The David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA has a No Smoking Policy to establish a smoke-free environment. This policy recognizes the health, safety and comfort benefits of smoke-free air, as well as the responsibility that the Medical School has in establishing and maintaining an optimally healthy and safe environment for its faculty, students, staff and visitors. The policy covers all individuals studying, working or visiting in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. It includes private offices and rooms, as well as shared or public space in all areas occupied by the School and all buildings, including rental space. It includes restrooms, elevators, waiting rooms, lounges and conference rooms. Smoking is permitted only in outside patios and other areas completely open to the air. For purposes of protection against fire and for general safety reasons, individuals are discouraged from using open air stairwells to smoke, although this practice is not specifically prohibited by the policy.