Rank: Forum user 
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I was asked to do a bit of research into the use of e cigarettes earlier this weeks as some employees were asking management if it would be ok to use them in office areas etc. The advice I offered management was No based on technical and social concerns on the grounds that:
Older smoke detectors that use photo optical sensors "Could" conceivably be activated and even some newer ionization chamber alarms that also contain photo optical sensors.
Using e cogarettes openly around the workplace might confuse visitors into believing that they are in a "Smoking Area"
Some studies suggest that vapour exhaled by users of e cigarettes do still contain measurable amounts of toxic elements which may render them harmful to passive "vapers" (If thats the right word)
They are not intrisically safe and therefore can be classified as a potential ignition source
Not to mention the M6 "Terror" incident.
But just out of curiosity, can anyone cite a specific occurence when an e cigarette has been identified as a direct hazard in the workplace.
Mal
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Rank: Super forum user 
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There have been numerous threads on electronic cigarettes before. Some manufacturers state that the vapour given off is water - but it may vary. In one thread I remember an issue with the small battery contained within the cigaretter. It may be worth searching the forums to see if anything else was mentioned
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Rank: Super forum user
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At our place of work we now have a compromise for e-cigarettes. Staff cannot use them indoors as this a) looks bad b) might pose a health risk but they are not restricted to having to smoke them in the designated (outdoors) smoking areas only but can smoke anywhere outside (within reason).
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Rank: Super forum user 
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My firm have so far ducked this issue. However, I think that we have to be careful in 'banning' them as a risk of fire. OK, in sensitive occupancies like petroleum works etc, yes I can see the idea, but in an office or similar low/medium risk premises?
The data I have looked at does show very isolated examples of a battery malfunctioning - including one incident where the overheating burned a user. But taking into account the few recorded events, surely none of the risks can be classified as significant for the purposes of conducting a FRA, (where only significant risks only need recording).
As for them not being intrinsically safe, or the M6 terrorist bust - blimey, I would find it hard to see how either of these examples fit into controlling the risk of fire or injury in a low or medium risk environment.
Let's not forget what the 'H' in H&S means, and if encouraging staff to turn towards e-cigs can be helped by introducing a sensible e-cig policy, then that's no bad thing is it?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Forum user
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Don't forget to take into account those persons working around the e-smoker.
These things can stink worse than tobacco products.
Before someone jumps down my throat, I'm a tobacco cigarette smoker ;o)
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