Vapes may cost less than cigarettes but they're still a fire risk, and they still contain nicotine, which is highly addictive.
E-cigarettes or vapes need to be used safely and can't be sold to people under 18 years old.
Our top tips for safe use
- Buy e-cigarette devices from reputable retailers. Don’t buy counterfeit goods. Fire risks around vaping often come from counterfeit or faulty products.
- Follow the instructions for use carefully and pay close attention to any warnings supplied with the product.
- Always make sure that e-liquids are out of reach of children and pets.
- Never use vapes or e-cigarettes close to medical oxygen or where emollient creams or airflow mattresses are being used.
Batteries and charging
Lots of the risk around vaping and e-cigarettes is related to their batteries and how they’re charged, so:
- Only use the chargers that came with the device.
- Never leave e-cigarettes charging unattended or on overnight.
- Don’t leave items continuously on charge (after the charge cycle is complete).
- Do not cover batteries that are on charge, in case of overheating.
- Avoid storing, using, or charging batteries in extremes of high or low temperatures.
- Protect batteries against being damaged, crushed or punctured and don’t immerse in water.
- Never let your battery come into contact with metal items such as coins or keys in a pocket or bag, as this can cause a short circuit and explosion.
How to dispose of your vape or e-cigarette
Before you dispose of your vape, please make sure it’s finished. You can then dispose of it in one of the following locations:
- If you can remove the battery easily, take it out and dispose of the battery at your council’s local reuse and recycling centre or your local supermarket.
- If you can’t remove the battery easily, you can take the vape to the small electrical items area in your council’s local reuse and recycling centre, or your local vape shop might have a collection bin.
