Ecig = Real cig at work

[Dunlap]

I've been taking my ecig to work for few weeks now and at first they didn't have a problem with it, but just the other day they sent out and email saying that ecigs will be considered cigarettes and can only be used in the designated smoking areas. Now, part of me says it's their right to do what they want, but at the same time, part of the reason I switched was to avoid the long walk to the shadeless smoking area throughout the summer.

I Emailed our HR lady and basically asked how/why they came to that conclusion. I explained that the vapor produced is essentially slightly flavored water vapor, akin to the steam that comes off the coffee thats constantly brewing in the break room. The response I got was that they have taken a "stance against cigarettes, not smoke" and it doesn't matter whether their electronic or not. So I'm tempted to reply and offer to call it a pv, since thats the proper name for it, and ecig is basically just a marketing term. But I have my doubts that they would even consider reconsidering their stance on the issue.

So I was just wondering if anybody has faced similar challenges, how you approached it and what the outcome was.

 

[Credo]

I think it seriously depends on the type of job, the working environment, and how much support and clout you feel like you have there.

You could get something shaped less like a cig and call it a PV, but that could also get you a kind of reputation of being a trouble maker. Is it worth it and can you win?

I know that many places I've worked...anything goes. While other's have mandated every detail down to what color and style clothes are to be worn, which pencil you're allowed to use, and even strictly scripted verbal communications.

I wish I could say there's a safe strategy...
Legally there's little they can do to you for 'asking' and 'requesting' and 'educating'.
Technically...we all know how 'people' can get when feathers are ruffled.
Feel out the situation and proceed with caution. Some work places can be pretty comptetitive and cut throat...and any little bit of boat rocking can be a big risk (sometimes we need to take risks...but think it out first).

Good luck, and congrats on having quit or cut back on smoking

 

[Sugar_and_Spice]

You could email and ask if they have a problem with a personal vaporizer for office use....just to see what the response it....
my bad....
I actually vape at work......but I have a door on my office.....all of my co-workers are aware of what I am doing,,,,but to date have not once complained....my boss even came in once when I was vaping and did not say a word.....sorry about your troubles,,,,their stance is probably due to the FDA saying they would treat pv as a tobacco product.

 

[Reblx]

I am a serving soldier in the uk and when I started vaping around 18 mths ago they wouldn't allow it indoors at all however now that over half my squadron vape they seem to have relaxed and excepted it for what it is.

 

[Doomed!]

Stealth vape in the bathroom.

 

[garyinco]

I bet someone complained. Figure out who...

 

[Analog1990]

Its been just over a month for me, and though its been great not having to walk to the little smoking "pit" a quarter mile away.... I just don't do it out in the open for nothing more than appearance sake... I vape around all my peers/co-workers, but I will put it away in the presence of supervisors. I'm not out to make a fuss, or push for my right to vape in non-smoking areas.

But that's not to say I don't vape in my work area.... Just so as not to invite anyone to challenge me on it. The way I see it, all those times I wish I could light up an analog were it not for fear of the smell giving me away.... I can get away with it perfectly with a PV. In other words, you won't see me sitting at my desk with a PV hanging out of my mouth under plumes of vapor....

I think some time needs to pass, so employers are not rushed into making stigma based policies, which they will often not back down from. But as mentioned above, it very much depends where you work....

ie. school.... bad idea
Grocery store break room, probably gunna be ok...
Fire dept.... probably get an award...

 

[earthpig]

I think a stance that you are a non-smoker and refuse to subject yourself to the smoke in a designated smoking area might be an appropriate response. You don't want either the temptation OR the effects of smoke
You might also comment that you are using this device to remain smoke free, as the next person is using a patch/gum/pill.

Then you might find links to educate these folks.

Ultimately it is correct that it depends on your company and they hold the cards. You work for them. It is their property, so your attitude can play into how your response will be accepted or denied. Also correct, it depends on what you do and who you are in contact with. I also agree, is someone blew the siren on you who is likely a anti smoker.

Vaporize it!

 

[Nomoreash]

Unless you hold some clout at your job I would just let it go. HR has already responded and to take it further might get you a rep. You could try educating the powers that be on what they really are and that might get them to thinking but to keep questioning the policy probably isn't going to work.

Unlike cigs you can use them anyway and none would be wiser. Just take an extra bathroom break every now and then.

 

[cricket1176]

I think earthpig hit it on the nose!! I think that is exactly how I would respond if it were me.

 

[Valsacar]

You're right that there is very little you can do, it is their property and you have to follow their rules. What I would do in your case is try and compromise, explain that you have quit smoking and wish to stay smoke free. Therefore you ask for the policy to state electronic cigarettes cannot be used indoors (allowing free use outdoors, not just in the smoking area) or an area designated for vaping and not smoking. Not much else you can do, fighting against the policy completely will just cause a problem. Of course, you could always try to convert some high ranking smokers in your company and let them fight it

 

[Gordon Grape]

Keep in mind that anti-smoking types really don't care about your health or health in general. By anti-smoking types, I mean the fanatics that run around harassing people. You could provide medical evidence that vaping is beneficial to your health and they would still hate you for it.

The tell here is your HR people made clear it is not a health issue. They are "taking a stand on smoking" which means there's a fanatic in there somewhere. You'll never win with that type of person. Unless you don't need the job, the wise thing to so is drop it and thank them for their concern.

 

[wickedmama]

I've been taking my ecig to work for few weeks now and at first they didn't have a problem with it, but just the other day they sent out and email saying that ecigs will be considered cigarettes and can only be used in the designated smoking areas. Now, part of me says it's their right to do what they want, but at the same time, part of the reason I switched was to avoid the long walk to the shadeless smoking area throughout the summer.

I Emailed our HR lady and basically asked how/why they came to that conclusion. I explained that the vapor produced is essentially slightly flavored water vapor, akin to the steam that comes off the coffee thats constantly brewing in the break room. The response I got was that they have taken a "stance against cigarettes, not smoke" and it doesn't matter whether their electronic or not. So I'm tempted to reply and offer to call it a pv, since thats the proper name for it, and ecig is basically just a marketing term. But I have my doubts that they would even consider reconsidering their stance on the issue.

So I was just wondering if anybody has faced similar challenges, how you approached it and what the outcome was.

I just go in the bathroom at my job and vape away lol. So far I have not had any complaints

 

[MickeyRat]

Actually, I've never had a problem. I vape in my cube. Most people think it's pretty cool or at least they thought my smoking was pretty uncool. I've even been invited to do it in meetings. I just started doing it and I never asked anyone. This is a gray enough area that I won't get fired for not knowing. However, one time I mentioned to someone that I was sort of afraid to ask HR because if they said no, I'd then have to stop. I didn't know I said it within earshot of an HR person. The next thing I know, they are asking me what I needed to know about. I pulled out my PV, explained what it was, demonstrated it, and she said, "I don't see anything wrong with what you're doing. Try not to bother anyone with it and you're fine." So, I'm officially good now. My office, my rules, so I do it there. Anywhere else, I'll ask first. Most of the time the reaction is, "Why would I mind?"

 

[netbususer]

I agree that you should drop the matter entirely unless you hold a whole lot of clout. When HR said "We are taking a stance against cigarettes" it has become a moral issue, not one of health. So even if you brought in expert testimony from leading physicians around the world, you are not likely to be able to change their opinion. They see it as a crutch and don't want anything to do with it.

It is unfortunate, but sometimes that is just the way things are. =/ Best of luck!

 

[Brewlady]

CASAA's website has a lot of resources:

http://www.casaa.org/files/CASAA-Ecig-TriFold-Brochure.pdf

http://www.casaa.org/files/ECA The_Facts_About_Electronic_Cigarettes.pdf

I carry these brochures with me. You can also order ECF business cards to hand out to people who are interested in vaping. I can't vape at work, so I use liquid that isn't very fragrant, and just stealth vape at my desk.

 

[stillalive]

I agree with the people saying to let it go unless you're running the show. In this economy times are tough and it sounds like they've made their mind up. Just vape in the toilet and no one will be the wiser. You can even blow your vapor into your sleeve if you don't want plumes of vapor from vg if you're vg only. ^_^

 

[earthpig]

Brewlady
I should know this (since I am signed up w/CASAA) but is it ok to reprint and hand out the PDF's you supplied?
Thanks for them.

Pig

 

[scinsc]

I've been taking my ecig to work for few weeks now and at first they didn't have a problem with it, but just the other day they sent out and email saying that ecigs will be considered cigarettes and can only be used in the designated smoking areas. Now, part of me says it's their right to do what they want, but at the same time, part of the reason I switched was to avoid the long walk to the shadeless smoking area throughout the summer.

I Emailed our HR lady and basically asked how/why they came to that conclusion. I explained that the vapor produced is essentially slightly flavored water vapor, akin to the steam that comes off the coffee thats constantly brewing in the break room. The response I got was that they have taken a "stance against cigarettes, not smoke" and it doesn't matter whether their electronic or not. So I'm tempted to reply and offer to call it a pv, since thats the proper name for it, and ecig is basically just a marketing term. But I have my doubts that they would even consider reconsidering their stance on the issue.

So I was just wondering if anybody has faced similar challenges, how you approached it and what the outcome was.

Sorry to see that you work for pinheads but jobs are hard to come by these days and you have to bend to their dictates until you can find a better job. I agree that a smoking Nazi is behind this. What I find amazing about this is the statement,"stance against cigarettes, not smoke and it doesn't matter whether their electronic or not”. This is a splendid example that we are slowly winning the war. Is the only argument they have left the word “cigarette”? They are proving to us what needs to be done.. Eliminate the word cigarette. If we don’t the anti crowd will continue to use it like the Ace of Spades because they know how powerful that word is. One piece of advice don’t bring any Root Beer to the office.

 

[Andyhrn]

I just go in the bathroom at my job and vape away lol. So far I have not had any complaints

I do the same but got complains from smokers because we are not allowed to take a "smoke brake" or smoke on premises.