Before you pick up your new hardware from Vape Store, get yourself up to speed on the dos and don’ts of vaping in the workplace. We’ve compiled a helpful guide to get you across what’s legal and considered appropriate etiquette at work and around your colleagues.
Is vaping allowed at work?
Vaping indoors is typically subject to rules at your establishment, in conjunction with whatever state laws permit or deny you from vaping.
One of the key benefits of vaping is that vapor evaporates much faster than regular cigarette smoke and leaves no smell or residue behind.
However, whilst vaping is socially considered less offensive than cigarette smoke, it can still make people uncomfortable, and it’s important to consider your setting. Given regulators are slow to legislate, it’s hard to know what you can do. As a general rule of thumb, consider that vaping follows the same rules framework as smoking. Where you can smoke, you can vape.
Can you use Electronic Cigarettes in the workplace?
An electronic cigarette is typically in the same category as vapes. So although the rules may seem unclear, when in doubt, it’s important to ask these two questions before smoking:
- What are the local laws?
- What is the company policy for smoking?
If something is not legalized, your employer or the service provider can set out an internal policy that provides direction on what is appropriate and permissible. It’s also important to consider professional etiquette.
If the company has a policy for vaping indoors, it’s important to consider how this may impact your colleagues. Although blueberry jam vape might be delicious for you, the accounts department may not feel the same way.
If you think stealth vaping is your ticket to freedom, consider the e-cigarette and vape policy first, and if there isn’t one, it’s best to err on the side of caution and take it outside.
Is vaping considered smoking by law?
Whether vaping is considered smoking by law is still a grey area and one that regulators are still trying to nail down. There are a lot of complexities to consider with regulating vaping, including how it’s advertised and if it should have its own category with specific public and social policies.
Can you ban smoking in the workplace? What about Vaping?
Yes, you can ban smoking in workplaces. A significant amount of information indicates smoking harms others, particularly in confined environments over a long period. Given how advanced most state and federal government positions are on this matter, it would be near impossible to challenge your employer if they have specifically categorized vaping as smoking.
What is the best way to vape indoors?
The best way to vape indoors is by using simple courtesy and understanding that vaping, whilst more discreet, can still be distracting for others. As a general rule of thumb, it’s important to follow the below steps to get clear on what’s appropriate:
- First, review the company policy or the establishment policy
- If you’re unclear, ask a manager or co-worker
- Assess your environment and make a judgment call based on your surroundings
