intakes or sidewalks. The only location this does not apply to is the 66 Medical Squadron complex, as smoking is prohibited within the boundary.

The interiors of all Air Force facilities are tobacco free. However while most will have or be located near external DTAs, certain locations will not. Hanscom AFB has three such organizations: building 1900, the 66th Medical Squadron campus, which includes the parking areas; building 1540, the Health Promotions office (formerly known as the Health & Wellness Center); and building 1543, the Airman Leadership School.

"If you decide now is the time to quit there are several resources on base to assist," Carpenter said. "The Health Promotion program offers small group classes or can provide information about the online quit process. The class is held from noon to one p.m. every other Wednesday at the Health Promotions office, building 1540." 

Another important resource is primary care physicians. Medication support is available for active duty members, dependents and retirees, should they choose that as part of their quit effort. The civilian and contractor workforce may attend the classes, but any medications must be obtained through their private doctor.

For further information about quitting smoking, or to sign up for a class, contact Health Promotion at 781-225-6374 or 66.mds.hawc@us.af.mil.