Vaping in the office

D3V!L

I'v noticed a couple of people in my office vaping at their desks. After speaking to HR it seems its a "grey area" and there is no company policy covering it.

I work in a large international company and they are meant to be providing a clean and healthy work-space. How can I be expected to work in an environment like this legally !!

Any suggestions on what I can do about it ?

Captcha

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/phe-publishes-independent-expert-e-cigarettes-evidence-review

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/uk-report-finds-there-is-no-harm-in-passive-vaping-heres-why/news-story/03ba2a38ecea7eb35f7a296122487d3d

Not only did the report conclude that vaping poses only a small fraction of the risks of smoking and switching completely from smoking to vaping conveys substantial health benefits, but it found that “there have been no identified health risks of passive vaping to bystanders”.

Keyzer

Captcha wrote: »

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/phe-publishes-independent-expert-e-cigarettes-evidence-review

https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/uk-report-finds-there-is-no-harm-in-passive-vaping-heres-why/news-story/03ba2a38ecea7eb35f7a296122487d3d

Irrelevant - anyone who thinks vaping at your desk is acceptable needs their head checked.

Doop

That said ... I still dont spray on my deodorant at my desk... or munch through a hot fish sambo at my desk... common courtesy and all that.

piplip87

D3V!L wrote: »

I'v noticed a couple of people in my office vaping at their desks. After speaking to HR it seems its a "grey area" and there is no company policy covering it.

I work in a large international company and they are meant to be providing a clean and healthy work-space. How can I be expected to work in an environment like this legally !!

Any suggestions on what I can do about it ?

https://www.econotimes.com/Scientists-Weigh-In-Secondhand-Vapor-Is-Not-Harmful-976651

General consensus is that there is no health risk from second hand vaping. So I don't think there's much you can do about it.

As a vaper myself I have to say you work with ass holes. I wouldn't dream about taking a vape at my desk. A sneaky bathroom vape yes but apart from that it's always outside with the smokers.

Captcha

Doop wrote: »

That said ... I still dont spray on my deodorant at my desk... or much through a hot fish sambo at my desk... common courtesy and all that.

The newer vapes have no odor and have no effect on anyone around them. The clouds of vape are also gone, unless someone is still using the coil/juice type ones.

Gazzmonkey

Get a vaper thing that smells like poo and let it spread all over the office, new procedures might suddenly appear if management get a whiff of that.

wexie

Gazzmonkey wrote: »

Get a vaper thing that smells like poo and let it spread all over the office, new procedures might suddenly appear if management get a whiff of that.

wouldn't imagine that's gonna be easy to find, not a big market for poo flavoured vapes I think.

Now....weed flavoured vape might get you that result pretty sharpish I'd imagine though.

somesoldiers

HR should have updated policy by now, they obviously never felt the need to before.

Anyone who vapes at desk is a fool and unfortunately need to have rules in place for them before they will stop

Captcha

somesoldiers wrote: »

HR should have updated policy by now, they obviously never felt the need to before.

Anyone who vapes at desk is a fool and unfortunately need to have rules in place for them before they will stop

Some people bad breath/bo is a lot worse, are they "fools" too then?

LegacyUser

Captcha wrote: »

Some people bad breath/bo is a lot worse, are they "fools" too then?

Yes they are. Deoderant exists. Toothpaste exists. Mint exists. If you can't look after you're own personal smell and are affecting colleagues, you are a fool.

Wabbit Ears

most companies include vaping in the no smoking policy.

On the 'perfectly safe' bit that people tout, I am old enough to remember normal cigarettes being advertised as healthy. People will clutch at any straw to defend their own choices. With vaping those straws are very thin and flimsy with 'not a buoyancy aid' written on them.

OMM 0000

I don't think women should spray perfume when at their desk, as it's inconsiderate to those around them.

I consider vaping to be along the same lines.

We shouldn't need to implement laws or policies for basic human courtesy.

Spook_ie

As an ex smoker I feel that the exhaled vape seems to contain nicotine, the fact that when someone exhales a load of vape into my breathing space my brain starts craving a smoke again, maybe it's a placebo effect but I find it that way anyway!

bullpost

Amazed this debate is even taking place, given the history of passive smoking and the attempts of the industry to conceal damning evidence of health risks.

dr.fuzzenstein

Wabbit Ears wrote: »

most companies include vaping in the no smoking policy.

On the 'perfectly safe' bit that people tout, I am old enough to remember normal cigarettes being advertised as healthy. People will clutch at any straw to defend their own choices. With vaping those straws are very thin and flimsy with 'not a buoyancy aid' written on them.

You would have to be very old to remember that
The "Doctors smoke Camel" advertising campaign is from 1949!
I don't think anyone since the 1950's has ever seriously campaigned with supposed health benefits of cirgarettes. It was all yachts, horses, bikes, cars, girls, basically how you will turn into James Bond, Burt Reynolds and an Astronaut at the same time.

On vaping, I don't think the vapour will have a massive impact on those around, it seems to be more of a psychological impact, but nevertheless, it does seem somehow wrong and out of place.

CalamariFritti

D3V!L wrote: »

I'v noticed a couple of people in my office vaping at their desks. After speaking to HR it seems its a "grey area" and there is no company policy covering it.

I work in a large international company and they are meant to be providing a clean and healthy work-space. How can I be expected to work in an environment like this legally !!

Any suggestions on what I can do about it ?

So is it some legality aspect you're worried about (they shouldn't be doing that) or do you have actual health concerns?

runawaybishop

D3V!L wrote: »

I'v noticed a couple of people in my office vaping at their desks. After speaking to HR it seems its a "grey area" and there is no company policy covering it.

I work in a large international company and they are meant to be providing a clean and healthy work-space. How can I be expected to work in an environment like this legally !!

Any suggestions on what I can do about it ?

It's not a grey area, HR are wrong. It is perfectly legal. However, you should complain in writing to HR and ask them to implement a no vaping policy. Very weird they haven't already done so.

CruelCoin

D3V!L wrote: »

I'v noticed a couple of people in my office vaping at their desks. After speaking to HR it seems its a "grey area" and there is no company policy covering it.

I work in a large international company and they are meant to be providing a clean and healthy work-space. How can I be expected to work in an environment like this legally !!

Any suggestions on what I can do about it ?

Have you any idea what exactly they're vaping?

Maybe it's CBD oil (the beneficial counterpart to THC), which is really kicking off as the mental/physical health benefits become more known.

You should thank them.

skallywag

CruelCoin wrote: »

Maybe it's CBD oil (the beneficial counterpart to THC), which is really kicking off as the mental/physical health benefits become more known.

Regardless of what it was, vaping anything at one's desk is poor form ant not acceptable.

CruelCoin

skallywag wrote: »

not acceptable.

Says who?

Clearly not the management, if it's allowed.

OldMrBrennan83

If there's no health risks then grand. I definitely wouldn't worry about courtesy to others, you'd never get it back.

OMM 0000

Patww79 wrote: »

If there's no health risks then grand. I definitely wouldn't worry about courtesy to others, you'd never get it back.

Wow.

Padraig1888

Lad vaping on the desk across from me. There no smell at all, it doesn't infringe on me at all so I'm not bothered and I'm smoking myself, stupid habit but if it doesn't infringe on me I don't mind.

DaylightDies

Used to vape at my desk at work. Wasn't sure if it was prohibited or not. No one seemed to know. I asked if my work mates had a problem with it and no one minded so I took a few pulls throughout the day. Was then called by my boss who told me to stop as my pregnant workmate said it was harmful for her baby so I stopped using it altogether.

Now I have an office of my own to vape to my heart's content ha ha

CalamariFritti

Me personally I think vaping at your desk in a large company will simply not work. Just too many people around and someone will disapprove. My employer doesn't allow it and I really have no problem with that.

However, I do believe they probably forbid it because its simply easier and leaves them less open to complaints or even claims or lawsuits. I don't think there is an actual health risk for anyone. Because the dangerous bit in cigarette smoke isn't the nicotine anyway. Its those thousands of other substances resulting from the burning process. And none of that applies to vaping. You might as well forbid perfume or even exhaling your normal breath.

But it is what it is, some people will have a problem with it. In many people's heads its too close to smoking. And even though I think that it is probably more a 'feeling' than anything rational I have no doubt that some of these people will become quite militant about it. People don't tolerate much anymore and are inconvenienced or even offended quite easily. In fact people probably sue over less these days. Its a general problem with society these days. Since no one can possibly/potentially inconvenienced or offended anymore we're just self-policing ourselves until we're all little Flanders.

So better stay out of their way and not do it at your desk.

Captcha

I put holy water into my vape, its holy smoke.


Well not really smoke but its benefiting everyone, no?

STB.

Doop wrote: »

That said ... I still dont spray on my deodorant at my desk... or munch through a hot fish sambo at my desk... common courtesy and all that.

Absolutely. A pastrami bagel with swiss and pickle no problem. Doner Kebab, not so much.

OscarMIlde

CalamariFritti wrote: »

Me personally I think vaping at your desk in a large company will simply not work. Just too many people around and someone will disapprove. My employer doesn't allow it and I really have no problem with that.

However, I do believe they probably forbid it because its simply easier and leaves them less open to complaints or even claims or lawsuits. I don't think there is an actual health risk for anyone. Because the dangerous bit in cigarette smoke isn't the nicotine anyway. Its those thousands of other substances resulting from the burning process. And none of that applies to vaping. You might as well forbid perfume or even exhaling your normal breath.

But it is what it is, some people will have a problem with it. In many people's heads its too close to smoking. And even though I think that it is probably more a 'feeling' than anything rational I have no doubt that some of these people will become quite militant about it. People don't tolerate much anymore and are inconvenienced or even offended quite easily. In fact people probably sue over less these days. Its a general problem with society these days. Since no one can possibly/potentially inconvenienced or offended anymore we're just self-policing ourselves until we're all little Flanders.

So better stay out of their way and not do it at your desk.

I don't think there is enough research yet to determine if there is a severe long term passive vape risk yet, and given the multitude of formulations it will be hard to get a clear consensus. I will say that it is very likely to trigger asthmatics. Some vapes have very strong flavours and perfumes are a known irritant to some asthmatics. Couple that with increased moisture content in the air, a factor that multiple studies has proven leads to increased airway distress in asthmatics, and there is an immediate health risk to nearby people when vapes are used in an indoor environment. I know I get wheezy when my boyfriend starts vaping in my presence.

I also for the record think vaping is going to cause problems for users down the line. Inhaling large quantities of heated damp air is certain to trigger inflammatory responses and chronic unresolved inflammation is known to trigger fibrotic pathways. I wouldn't be surprised if there is an increased incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in heavy vape users.

eagle eye

Surely you give the benefit of the doubt until it's proven that it adversely affects other people?
Otherwise we'd be banning every sort of thing from electric cars to broadband modems and so on.

Del2005

Patww79 wrote: »

If there's no health risks then grand. I definitely wouldn't worry about courtesy to others, you'd never get it back.

It's 90% safer than a regular cigarette. So instead of falling from a 100 storey building when smoking you are falling off a 10 storey building when vaping, the 2nd is safer but the result is the same.

AdrianLM

It sounds like the HR department just couldn't be bothered or just don't know their jobs.

Irrespective of the law, HR can implement any reasonable policy that can be shown is justifiable under H&S or other work practices.

D3V!L

Del2005 wrote: »

It's 90% safer than a regular cigarette. So instead of falling from a 100 storey building when smoking you are falling off a 10 storey building when vaping, the 2nd is safer but the result is the same.

Said who exactly ? Show some proof of your statement .

OldMrBrennan83

Del2005 wrote: »

It's 90% safer than a regular cigarette. So instead of falling from a 100 storey building when smoking you are falling off a 10 storey building when vaping, the 2nd is safer but the result is the same.

That applies if passively smoking one cigarette kills you instantly like a fall from 100 floors would.

Del2005

D3V!L wrote: »

Said who exactly ? Show some proof of your statement .

The 2nd post. Smoking is fatal so something 90% safer is still fatal.

m5ex9oqjawdg2i

Del2005 wrote: »

The 2nd post. Smoking is fatal so something 90% safer is still fatal.

Is vaping fatal? I think it's still very early to come to any real conclusion on vaping. Either way, vaping has no place in an office.

893bet

OscarMIlde wrote: »

I don't think there is enough research yet to determine if there is a severe long term passive vape risk yet, and given the multitude of formulations it will be hard to get a clear consensus. I will say that it is very likely to trigger asthmatics. Some vapes have very strong flavours and perfumes are a known irritant to some asthmatics. Couple that with increased moisture content in the air, a factor that multiple studies has proven leads to increased airway distress in asthmatics, and there is an immediate health risk to nearby people when vapes are used in an indoor environment. I know I get wheezy when my boyfriend starts vaping in

I also for the record think vaping is going to cause problems for users down the line. Inhaling large quantities of heated damp air is certain to trigger inflammatory responses and chronic unresolved inflammation is known to trigger fibrotic pathways. I wouldn't be surprised if there is an increased incidence of pulmonary fibrosis in heavy vape users.

Interesting.

I am smoking on an off for years. For the last few years very intermittently and mostly socially. I did start vaping this year and got a number of chest infections. That wouldn’t be rare in any year as I have a weak chest but the ferocity of the infection was new and it flared up my childhood asthma.

Hadn’t considered a link to potential link to vaping. Have cut the vaping also now.

STB.

Del2005 wrote: »

It's 90% safer than a regular cigarette. So instead of falling from a 100 storey building when smoking you are falling off a 10 storey building when vaping, the 2nd is safer but the result is the same.

40% of all percentages are made up.


60% of the time they work everytime.

WhiteMemento9

I need my nicotine hit with the whiskey in my coffee. Cut me some slack.

gebbel

I am using e-cigarettes myself and work for a multinational here. A few months ago HR prohibited their use inside the building, but provided a new vaping hut outside next to the regular smoking hut. The company accepted the concerns of the vapers who said that they didn't want to be passively inhaling cigarette smoke in a shared hut!!

henryforde80

I vape and wouldn't dream of doing it at my desk. We have a shower room and just go in there.

B.A._Baracus

If this is a massive issue op then just look for another job. I don't mean that in a harsh on you way either. Feck so many jobs out there have at least one thing that annoys employees and shouldn't really happen. That's life. It's called dealing with it or having enough.

One of my mates has a new boss (and she's also new to being a boss) who wont give him time off when he requests, talks down etc. But gladly treats her cronies alright. She's on a power trip because she's now management.

Depending on who's on I often work under a manager who is one of the biggest dickheads i've ever came across. Always on your case, wants to find holes in your work so he can moan (you know the type)...and even STOPWATCHES YOUR BREAKS... yes he uses a small stopwatch to time your breaks. Once about 3 months ago he went into the canteen one minute after someones break was over. No exaggeration, one minute, to say to the person and quote "whats the story chief? you're meant to be back". he is just a bollocks. But you know what... what can I do? I plan on moving on.

So is this really a big issue for you? if it is then move on. Otherwise you can really experience how bad a workplace can be in other jobs.

Zorya

If people are to be allowed to vape (which I find smells yuck, all those weird perfumey scents, blech, whatever about potential second hand effects on others) then I cannot see why a daily smudge with a sage bundle around the office to pacify the wicked administrative spirits or a gentle smoulder of frankincense resin in a personal burner at one's desk shouldn't be a-okay.