E-cigarettes

The number of people using electronic cigarettes has increased dramatically in recent years. This rise has also seen an increase in safety concerns.

Worries about possible health implications aside, there have been a number of reported incidents involving e-cigarette chargers, where e-cigarettes have exploded after being charged incorrectly.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is urging people who use e-cigarettes to make sure they follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when it comes to charging them.

KFRS Community Safety Manager, Charlie Smith has this advice: "If you are trying to quit smoking and you're using an e-cigarette to help you, please make sure you know how to charge it safely. You might save a few pounds if you buy cheap or incompatible chargers but is it really worth putting your family or home at risk? If your e-cigarette doesn't come with a charger, please don't assume that your USB cables can be transferred between devices. Chargers for mobile phones are often more powerful, so can overheat.

Charlie also added: “We would always recommend your property has smoke alarms installed and that they are regularly maintained and checked.”

Please follow these safety tips when charging e-cigarettes:

• check your smoke alarm every week
• only use the charger supplied with your e-cigarette
• if no charger is supplied check with the manufacturer for a list of approved chargers
• read the instructions on how to clean the battery centre pin and charger contact
• stop charging once it has been fully charged
• don’t leave it charging overnight, unattended or charging on flammable surfaces such as a bed or sofa
• don’t over-tighten the battery – especially when charging

For advice and to report issues contact the national Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or visit the Kent Trading Standards web page for more information.