Policies

FRAGRANCE-FREE FACILITY

Please note that due to allergic sensitivities, CCNM and RSNC are fragrance-free areas. Due to health concerns arising from exposure to scented products, CCNM is committed to providing a fragrance-free environment to all employees, students, residents, patients, and visitors. Fragrances are defined as any product that produces a scent strong enough to be perceptible by others, including but not limited to cologne, aftershave lotion, perfume, perfumed hand lotion, fragranced hair products, scented oils and/or similar products.

1. POLICY

1.01 The Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine is a fragrance-free environment and prohibits the use of any scented products at any time, as they may cause adverse physical effects that threaten the ongoing health and safety of our staff, clients, visitors, and the public at large.

2. SCOPE

2.01 This policy applies to all employees, faculty, students, residents, and visitors.

3. DEFINITIONS

3.01 “Fragrance” is the scent produced from a variety of products that is strong enough to be perceptible by others.

4. RESPONSIBILITY

4.01 It is the responsibility of all employees to comply with this policy and to ensure their visitors are aware of this policy.

4.02 It is the responsibility of the Human Resources Department to communicate this policy to CCNM employees.

4.03 It is the responsibility of the Director, Facilities & Procurement to ensure all materials used for cleaning are fragrance-free, where possible.

5. POTENTIAL HEALTH HAZARDS

5.01 Scented products may adversely affect a person’s health, and some or all of the following symptoms may occur:

Headaches	Light-headedness	Fatigue
Dizziness	Upper respiratory symptoms	Weakness
Nausea	Shortness of breath	Insomnia
Skin irritation	Difficulty with concentration

Allergic and asthmatic patients, as well as those with other conditions, report that certain odours, even in the smallest amounts, can trigger an attack.

The severity of these symptoms can vary.  Some individuals may experience mild irritation while others are incapacitated or must give up many activities (such as going to public places) in order to avoid more severe reactions.

6. PROCEDURES

6.01 Employees will be informed of this policy through the Employee Handbook, signs posted within the College, letters of offer, and during their initial orientation.

Any employee who is found in violation of this policy on CCNM property will be issued a warning and any further violation of this policy will result in progressive discipline.