It’s estimated that over 5million Brits use vapes, but many are unaware of the hidden dangers of using them.
As well as being bad for your health, they also pose other concerns, and people have been urged to be vigilant over Halloween and Bonfire Night. Over the next few days many of us will be heading to firework-related events.
But, even though it’s fun to celebrate the festivities, experts warn that vapers can run a fire safety risk. Due to the components of vapes, they can present a highly flammable risk when near flames.
There has also been a rise in counterfeit or faulty vaping products and these in particular can pose a fire risk. So, to ensure e-cigarette users take the right precautions this Bonfire Night, David Phillips, from Vape Superstore, has listed six ways you can remain safe from fire risks.
If you want to ensure you, and your family, stay safe during the festivites, it’s vital you follow the simple rules.
Store your vape safely
Ensure your vape is always in close proximity to yourself to protect from accidental fires. In conditions that are close to fire, it is recommended to keep your vape in a protective, fireproof case. It’s best not to store the vape in the same pocket as keys, coins or other metal objects, which can cause a short circuit. Where possible, aim to store it in the inner pocket of your jacket, away from direct heat.
Stay away from exposed flames
The heat from fire, fireworks or sparklers could accidentally ignite vapes, especially ones with lithium-ion batteries. Exposing a vape to high heat can also cause the battery to overheat or malfunction.
It’s best to handle your vape separately and never leave a vape near a heat source where it could catch fire from hot embers.
Ensure your vape is in good condition
Now is a good time to check if your vape is in good condition or is counterfeit. Inspect your device for any visible damage, especially to the battery or charging port. If it is damaged, avoid bringing the vape close to heat sources, as it could increase the risk of causing a fire.
Manufacturer-recommended batteries are best to use. Avoid using cheap, unregulated batteries, which pose a higher risk of malfunction due to them being prone to overheating and having a short circuit due to poor quality control.
Counterfeit vapes have also been known for batteries exploding so it’s important to inspect the vape for misspelled branding, missing safety labels, unusually low prices or unfamiliar packaging.
Be mindful of e-liquid leaks
Ensure that your vape isn’t leaking e-liquid. These liquids evaporate easily and can ignite if they come into contact with a heat source or open flame.
Charge your vape beforehand
Make sure your vape is fully charged beforehand. This is so that you can avoid charging your device at the bonfire or in your car, as these kinds of portable chargers in cold or wet conditions can lead to electrical issues, posing a higher risk of flammability.
Better still, unplug your vape as soon as it’s fully charged to prevent overheating or damaging the battery.
Properly dispose of disposable vapes
Disposable vapes are very popular but tend to be disposed of improperly. Never leave a disposable vape near a bonfire or any open flames as the built-in lithium-ion battery can explode when exposed to intense heat.
Instead, dissemble to remove any non-plastic waste and remove any residue before recycling each component. Don’t throw it into a regular general waste bin.
The topic has also been talked about widely online, as a video by a legal accident injury lawyer known as @_tigertalks went viral. He warned that vapes can “literally explode”, even though it’s rare.
In the clip, he said: “It happens because of faulty lithium ion batteries that are contained in every one of these products. Lithium iron batteries are made up of combustible chemicals, called irons, seperated by a thin porus film between the positive and negative electrode.
“If defective, this film seperating the chemicals might fail, allowing the chemicals to combine too quickly, and the rapid combination of chemicals causes heat, which builds pressure, which causes fires and explosions.”
Vapes can explode if the user doesn’t know enough about the batteries, if the batteries are not stored properly or exposed to sunlight or if the charger doesn’t fit properly. All sorts of things can cause them to overheat.