quote=A Kurdziel]My God, I am agreeing with Ian!
There is no legislation saying that these devices must be banned in the workplace.
They are legally available consumer items, so whether they are harmful or not is irrelevant – have you banned chips in your canteen?
If you (i.e. the company) want to ban these on policy grounds( not elf and safety) that is you privilege.
Wow, today deserves a big red ring round the calendar!
Yes, ban whatever you want in your business, as long as that ban doesn't infringe various rights enshrined in law. So, for electronic cigarettes, ban them if you want, but don't pfaff around trying to decide if they are harmful or not. That isn't the issue. If you want to ban then, ban then and move on.
As I said at the outset, don't meander through various notions under the guise of H&S and health protection or the semantics of what is and what isn't a cigarette, just make a decision!
It's your privilege to do so - well, if you are in a position of authority - and if the staff don't like it they lump it! They must lump it just as much as those who might baulk at the use of goggles and glasses, or no food at their desk, or no earphones. It's not the end of labour relations, but instead it puts to rest an issue that can otherwise turn into a ridiculously troublesome issue best resolved at a stroke so that everyone can move on.