Here's the kind of crap we're up against here..

[nuclearbroccoli]

So, a few weeks ago, I decided that I wanted to make the switch to e-cigs. In preparation for the change, I decided to ask my store manager (I won't name names here, but let's just say that it's a large Canadian grocery chain) what the company's policy regarding e-cigs was.
I was clear that whatever the policy was, I would follow it, and I would not use it in view of the customers.
After inquiring with HR, the answer I got back was that it contravened Calgary's smoking bylaws, so I had to vape outside.

Now, I don't blame my manager, and I don't object to having to vape outside if that is the official company policy. However....
Their claim that it contravenes the smoking bylaw is a pile of crap. Here's the bylaw: http://calgary.ca/CA/City-Clerks/Documents/Legislative-services/Bylaws/57m92-Smoking.pdf
This document only mentions a "lit cigarette, cigar or pipe, or burning tobacco".
An e-cig is none of these, and does not violate the bylaw in any way whatsoever.
If my company had just said that they didn't want to allow it on the basis that they wanted a consistent policy regarding all smoking and similar devices, then I would have been disappointed, but ok with it.
Instead, this is the most ill-informed answer they could have given me, and a good indication of the work that needs to be done if e-cigs are ever going to be accepted by the general public.

 

[IanK1968]

its not about being informed, its about misinformation leading to half truths and whole lies

 

[nuclearbroccoli]

its not about being informed, its about misinformation leading to half truths and whole lies

You might have a point there.
My suspicion though, is that they didn't really bother looking into either the bylaw or even how an e-cig works. It was just easier to ban it entirely and blame the bylaw rather than make an informed decision on the subject. Unfortunately, I doubt that my company will be the only one.
If people are going to treat vapers like they treat smokers - by shoving them outside around the sides of buildings, how in the world is vaping going to get the treatment it deserves?
I'm guess I'm just disappointed in their approach.

 

[feverrave]

what type of job do you have? are you supervised all the time?
if your vaping fruity flavours or drink (non tobacco)
they wouldn't notice if you kept it on the d L

example--- find a nice pg, that doesnt produce much vapor , and when you have a chance do it anyways!

tell them it's your inhaler

that is... if you didnt tell them about it
but hey, it could still work.

its going to be a bi *** in the winter if you have to go outside all the time.

 

[cactusgirl]

If I were you, I would approach them once again with bylaw in hand, and go through it with them. Ask them to help you see where vaping contravene's the smoking by-law - tell them that you are trying to understand their position clearly.

 

[IanK1968]

If I were you, I would approach them once again with bylaw in hand, and go through it with them. Ask them to help you see where vaping contravene's the smoking by-law - tell them that you are trying to understand their position clearly.

The only thing about that is, they may feel you are questioning their authority and feel you are attacking them. They may go into defense mode and shut down listening. I hope this doesnt happen, and hope I am completely wrong, but expect it. I dont have an opinion on how to approach them, but I hope whichever way you do it works out to your benefit, good luck Nuclear and please let us know how it turns out.

 

[Switched]

You might have a point there.
My suspicion though, is that they didn't really bother looking into either the bylaw or even how an e-cig works. It was just easier to ban it entirely and blame the bylaw rather than make an informed decision on the subject. Unfortunately, I doubt that my company will be the only one.
If people are going to treat vapers like they treat smokers - by shoving them outside around the sides of buildings, how in the world is vaping going to get the treatment it deserves?
I'm guess I'm just disappointed in their approach.

... and that is about the size of it. For some time now it is no longer about smoking it is about smokers, that is the battle we face.

 

[akira712]

You should tell them that you are using a nicorette inhaler and see there disposition on that.

 

[kingcobra]

The problem here IMO anyway is that you assumed it could be a problem, and asking someone who is obviously ignorant on the issue is likely to be met with what you got, which is an idiotic answer. I feel that it is absolutely ridiculous to compare vaping with smoking and therefore there is no good reason whatsoever for someone to not allow it. The best approach though is to just do it and don't assume people will object, and then at least you're not seeking out disapproval. I wonder if they want you to go outside to use an asthma inhaler as well.

I guess this can come down to asking whether you can use an electronic cigarette and then people will think, cigarette, smoking, no, go outside. With these discussions there is one person, yourself, with a clue and someone else without one.

I've yet to run into any issues with vaping but I've also have yet to ask or care if anyone objects. If they do well they are just misinformed.

 

[x-smok3]

I asked my boss too and I did not get as far as you did. No research and no discussion, just a quick no. I am fortunate enough to have a home office so I don't go in that often (probably not practical for a grocery store emp :/). When I do go in I stealth vape once in a while, go outside, or take a "bathroom break".

 

[Kams Cats]

The moment they heard cigarette they shut you down. They just don't know the difference between the two. I have people see me with mine and they swear up and down the vaper is smoke. Just has to be..

I work two jobs. the one place is fine with it. The other place was fine with it until the office manager decided it might give her a migraine to smell the vaper. She is one of those people who get migraines whenever she decides she doesn't like something.

 

[Anaconda]

I work in a contact center, with 300 + fellow employees. About 1 year ago, all was fine, at that time there were aprox 5 people using the e-cig. It was discrete and no one said boo. We work in a scent reduced enviroment, so I was suprised no one was saying anything, even though it has very little smell some are very noticable, like french toast or banana nut bread.... anyway, coming off the elevator a Vaper let out a huge plume to show off to some people in the elevator. The door opened with a cloud of vapour and the Senior director with a few other big wigs were waiting to get on.... that was the end of vaping in the center... of course I got on the wagon a little late.

The end verdict as to why.... it was making fellow smokers, who can't smoke at thier desk have cravings, and were forced to wait until break before they could have one.... I don't believe it, but that's how the story goes...

I say... what the hell, an analog smoker should be more motivated to get an e-cig and enjoy it at their desk... and the best part, live a longer healthier lifestyle, and have the extra $$$$ in thier wallet... just my 2 cents.

 

[Anaconda]

Now I help as many people at work, and every other person who asks me about it, get off the Analogs... hands down, vaping will save your life, and let you enjoy it as well.

 

[Netter]

Really, If the companies realized the value of allowing vapers to vape at their work stations I think they would change their minds...
Think about productivity.
How many breaks does a smoker take compared to a non smoker or vaper?

 

[terranq]

I have to agree. I work in a call center, and I asked my manager if I could vape at my desk. Our health dept said they couldn't condone it. So instead of vaping at my desk, I take a five min "bathroom" break every hour or so

 

[kanadiankat]

If I were you, I would approach them once again with bylaw in hand, and go through it with them. Ask them to help you see where vaping contravene's the smoking by-law - tell them that you are trying to understand their position clearly.

That's good advice.

Might also help if you bring your PV with you - allow the manager to hold it - try it out, etc. You can give a demo and show all the parts and pieces.

Chances are the manager just doesn't understand what an ecig is - he/she heard the word "cig" and assumed.

 

[Pipeous]

it's all in presentation and providing proper information. I have never been refused vaping anywhere. that said I wouldn't vape in an elevator or places like that. you have to be respectful adults. playing the na na na na role is a sure fire way to get someone mad. I tend to go right to the big cheese right away and explain what it's about and why. I do call it a pacifier at times which usually makes them laugh but a little sincerity goes a long way.

 

[Danesnpits]

You should tell them that you are using a nicorette inhaler and see there disposition on that.

Get the one from london drugs! They sell it there as a smoking cessation product. I highly doubt they would question a london drug pharmacist!

 

[mopar]

When I first saw an e-cig a guy at my work had one and vaped around, then got fired. He was not fired for "vaping" but it was new and foreign and was asked by the owner not to do it. He kept doing it and was let go 2 days after asked not to. There was no other reason to fire him I'd worked with him for over a year. HR kept records like Hoover so anytime they wanted to dump someone they just used what ever ammo they had built up on them to avoid being sued. Enjoyed quitting that job