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Vaping in the Workplace: Proper Etiquette and Why It Matters

 

In recent years, more and more people have started vaping because it's a healthier alternative to smoking. In the long term, vaping also helps smokers quit, which is why it's a popular choice for people trying to quit smoking cigarettes. Despite this, many often fail to grasp that vaping still involves blowing out smoke, even if it smells like strawberries or some other dessert. Because of this, there are many questions regarding vaping etiquette, particularly in the workplace.

Vaping is generally considered more socially acceptable than smoking cigarettes, so it’s usually okay to vape in the workplace. However, it's your responsibility to be considerate of your coworkers and not blow smoke in their faces. Even if you don't directly blow smoke in their faces, there's still a chance that it may travel towards them. But where do we draw the line? 

The Basics of Vaping at Work

Generally, the same rules that apply to smoking cigarettes also apply to vaping. You should avoid vaping in enclosed spaces, such as cubicles or offices. You should also avoid vaping near people trying to avoid secondhand smoke, such as pregnant women or those with asthma.

Additionally, you should be aware of your company's policy on vaping. Some companies may have a no-tolerance policy towards vaping, while others may allow it in designated areas.

Vaping in Designated Areas

If your workplace has designated smoking areas, you may be allowed to vape in those areas. However, this will depend on your company's policy. Some companies have a "no smoking" policy, which may include vaping.

If your company does allow vaping in designated areas, you should still be considerate of others. This means not smoking near doorways or windows so the smoke doesn't drift into other people's workspaces. 

The Importance of a Vaping Policy

A vaping policy is generally put in place to regulate or restrict the use of vaping in the workplace. There are several reasons why this is done, such as:

Protect All Employees from Exposure to Harmful Emissions

Vape juices may smell pleasant, but make no mistake: they can still contain harmful chemicals, including metals and other toxins, which can be released into the air when vaporised. Employees exposed to these toxic chemicals may suffer from various health problems, including respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other severe conditions.

Guard against Exploding E-cigarettes

E-cigarettes are made with adequate protection and are subject to strict quality control. However, any electronic device can malfunction, and e-cigarettes are no exception. E-cigarettes have been known to explode, causing severe injuries to the user. Be sure to educate your employees on the risks of using e-cigarettes and how to handle them to avoid accidents. Otherwise, the user can sustain burns to the face and mouth.

Prevent Projectile Injuries 

When an e-cigarette explodes, the pieces can fly through the air, causing severe injuries to nearby people. If you're using an e-cigarette in a public place, keep your distance from others to prevent them from being hurt if it happens. 

Fosters an Environment for Quitting Tobacco 

As mentioned, vaping helps smokers quit smoking. However, it won't be easy, and it certainly won't be easy if an employee sees their co-workers smoking. When you have a vape-only policy, you help create an environment where people are more likely to want to quit smoking because it's something that's not allowed in the workplace. This can help reduce the number of smokers in the workplace, which is good for everyone.

Enforcing a Vaping Policy

If you implement a vape-only policy, you must ensure it's enforced. This means you must plan for what happens when someone breaks the policy. You can't just let it slide because then people won't take the policy seriously.

The best way to enforce a policy is to have a progressive discipline system. This means that there are different levels of punishment for breaking the policy, and the penalty gets worse each time someone breaks it. For example, the first time someone breaks the policy, they may get a warning. They may get a written notice if they break it a second time. If there’s a third, they may get suspended. For the fourth time they break it, they may get fired.

Of course, you can change this system to suit your workplace better, but you should have some kind of system in place so that people know there are consequences for breaking the policy. 

Conclusion

Vaping in the workplace is generally acceptable, but a policy must be in place, so everyone knows the rules. If you don't have a policy, you should consider making one because it can help prevent conflict between employees who vape and those who don't. When you do, your workplace will be more comfortable and productive for everyone.

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