Vaping at work

[Divorcedalongtime]

So I just started working at this place and we are a small team working in very separate parts of a big building, my team stays a couple of hours longer than the other teams and one member, who is older and has been there a long time, sometimes vapes inside the building.
he does it somewhat sneakily so that by the time you can smell it he isn’t obviously doing it.
I am super new and haven’t confronted him.
I also am not entirely sure what company policy is but assume and hope it’s not allowed.
AIBU to just tell my manager?
or should I first tell him?

I really like this job but hate the smell of vapes and worry about breathing this in…

I also worry that I’m completely deluded about this and people find it perfectly acceptable to do everywhere…

If he doesn’t do it when the building is full of other people, then I’m betting the policy doesn’t allow it.
YANBU. It stinks. I would hate to be the one to bring it up as a new member of staff though.

Ask your manager what the policy is on vaping in the building. My office has a strict no vaping policy and signs up on the backs of toilet doors making it clear.

Vaping in buildings in the UK isn't illegal, the laws on tobacco haven't been updated to take account of vaping devices/reduced risk products so it's all very grey.

If the company policy or building rules are no vaping then you can raise the issue of your colleague vaping with your manager.

You should report him. It massively triggers my asthma and it's really not on to subject other people to it.

I wouldn’t do or say anything as a super new employee. Certainly not yet. If he’s not doing it anywhere near you then it really is just a lingering smell.
we have vehicles at work and a very strict no smoking policy. Some people still smoke in them. If there is ever a complaint ( very rarely) the complainer is never popular with either the smoker or the managers . The managers prefer to turn a blind eye, and don’t appreciate being forced into action .
don’t upset the apple cart until you’ve been there a bit longer , and got more of a feel for the place .

They shouldn't be doing it indoors. It can trigger the fire alarm.

No it can't! It's water vapour not smoke.

Have a word with him first and ask him if he minds vaping outside. Very childish to go straight to the manager.

Mine go off at home if I blow the vape cloud at them.

As a new employee I wouldn’t do a fucking thing, not gunna lie. Bad idea

I would have called management immediately. Vaping can trigger an allergic reaction and it would make it too dangerous for me to keep working.

Depends on the detection system.

And it’s not just water vapour, some include other things. If you can smell it - it’s not just water.

Check the policy first, which I hope does not allow vaping in a building.

@DRS1970 If you blow a large cloud of vape vapour into a fire alarm then it can go off because it can disrupt the light beam. It won’t go off otherwise. Water vapour isn’t smoke.

As a new member of staff I'd be very careful. You can casually ask what the policy is but I wouldn't name a long standing colleague.

I wouldn't say a word. New girl grassing on a long standing employee for something minor like this will not go well. It's not your responsibility, forget about it.

I wouldn’t consider that even close to risking falling out with a colleague over, especially as a new starter.

I would ignore.

Of course it can't! It isn't smoke!

I have to say that this wouldn't bother me. However, I grew up with two dyed in the wool smokers and think that anything is better than that!

@Oysterbabe
wouldn't say a word. New girl grassing on a long standing employee for something minor like this will not go well. It's not your responsibility, forget about it.

but it’s not minor though, it’s horrible and smelly and makes me feel sick. Ultimately it’s not something I can put up with indefinitely

If he’s not doing it in front of you and all there is is a bit of a lingering smell how is it different to someone using and air freshener or reed diffuser?

Vaping in buildings in the UK isn't illegal, the laws on tobacco haven't been updated to take account of vaping devices/reduced risk products so it's all very grey.

No, PHE very carefully looked at the evidence and concluded that there is no health justification for treating vaping in the same way as smoking and adding it to the smoke free laws.

Detailed guidance for employers to help them create policy here:

www.gov.uk/government/publications/use-of-e-cigarettes-in-public-places-and-workplaces

Those can also trigger life-threatening allergic reactions and do not belong in the workplace.

It would be a pretty unpopular, and petty, member of staff who complained though.

Should people be banned from wearing perfume as well?

Yes. You do realize some of us have actual diagnosed fragrance allergies. Hives, swelling tongues and lips, closing airwaves, dropping blood pressure. All from a bit of air freshener or perfume. We get workplace accommodations just like people with other disabilities.

Genuine question then.

What happens if someone in that awful situation wants to go to a shop, on a bus, to a restaurant, to church etc?

Can you just not go?

don’t be so bloody dramatic 🙄