Would any one get upset if a coworker smokes an E-Cig in the office. It is technically not banned because it is not tobaco.

2015-01-06T19:27:14-05:00

I my self am not effected by it. It doesn't smell, it doesn't linger and it does not distract me. I think he/she would be more efficient in the workplace if they did not have to go outside every 30 minutes. What's your opinion on E-CIGS in the workplace?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2015 7:48 PM

2015-01-06T19:48:19-05:00

All has to do with image. Soldiers, smoking anything detracts from a professional image. What if a civilian saw a bunch of service-members puffing on pipes, in an office, while in uniform?
It's much more acceptable for them to stand outside in a Charlie-Foxtrot formation smoking real cancer-sticks. Out of sight and out of mind.

This is a ridiculous policy.

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 7 at 2015 5:13 PM

2015-01-07T17:13:55-05:00

AF Tobacco Use AFI says it is a no-go

"2.1. The Air Force is committed to providing an environment that does not encourage or facilitate initiation or continued use of tobacco. The Air Force discourages the use of all tobacco products. Tobacco use damages personal health and detracts from unit mission readiness. Tobacco use by Airmen reflects poorly on professional image/appearance. Tobacco includes, but is not limited to, cigars, cigarettes, electronic-cigarettes (―e-cigarettes‖), stem pipes, water pipes, hookahs, and smokeless products that are chewed, dipped, or sniffed."

http://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/publication/afi40-102/afi40-102.pdf

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Jan 7 at 2015 5:31 PM

2015-01-07T17:31:25-05:00

Might as well allow hookahs too then by that logic.

Response by LTC David S. Chang, ChFC®, CLU® made Jan 7 at 2015 5:42 PM

2015-01-07T17:42:13-05:00

I am glad that new technology allows something like e-cigs where second hand smoke isn't a problem. The only concern I have is seeing people smoke even more than before because of it. right now e-cigs are allowed in our buildings so people use it constantly whereas before it was more difficult to smoke and hence they smoked less.

I am hoping that they don't get ill because of it and worried about their health! Hopefully they can creating something that doesn't damage the lungs!

Response by Cpl Anthony Pearson made Jan 7 at 2015 6:06 PM

2015-01-07T18:06:24-05:00

I wouldn't care at all. That said, they DO give off a fragrance. Most of the ones I smelled are great, but not everyone will agree.

I suppose it is a bad idea to allow it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 6:21 PM

2015-01-07T18:21:31-05:00

A person is not allowed to do smokeless tobacco in the office so I see E-cigs the same way. And they shouldn't be going outside every 30 minutes. Your cigarette break is your two ten minute and 30/60 lunch hour breaks.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 7:06 PM

2015-01-07T19:06:42-05:00

In the pre-implementation slide deck for AR/DA PAM 670-1 it stated that e-cigs were considered the exact same as cigarettes, but it must not have made it into the pub, as I cannot find it. But I agree with SFC Crouch as the FDA consideres them tobacco products and therefore should not be allowed in governmemt buildings.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 8:20 PM

2015-01-07T20:20:52-05:00

A recent student in my school is no longer a student due to e-cigs. He was smoking one in the classroom on a class break. the class proctor entered the room, as the student inhaled he yelled "ARE YOU SMOKING IN MY CLASSROOM!" and immediately got inches from the face of the now parade rest student, who had the vapor in his lungs, and his mouth clenched shut. before too long the Proctor demanded in the expected tone that the student answer. when the student answered, the vapor exited his lungs with his speech, effectively blowing the vapor into the face of the proctor.

What do you think happened after that?

So, get command approval in policy would be my advice. otherwise keep it in the smoking area.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 7 at 2015 10:57 PM

2015-01-07T22:57:06-05:00

Since you asked my opinion, then here it is: I don't feel that allowing e-cigs in the workplace makes a person more efficient. No one should be taking a break every 30 min FOR ANY REASON.
Professionally, it's just an inappropriate and offensive to smoke an e-cig in a building as it is to be chewing tobacco in a building.

*Note* I do not use nor do I support the use of tobacco products in any form.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 12:24 AM

2015-01-08T00:24:12-05:00

I don't know what units you guys are in I've been in combat arms units units that are extremely tight ass but all of them allowed the joes to take a smoke break every hour or when ever the moment arises. Of course if your extremely busy then you gotta take care of business.... That's the key! Taking care of business... If the joes are not doing that they get no slack. If you get down to the meat and potatoes of it... If you treat your joes like big boys and girls they will act like big boys and girls... I know I'm getting off topic.. But when I was a young Joe I had leaders and senior leaders who automatically treat their joes like little kids and I promised my self I would do it differently. And I have to say it really works and boosts moral and work efficiency. Maybe these guys got treated bad too and the went the opposite route and repeated their personal history. Just my opinion. As for ciggs and e ciggs.. The best answer I have seen has been its up to the commanders discretion. No one can produce an actual policy or memorandum, because there is none.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 12:26 AM

2015-01-08T00:26:48-05:00

This is the definition of smokeless tobacco. Not e ciggs. The contain NO TOBACCO!!!

Response by A1C Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 8:00 AM

2015-01-08T08:00:13-05:00

E cig's are NOT water vapors. The white vapor is glycerin and glycerol being heated up and becoming a gas. Although they are not harmful, the added chemicals for flavoring and nicotine are.

Response by PO2 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 8:20 AM

2015-01-08T08:20:25-05:00

They don't belong in a government office. I was considered a very heavy smoker and even I didn't need one every 30 minutes. (I've long since quit) That sounds like skating to me. Next, the e-cigs claim it is just water vapor being exhaled, but if you are inhaling anything other that water vapor, you are exhaling that too. Finally, they do produce an odor and it shouldn't matter whether it is pleasing or not. I like the smell of pipe tobacco and marine diesel (smells like adventure), but I'm not going to waft it around the office out of respect of my coworkers who may or may not like it.
In summery, your workers don't have enough to do, don't believe the claims of a nicotine product manufacturer, and don't stink up the office.

Response by PO2 Corey Ferretti made Jan 8 at 2015 8:37 AM

2015-01-08T08:37:26-05:00

No it should not be allowed along with a smoker going out every 30 min for a smoke break. that sounds like a non productive person. I have seen people smoke them in the work place when they first came out it looks unproffesional. Go outside they are no better then regular smokers.

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Jan 8 at 2015 9:28 AM

2015-01-08T09:28:12-05:00

I am not a smoker - but I have a lot of friends that do smoke both reg cigs and e cigs. they are both not healthy and both are still addictive. I also think that smoking detracts from the image of the professional in uniform similar to smokeless tobacco and seeing a professional spit or spit in a cup.

here is something to think about:

With e-cigs do you still have to give 15 minute breaks? if not then you get more production from the person smoking in their cubicle. There is no smoke smell and no second hand smoke no nasty ashtrays, cig butts on the floor.

Response by SSgt Mark Barrett made Jan 8 at 2015 10:42 AM

2015-01-08T10:42:11-05:00

Not sure about actual branch regulations, but most Air Force units I've been in since E-Cigs were a thing have specifically banned them outside of designated smoking areas...tobacco or not. The same rule also applies to chewing tobacco/dip/etc. Outside of "designated tobacco use areas", not of that stuff is allowed.

Response by CSM David Heidke made Jan 8 at 2015 11:53 AM

2015-01-08T11:53:30-05:00

you cant smoke 'em on a plane... You can't smoke 'em in my office.

Response by SSG Tim Everett made Jan 8 at 2015 11:49 AM

2015-01-08T11:49:58-05:00

Professional image. That's why I'd tell them to cut it out.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2015 12:49 PM

2015-01-08T12:49:28-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, it is banned because it contains nicotine produced from tobacco plants. Army regulation is clear on this, and it has been for several years. See the text from the regulation below. Additionally, some posts have policies that reiterate 600-63.

Would I get upset by its use in the office? On a personal note, I wouldn't get upset because 1) I've seen leaders violate other regulations and have gotten used to it, 2) e-cigs make the room smell good, and 3) I use an e-cig myself.

----------------------------
From AR 600-63:

7–2. Guidance for controlling tobacco use in DA controlled areas
a. Using tobacco products (to include cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, smokeless tobacco, inhaled tobacco, and all other tobacco products designed for human consumption) harms readiness by impairing physical fitness and by increasing illness, absenteeism, premature death, and health care costs. Readiness will be enhanced by promoting the standard of a
tobacco-free environment that supports abstinence from, and discourages the use of any tobacco product.
b. Full cooperation of all commanders, supervisors, Soldiers, and Army civilians is expected to ensure people are protected from the harmful effects of tobacco products.
c. All organizational elements (Active Army and Reserve Components; appropriated and nonappropriated fund civilian personnel) that occupy space in or on conveyances, offices, buildings, or facilities over which DA has custody and control will comply with Army policy and guidance. This includes space assigned to the Army by the General Services Administration or space contracted from other sources.
d. This policy does not cancel or supersede other instructions that control the use of tobacco products because of fire, explosion, or other safety considerations.

7–3. Policy for controlling tobacco use
a. Tobacco use is prohibited in all DA-occupied workplaces except for designated smoking areas, as authorized by DODI 1010.15, Smoke-Free DOD Facilities. The workplace includes any area inside a building or facility over which DA has custody and control, and where work is performed by military personnel, civilians, or persons under contract to
the Army.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Jan 8 at 2015 2:08 PM

2015-01-08T14:08:54-05:00

SPC Mark Hurt, it would be my preference for the person to take it outside the workplace.

Response by SFC Walter Mack made Jan 8 at 2015 8:15 PM

2015-01-08T20:15:30-05:00

It recently came out that these things have harmful chemicals in them, just like cigarettes. So much for the water vapor BS. Imagine that...

Response by SFC Royce Williams made Jan 9 at 2015 7:33 AM

2015-01-09T07:33:57-05:00

I currently "vape" in my office but that is because I'm a civilian and I have the permission of my boss. He knows I am doing it to help quite smoking an since I work at a natural gas facility it is much safer for me to use my e-cig than to go outside and have a smoke. Now if I was still a Platoon Sergeant I would have my Soldiers go outside. No one should be forced to have to deal with the vapors from someone else. No matter if they are e-cig vapors, cigerette smoke, or especialy spit cups.

Response by 1SG Rich Martinez made Jan 10 at 2015 12:43 AM

2015-01-10T00:43:34-05:00

They do smell and they blow out a lot of smoke that people like to call vapor. Its disgusting and should not be allowed in the workplace. Your at work to work not suck on stuff!!!

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-01-10T08:32:07-05:00

Personally I could care less. Professionally however, no way.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 10 at 2015 3:33 PM

2015-01-10T15:33:18-05:00

Reality is irrelevant; Perception is everything.

Response by SFC Ian Lumgair made Jan 11 at 2015 12:52 PM

2015-01-11T12:52:04-05:00

I could care less in fact we need to get ride of these stupid policies all together. Statistically they have not helped lower heart disease, cancer or anything else that they have pointed to in fact since this began all those bans have taken place there has been a significant increase in diabetes, blood high pressure, obesity, and heart disease, within the military. So how it it that this is terrible they use e-cigs? its not I say bring it back all of it back cigars cigarets chewing tobacco all of it.

Response by SFC Ian Lumgair made Jan 19 at 2015 8:32 AM

2015-01-19T08:32:38-05:00

Are we forgetting about whom we are talking about here Soldiers Airmen Seamen and Marines by definition they are adults. who cares weather they use E-cigs in doors or not it does not effect anything that you are doing. This is funny I keep hearing the same things that the talking heads keep saying. E-cigs/ Tobacco causes, heart disease, cancer blaa blaa blaa. Well lets take a look at the facts the rate of diagnosed cancer in the military has remained stagnate, while the diagnosed cases of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and best of all obesity has sky rocketed. Statistically there has been only a slight drop in lung Cancer of 12 out of a 1000 to 10.9 out of 1000 and that is most likely do to application of OCA standards in the work place. all other cancers there has been a .5% growth in frequency. If you want to point your judgmental finger in the direction of tobacco as the sin of what is wrong in the military then you are sadly mistaken. If you are worried about work place efficiency that is a matter of you not managing your troops. that's your fault not Taboccos. by they way I keep seeing the term Unprofessional thrown about I will just leave this here for you to veiw.