If you are reading this, you've probably made the switch from smoking or are considering it. In any case, it is a positive step for your health. In the case of cigarettes, you only needed to keep your pack in a dry place. With electronic cigarettes, you need to take care of a few more things, as there are electronics and fluids involved. While vaping is 95% less harmful than smoking, you need to practice more caution with vaping devices.
In this guide, we provide the essential safety tips for vaping to make the most of it as a quit-smoking tool. It all starts with buying only from reputable brands and keeping an eye on the subtle signs your vape kit might be showing, so you can repair or replace it in time and vape safely.
Buy From Trusted Vape Retailers
You can never be sure of the safety of a vaping device unless you buy from a responsible online vape shop stocking products from reputable vaping brands. This is your first line of defence. Here in the UK, nicotine vaping products are subject to stringent regulations for safety and quality. Every vape kit and e-liquid sold here must first be notified to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). You can check for yourself the authenticity of your vape or e-liquid through their ECIG Notification Portal. Here is what to keep in mind when shopping for a vape kit:
- Only Buy from Trusted Sellers: Try and shop from a specialist vape shop, a well-known pharmacy, or a trusted UK-based online retailer. These only carry products that comply with UK safety regulations.
- Look for Trusted Brands: There are a few brands known for the high quality of their kits. Stick to these. Big names like Vaporesso, Geekvape, and Innokin have built a stellar reputation, and their kits are generally safe to use and adhere to the vaping rules and regulations of the jurisdiction they are sold in.
Use Your Vape Battery with Care
After you have bought a kit, it is really important to treat its battery with due care, especially if it is a powerful one. Most vapes come with integrated lithium-ion batteries and are perfectly safe when treated properly. Below are a few tips to ensure that your vape battery lasts longer without any problems.
Use the Right Charger:
When you buy rechargeable vapes, always use the cable provided with your vape kit. If it does not come with one, then use a manufacturer-approved or a high-quality replacement.
Charge on A Flat Surface:
It is never a good idea to charge your vape on a bed or sofa, as it can overheat easily. Place it on a clean and hard surface and never leave it charging overnight.
Mind the Extremes:
Don't leave your device in direct sunlight or in a hot car. Similarly, try and avoid using or charging it in freezing conditions. The reason is that extreme temperatures stress the battery and can be dangerous.
Look for Signs:
If your device gets abnormally hot during use or charging, or if its casing appears swollen or damaged, stop using it immediately. These are warning signs of a failing battery. Dispose of it properly if it indeed is at the end of its life. By keeping these points in mind and practising basic vape maintenance, you can get more out of your vape kit and keep it going for longer.
Handle E-Liquids Properly
After the battery, the e-liquid inside your vape requires the most attention when it comes to safety. Vape juice sold in the UK cannot exceed 20mg/ml in nicotine strength. Bottle sizes are limited to 10ml for nicotine-containing liquids (check our UK vape regulations explained guide). So, always keep these regulations in mind when purchasing e-liquids.
Check the Label:
All legitimate products will have clear labelling, with a list of ingredients, nicotine strength and the mandatory health warnings. See if the e-liquid bottle is child-resistant and tamper-evident.
Store Safely:
Keep all your e-liquid supplies, especially nicotine-containing ones, stored away from children and pets.
Avoid Mixing E-liquid Yourself:
Making your own e-liquid might seem appealing. Leave it to the pos if you don’t know what you are doing. It's easy to make serious errors in nicotine measurement, so buy professionally mixed, MHRA-notified e-liquids from established brands.
Maintain Your Vape Kit
With battery and e-liquid taken care of, all that is left to do to vape safely is maintain your vaping device. It will not only prevent common problems but also extend the lifespan of your kit.
Prevent Leaks:
Ensure the pod or tank is properly inserted and that any rubber sealing bungs are fully closed after refilling. Wipe away any condensation or minor e-liquid residue from the device's contact points regularly.
Know When to Change the Coil:
A burnt-out coil doesn't just taste awful; "dry puffing" on an overused coil can produce harsh, undesirable chemicals. Change your coil when the flavour diminishes or tastes burnt.
Travel Smart:
When you are flying, you must carry your vape device in your hand luggage. The changes in pressure in the cargo hold can cause batteries to malfunction. Remove the pod or tank, as e-liquid may leak during the flight.
Use Vaping as a Smoking Cessation Tool
All these practical tips are grounded in one fundamental principle: vaping is a tool for smokers. So, are vapes bad for you? The NHS states it clearly: vaping is not risk-free, but it poses "a small fraction of the risks of smoking".
- For Non-Smokers, Especially the Young: The message is unequivocal. If you do not smoke, do not start vaping. Nicotine is highly addictive, and adolescent brains are particularly vulnerable to its effects.
- Aim for Complete Switching: The greatest health benefit comes from quitting smoking altogether. Using both cigarettes and vapes (dual use) does not offer the same risk reduction and may even expose you to a more complex mix of toxins. The goal is to transition completely.
Shop Quality Vape Kits
Ultimately, safe vaping is about making informed choices and adopting sensible habits. It starts with buying quality, regulated products from an online vape store in the UK that you trust. It continues with taking basic care of your device, particularly its battery, and using it as intended. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your vaping experience is as satisfying and trouble-free as possible. Your health is worth that bit of extra attention.
