E-Cigarettes (Vapes)
Many people switch to using e-cigarettes (or vapes) to help them stop smoking, but these products can also represent a fire risk, if they’re not used properly, or if they’re charged or disposed of in an incorrect way.
Here are our top safety tips for using e-cigarettes:
- Buy them only from reputable retailers.
- Take care that you do not purchase counterfeit goods.
- Read all the instructions before you use the e-cig.
- Keep all vaping paraphernalia out of reach of children and pets.
- Do not vape near oxygen or fuel tanks.
- Never throw spent e-cigs in the bin. Take them to a recycling point. Find your nearest recycling point here: www.durham.gov.uk/weee
Charging your E-Cigarette
- Most rechargeable e-cigs use lithium-ion batteries. This means there are some key safety points to remember whenever you’re using them.
- Use only the charger provided with the product. Don’t use a different one even if its adapter fits into the device port. Do not overcharge your e-cig. Leaving it charging continuously can increase the risk of a fire.
- Never charge them overnight or while you are sleeping. This is when many fires occur.
- Protect your e-cig from being pierced, crushed, dropped, or otherwise damaged.
- Lithium-ion batteries can go into what’s called thermal runaway when compromised. This means they can explode and cause a very serious fire.
- Keep your e-cig away from other metal objects like coins and keys. These items can cause it to short-circuit and start a fire.