E-cigarette firehazard and explosion warning

Aberdeenshire Council staff will already be aware that the use of electronic cigarettes is not permitted on council property

. Following an alert from the Department of Health the charging of electronic cigarettes is not permissable on council property, including facilities and pool cars, due to the potential risk of fire or explosion.

Additionally, there is a potential risk of fire or explosion when using electronic cigarettes in an oxygen rich environment. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not affected by the charging issue.

As stated in the department of health’s warning: “

A number of incidents have been reported across the UK involving e-cigarettes that have exploded or ignited to cause a fire while recharging or in use in an oxygen rich environment. A number of different brands of e-cigarette have been implicated within these incidents.

“Incidents have occurred in premises and vehicles. Recharging modes included connection to a computer USB port, car cigarette lighter/accessory socket, and connection to a mains charger.”

“It is possible the devices do not have adequate over-charge safeguards. Some e-cigarettes may incorporate a high level of over-charge protection using fuses or intrinsically safe batteries for example. However, it is difficult to readily identify or distinguish these products from those with less protection or possibly no over-charge protection.