Vaping

Dropping a vape on a carpet, duvet or armchair won't start a fire, but there are still fire risks associated with e-cigarettes. The risks around vaping tend to come from counterfeit or faulty products, and poor charging practises, so take a look at our advice below.

Batteries

• 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.
• Store removable and spare batteries in a plastic case to prevent accidental contact. Store them out of reach of children.
• Don’t mix a battery from one supplier or product with a charger from another.
• Regularly inspect your vape batteries. If your battery is damaged in any way, leaking or not functioning properly, stop using it and replace it.
• Dispose of batteries carefully – your local authority should be able to advise on safe disposal

Charging

• Only use the charger that came with your vape. Never charge your vape with a phone, tablet or other charger.
• Don’t charge your vape overnight, or leave it charging anywhere without regularly checking on it.
• Unplug your vape once it’s fully charged. Don’t leave it charging for an extended period of time.
• Charge your vape on a clean, flat surface, away from anything that could easily catch fire, and somewhere you can clearly see it—not on a sofa or pillow where it is more prone to overheat or get switched on accidentally.

Buying the right equipment

• Only buy vape equipment and chargers new, from reputable sellers. Second hand or counterfeit equipment may be dangerous.
• Only use batteries recommended for your device. Not all batteries are suitable for vapes.
• Don't mix different brands of batteries, use batteries with different charge levels, or use old and new batteries together.
• Only buy batteries from reputable sellers. Beware cheap, re-wrapped or fake batteries.

Looking after your e-cigarette

• Make sure you read and understand the manufacturer's recommendations for use and care of your device. If your vape did not come with instructions or you have further questions, contact the manufacturer.
• Look for any safety markings or warnings displayed on the battery or packaging
• Protect your vape from extreme temperatures by not leaving it in direct sunlight or in your car on a freezing cold night. Prevent it from getting wet, or from impact damage.

Safety features

• Consider using vape devices with safety features, such as protection against over-charging, firing button locks and vent holes.
• Don't remove or disable safety features that are designed to prevent battery overheating and explosions.