Public Health England Launch Guidelines to Employers on the Use of E-Cigarettes
Alan Kitto
A recent article in IOSH's magazine has said that Employers can endorse the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) in helping smokers give up the habit according to new advice from the UK government health improvement agency Public Health England (PHE). The advice is contained in new PHE guidance on the use of e-cigarettes in the workplace and is qualified by the caution that employers should avoid any action that encourages non-smokers to take up vaping.
PHE have published a 5-Point Guide to Policy Making in relation to E-Cigarettes in public places that says:
1. Make a clear distinction between vaping and smoking
E-cigarette use does not meet the legal or clinical definitions of smoking. Furthermore, international peer-reviewed evidence suggests that e-cigarettes carry a fraction of the risk of cigarettes and have the potential to help drive down smoking rates, denormalise smoking and improve public health. So policies need to be clear on the differences between vaping and smoking.
2. Ensure policies are based on evidence of harm to bystanders
The evidence of harm from secondhand smoke is conclusive and provides the basis for UK smoke-free laws. In contrast, international peer-reviewed evidence indicates that the risk to the health of bystanders from secondhand e-cigarette vapour is extremely low and insufficient to justify prohibiting e-cigarettes. This evidence should inform risk assessments.
3. Identify and manage risks of uptake by children and young people
E-cigarette use is not recommended for young people and this is reflected in the UK’s age of sale and advertising restrictions. However, because adult smokers use e-cigarettes to quit smoking and stay smokefree, the products can help reduce children’s and young people’s exposure to secondhand smoke and smoking role models. In developing policies for child and youth settings, guarding against potential youth uptake should be balanced with fostering an environment where it is easier for adults not to smoke.
4. Support smokers to stop smoking and stay smokefree
E-cigarettes are used almost exclusively by smokers and ex-smokers and are now the most popular stop-smoking aid in England. To help smokers to stop smoking and stay smokefree, a more enabling approach to vaping may be appropriate to make it an easier choice than smoking. In particular, vapers should not be required to use the same space as smokers, as this could undermine their ability to quit and stay smoke-free.
5. Support compliance with smokefree law and policies
Maintain and support compliance with smokefree requirements by emphasising a clear distinction between smoking and vaping. Indicate accurately where vaping is permitted or prohibited, and communicate the policy clearly to everyone it affects.
Our Advice ...
We're advising the companies we support to try to provide an alternative location to use e-cigarettes if only to ensure that those using e-cigarettes to give up don't have to be exposed to cigarette smoke.