Surely this shouldn’t be allowed in an office?

[Haaaalp]

I started a new job on Monday and the man in the desk next to me is sitting here vaping. It stinks and has given me headaches.

I am not the most senior but relatively senior and I feel if I say something (he’s not as senior as me), then it looks like I’m coming in and making a fuss.

I am quite fearful of cigarette smoke and I don’t really drink much so I don’t know if I’m making a mountain out of a molehill. Nobody else seems bothered though there’s only 4 others.

I wouldn't put up with that!

That is GRIM
it shouldn’t be allowed
where do you work?

What are the managers rules around vaping in the office, can you move desks.

Say something. It should be banned no question. Don't assume the others are not bothered because they are silent.

That is unreal!

I would definitely be saying something. Vaping is disgusting, the sickly sweet smell makes me gag 🤮

Your company must have a policy about this - find out what it is. If vaping isn’t allowed, he needs to stop. And if it is, then you need to do something about getting the rules changed. It really isn’t OK for people to inflict their vapes on others - it’s bad enough in the street!

Vaping is banned in the entire building that I work in, not just the office.

I've had this quite a bit in construction roles that I've had and nobody ever asks if its okay to do, they just do it. It does bother me as I hate the sickly sweet smells from vapes and the clouds of 'smoke'.

I used to be a smoker and paperwork myself until about nine years ago when I gave up both.

Thanks, I thought I was right but I am quite conscious of things like this so was worried I was being over the top.

It’s a small office but I’m paid pretty well and the business does well. I’m honestly amazed it’s allowed to happen!!!

it turns out that two others apparently vape inside too so thats going to make it more awkward for me to raise.

Does anyone know if it’s actually harmful to breath in passively?

I’d check on the rules for your office, although if it is allowed I suspect they won’t change it for you.

It’s not allowed in our office but I know it is where my husband works. I actually don’t have an issue with vaping in general and it doesn’t massively bother me people vaping in the streets but the smell when you’re indoors and they are right beside you is really strong.

What does not drinking and being fearful of cigarette smoke have to do with this guy vaping in the office??

Get him told OP.

You shouldn't have to put up with it.

@Jellybunny56 i assumed it would be in some sort of employment law that it wasn’t allowed. I’m really surprised!

Fucking hell that sounds unreal. I would check the company policies and tread carefully. They obviously have to stop because it’s putting your health and safety at risk, but I would be careful about how you approach it.

Vaping nowadays counts as smoking where policies are concerned. I’d be amazed if your workplace, or the landlord of the office hasn’t got a vaping ban in place.

This is outrageous - where I work it’s treated the same as cigarettes- ie you do it outside!

I’m really worried as it’s a new job.

My manager doesn’t do it and I think would understand where I was coming from. But nobody wants to isolate themselves from the whole office do they!!

@FaceBothered just that I might be being dramatic about it!

It's certainly not going to be as healthy as breathing in fresh air now, is it?

Get it sorted now at the start

Surely it's illegal, go to HR

You are not being dramatic. I vape but wouldn't dream of doing it in an office.

He needs to go outside.

Most workplaces have changed their smoking policies to incorporate the banning of vaping on the premises. What does yours say?

I don't know why the stuff has to smell. My dh vapes and it doesn't smell nor does it have clouds of smoke/steam whatever it is. The only time i know he's doing it is because the bloody thing clicks every time he uses it.
I don't know what you can do without pissing them all off but good luck.

I vape (I know it's bad and want to stop) and I wouldn't dream of doing this. I wouldn't even do it in the street next to someone else.