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I have been asked today if I have a policy on electronic cigarettes. This is not something I have looked into. Has anyone any experience with this type of device? I need to introduce a policy so any advice would help.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Their use is not illegal, they are not covered by the current legislation covering the prohibition of smoking in certain premises, places and vehicles.
Since they allow the ingestion of small amounts of nicotine they may fall into workplace drug policies !, but that would be nitpicking...
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Rank: Super forum user
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We're in retail, and in line with all others I know, we ban them due to customer perception more than anything else and the complaints etc. we'd get.
For staff only areas and warehouse we don't have a policy, but I;ve never observed nor has it been brought to my attention someone using one at work! Guess we'll have to cover that one if / when it arrives.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Actually his question is not such a daft one
I saw something about electrinic cigarettes on tv the other day. I can't remember all the details as I was only half watching. But there is some controversy surrounding them as they are unregulated and are still a nuisance to some. Perhaps a search on BBC news?
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Rank: Super forum user
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Wasn't there a thread here some weeks back? I seem to recall being concerned at the approach that some posters were advocating.
Phil
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Rank: Super forum user
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This threat keep recurring.
Yes they are not covered by the smoking laws as water vapour not smoke
They contain nicotine not tabbaco so could be a safer option for the smoker
They are unregulated so there is an issue that no one really knows what the "liquid" in the cigaretts that carries the nicotine is so could be unknown health risk associated with this.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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And wafting unspecified vapours over co-workers is potentially annoying, even if the vapours are poison-free.
It's a management policy decision rather than a H&S one. Just as you might ban headphones or wearing shorts in the workplace even if there's no H&S reason to do so, you could ban fake cigarettes.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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achrn wrote:And wafting unspecified vapours over co-workers is potentially annoying, even if the vapours are poison-free.
It's a management policy decision rather than a H&S one. Just as you might ban headphones or wearing shorts in the workplace even if there's no H&S reason to do so, you could ban fake cigarettes.
Pretty much covers it. Whilst at some point in the future it may become a chemical issue, it will always be a Company Image thing.
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Rank: Forum user
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Another angle to look at is your food and drink policy; if this question raises up here i will refer people to our ban on food and drink in the workplace due to biological/chemical hazards from materials and chemicals used - E-cigs use the same hand to mouth interaction, therefore IMO fall into the same bracket and are a H&S issue
If on the other hand it is raised about using them in canteen facilities I'll be referring it to HR as it then becomes out of my remit
Alan
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Where I work (large multinational copmany) a policy has been put in place by HR that boils down to - Treat them exactly the same as conventional cigarettes except that they have segregated smoking areas so that if someone is using e-cigarettes as part of a giving up process they don't have to be exposed to the tobacco smoke locations. So far not seen anyone use e cigarettes at work
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Rank: Super forum user 
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If it helps (and it may not!) section 1 of the Health Act 2006 defines "smoking" as "smoking tobacco or anything which contains tobacco, or smoking any other substance", and states that "smoking includes being in possession of lit tobacco or of anything lit which contains tobacco, or being in possession of any other lit substance in a form in which it could be smoked". I do not think that e cigarettes (which I understand do release a vapour that contains nicotine - and therefore not 'poison free') are included under the smoke free legislation. You may also find the following helpful or interesting http://bma.org.uk/-/medi...0for%20change/Improving%
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Rank: Guest
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It seems to me, the way around all of this is for the manufacturers to change the design and shape the e giggy and not a long white tube which can be mistaken for a ciggy.
Rich
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Rank: Super forum user 
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So how would employers respond to you having a glass of alcohol free wine? It is about perception and it is key to get a policy in place before the event.
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Clairel wrote:Actually his question is not such a daft one
I saw something about electrinic cigarettes on tv the other day. I can't remember all the details as I was only half watching. But there is some controversy surrounding them as they are unregulated and are still a nuisance to some. Perhaps a search on BBC news? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21406540 "A decision on whether the regulation of electronic cigarettes should be tightened will be made in a few weeks." B
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Rank: New forum user
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IMHO this should fall under the remit of HR or management. Far too often lately I have been approached by HR and individual managers who have been unable or unwilling to commit themselves to make a decision therefore in their opinion give it to good old health and safety who must surely make a decision for them. Personally I would ban them from the workplace completely, they look silly, (much like kids sucking dummys) and do not portray the corporate image, maybe I'm being biased here but my mum did die of lung cancer 7 years ago which was directly linked to smoking.
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Rank: Forum user
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Sinclair24063 wrote:IMHO this should fall under the remit of HR or management. Far too often lately I have been approached by HR and individual managers who have been unable or unwilling to commit themselves to make a decision therefore in their opinion give it to good old health and safety who must surely make a decision for them. Personally I would ban them from the workplace completely, they look silly, (much like kids sucking dummys) and do not portray the corporate image, maybe I'm being biased here but my mum did die of lung cancer 7 years ago which was directly linked to smoking. I think the BMA's points are valid re. this. Personally I feel the same way you do.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I also come via COSHH so advise that no necessary unknown fumes etc. should be present and also from the NHS published data as to date there have been no studies undertaken about the effect the fumes have on 'others' in the immediate area - next we will be having teachers smoke such devices in the classroom!!
Hazardous waste: Also if you look what such things contain they are probably hazardous waste as well
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Rank: Forum user
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There is also a potential issue whereby these are used in company vehcles where smoking is prohibited. We have dismissed at least one operative as they were seen smoking in a company vehicle; I'm not so sure it is an issue now but that could form a good defence in a disciplinary hearing. Unless a clear policy is in place (which it is not as yet in our case).
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Rank: New forum user
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Many thanks for the feedback.
Like many unusual topics this ends up on my desk to make a decision on what approach my business should adopt.
In this situation I have to agree that their use cannot be permitted in the workplace for the reasons of their affects on others, acceptability, perception by others and corporate image.
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