Is vaping allowed in the workplace?

Can I vape at work?

There’s little doubt that vaping is now part of modern day popular culture. It’s likely that a good percentage of people who vape are working, so a common question they, along with anyone considering using an electronic cigarette for the first time, may be asking is: ‘Can I vape at work?’

What the law says

Smoking tobacco products in an enclosed space was outlawed in summer 2007 (via the Health Act 2006), a ruling which led to a ban on smoking in offices, schools, and any other place that fell under the umbrella of this law. Whether or not individual employers supported this change is irrelevant, but the situation for vaping is different. The use of e-cigarettes is not covered by this law, as they don’t burn any ingredients like a traditional cigarette does, and as the name suggests, vapes produce vapour, not smoke. This means that the decision on whether e cigarettes can be used in any form at work is entirely up to the employer.

Employers vaping policies vary

Unless your workplace has a clear policy on vaping in place, the only way to know if you can vape at work is to ask. National or global businesses with many employees are more likely to have addressed the issue via an official vaping policy, while smaller or independent businesses may be more flexible. It’s not unusual for people who vape to be relegated to the outside smoking area, often hidden from view of clients and customers, but in some cases an employer may allow employees who vape to do so indoors, perhaps with some conditions attached.

Vaping etiquette at work

If you have permission to vape inside, it’s still important to use your e cig with consideration for others. Of course, you can ask your colleagues if they have a problem with you vaping around them, but some people may feel uncomfortable about objecting. The most thoughtful way to handle this is to use a discreet vape device in a quiet place, and to save it for break times - similar to smokers.
If your situation means vaping (mostly) freely at work, look at using a pen-style e-cigarettes and choose products which offer both high and low levels of Vegetable Glycerine (VG). Less VG means producing smaller clouds of vapour and is an easy switch to make to be considerate to others.

Vaping at work can be a tricky road to navigate, especially when many people are still unfamiliar with what an e-cigarette actually is, or unsure about how it works. By making yourself aware of the guidelines in place and practicing thoughtful vaping, you may help shape the way e cigarettes are perceived.

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Vaping is a popular way for adult nicotine consumers to access nicotine without tobacco. Most vapers in the UK are employed in offices and other workplaces around the country, which naturally leads to questions about vaping at work.

As a nicotine consumer, it’s normal to ask, ‘Can I vape at work?’ especially if you’re considering e-cigarettes for the first time or have started a new job. Read on to learn more about vaping in the workplace, including whether you can vape at work and how to practice good vaping etiquette in professional situations.

The UK banned smoking in enclosed public spaces in 2007. The new law made smoking illegal in offices, schools, public transport, restaurants and pubs; any place considered an ‘enclosed public space’. Whether or not individual employers support the law is irrelevant. Workers cannot smoke in the workplace in the UK.

Regulations around e-cigarettes and vaping are different.

Electronic cigarettes are not covered by the 2007 smoking ban. They don’t burn tobacco like traditional cigarettes. And as the name suggests, vapes produce vapour, not smoke.

With nothing written into UK law, decisions about whether vapes can be used at work are down to the employer.

Unless your workplace has a clear policy on vaping, the only way to know if you can vape at work is to ask. National or global businesses with many employees are more likely to have addressed the issue through an official vaping policy. Smaller or independent companies may be more flexible.

So the only way to know if you can vape at work is to check with your manager or employer. Doing this before using your device can save awkward conversations or possible disciplinary action.

Even if you have permission to vape inside at work, try to be considerate of your colleagues before activating your device. You can ask your workmates if they are happy for you to vape around them, but remember that some people may feel uncomfortable about objecting.

The most thoughtful way to vape at work is to use your device in a way that is considerate of your colleagues and the rules of your workplace.

If you can vape freely at work, you may want to consider using a pen-style e-cigarette and e-liquid with less VG (vegetable glycerine), which produces thinner vapour clouds than alternatives with a higher concentration.

Learn more about being a considerate vaper in our guide to vaping etiquette.

There are no blanket guidelines regarding how many breaks you can take or how long you can step away so always ask your employer about their rules around smoking or vaping breaks at work first.

If you have been specifically told you cannot vape in the workplace, ignoring these rules can lead to disciplinary action. While vaping at work is not illegal in the UK, ignoring your employer can be considered misconduct or even gross misconduct and may be cause for dismissal.

Vaping at work can be tricky to navigate, especially when many people are still unfamiliar with vapes or unsure about how they work. By making yourself aware of the rules of your workplace and practising thoughtful vaping, you may find it less challenging to vape at work.

Want to learn more about where you can vape in the UK? Find out everything you need to know in our indoor vaping guide. If you’re looking for a new device, explore Vuse vape kits to choose the option most suited to you.