Vaping is one of those grey-area things where people are entirely sure - they are not traditional cigarettes and do not have the same taboo around them, but they are classed as e-cigarettes. Lots of people don't actually know where the law stands on vaping indoors, but are aware that smoking cigarettes inside is not permitted in the UK.

The rise of e-cigarettes

The popularity of e-cigarettes is increasing and it is currently estimated that there are over 2.8 million people across the UK who use them on a regulars basis. As mentioned, users simply do not know what the rules are when it comes to smoking inside using a vape, including offices, despite there being very clear and strict rules about smoking cigarettes inside. This is because there is currently not very much regulation in place and the employment laws simply do not outline what is acceptable and what is not.

Plus, whilst they are deemed less harmful than cigarettes, we do not know yet to what extent, as they are still a very new product. Hence, people are able to continue smoking on trains and in public places with the risks of second hand smoke.

The Business Can Decide

Currently, it is up to the company whether they will put laws in place to prevent the use of vaping products at work and whether they will allow it or not.

On side of the argument is that vaping is used as an alternative for cigarette smoking and for some, it is used to ween off the addiction. This poses benefits to the employer who wants to have a healthier workforce and also wants to avoid their team members being disrupted from work for regular smoke breaks.

It is also cheaper for staff to vape instead of smoke - with figures showing that the cost of vaping products is around £273 per year, compared to smoking cigarettes which can cost the average smoker around £3,796 per year due to excise taxes charged.

On the other hand, employers may not see it acceptable to allow their employees to smoke in the office for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is that vaping could distract employees and the clouds of smoke may disturb non-vaping employees. There also risks of a smoke or fire hazard and potential harm to pregnant staff and those suffering from asthma.  

Establishing Policies

In 2016, Public Health England (PHE) released a statement claiming that there should be much clear policies when it comes to vaping in the work place.

The five principles for vaping are as follows:

1.     Make clear the distinction between vaping and smoking.

2.     Ensure policies are informed by the evidence on health risks to bystanders.

3.     Identify and manage risks of uptake by children and young people.

4.     Support smokers to stop smoking and stay smokefree.

5.     Support compliance with smokefree law and policies.

The PHE want to see businesses stating clearly what their official policy is and under what circumstances vapes can be used. This should make it clearer for the employee and they will have a better understanding of their boundaries and implications if they are caught vaping on the premises.