Queensland’s tightening of tobacco laws and inquiry into vaping have already started to impact the dangerous goods storage industry, with our Consultants fielding enquiries about the safe storage for vapes.
Due to the lithium-ion batteries contained in re-usable vaping products, there is the risk of chemical leaks, lithium battery fires and explosions.
Tightening Laws on Tobacco and other Smoking Products
This year, the Queensland Government has tightened laws that aim to further control the sale and usage of tobacco and other smoking products, including electronic cigarettes.
Vapes are considered smoking products under Queensland law, whether they contain nicotine or not. Therefore, vapes – otherwise known as electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes - are regulated by the Tobacco and Other Smoking Products Act of 1998.
Tobacco and vaping laws are changing due to health concerns for users and those around them.
Illicit Tobacco Products
In advice to retailers, the Queensland Government has stated that many products are now banned, and therefore can’t be sold in stores.
For example, retailer can’t sell a range of ‘illilcit tobacco’ items, including (but not limited to):
- nicotine vaping products (unless on prescription, dispensed by a pharmacy)
- things that resemble tobacco products
- confectionary or fruit flavoured cigarettes
- smokeless tobacco
- smoking products that do not meet plain packaging and health warning requirements or other requirements prescribed by State regulation (illicit tobacco).
Vaping Laws Qld
From this year, the Queensland Government will be further regulating the laws that relate to tobacco and tobacco products.
The Queensland Government website states that:
Phase 1 – From 2 June 2023
- Retail supply or possession of illicit tobacco is an offence.
- Parents and guardians cannot legally supply smoking products to children.
- New controls on retail advertising and display of smoking products.
Phase 2 – From 1 September 2023
- New smoke-free buffers apply at outdoor eating and drinking places.
- Outdoor markets will become smoke-free places.
- All school carparks are required to be smoke-free.
- Under 18 organised outdoor recreational events must be smoke-free.
Phase 3 - From 1 July 2024
- Smoke-free restrictions at pubs and clubs will be extended.
- Children cannot remain in a smoking area at a liquor licensed venue.
Phase 4 – From 1 September 2024
- Retailers and wholesalers of smoking products must have an approved licence.
- Tobacco vending machines must be in staff-only areas at liquor licensed premises.
- Children must not be employed to supply or handle smoking products.
- Small business with less than 20 staff have until 1 September 2025 to comply with this requirement.
Vaping Inquiry
However, the Queensland Government’s inquiry into vaping may produce evidence that further tightens smoking and vaping laws.
At a national meeting earlier this year, Australia’s Health Ministers took steps to create a national ‘e-cigarette Working Group.’
This group will aim to review and advise on measures that will protect young people from the possible dangers associated with vaping.
The Queensland vaping inquiry is part of that national strategy, with the state’s government focusing on the statistics related to vape use, particularly in the younger demographics.
The Parliamentary Inquiry on vaping will examine issues including:
- The prevalence of vapes and e-cigarette use, particularly among young people
- Risks associated with vaping harmful chemicals
- Awareness of the harmful effects of vaping to health
The enquiry in Queensland will be looking at the statistics related to vaping, particularly among young people.
Health Concerns with Vaping
While originally thought to be a therapeutic aid to assist with quitting, vaping has now raised concerns about the chemicals contained in vapes.
“Although many vaping products are marketed as being nicotine free, we know that’s not always the case,” stated Queensland Health Minister, Yvette D’Ath, earlier this year.
“And e-cigarettes can contain other chemicals like chemicals found in nail polish remover. Queenslander should know what they’re putting into their bodies and as a government, we need to know the best way address vaping. It’s important people understand the long-term health risks that may be associated with this relatively new trend.”
The Queensland committee is expected to report back with their findings on vaping by August 31, 2023.
“Vapes contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde which they use in cleaning products, glue - and mortuaries! NOT somewhere you want to end up prematurely.”
Other Safety Concerns with Vapes
The primary concern with vaping in Queensland is its impact on health and the culture of acceptance, particularly with Queensland youth.
However, there are further concerns with vapes, including:
- Leaking of liquid refill
- No child safety measures
- Contains potentially toxic chemicals
- Incorrect or inconsistent labelling
- Potential for Lithium-ion battery fires
How Does a Vape Catch Fire?
A vape, or e-cigarette, can create a fire hazard if the battery malfunctions, is exposed to damage or extreme heat.
Just like any lithium-ion battery, these vapes are powered by a battery type that poses a particular fire risk.
There are any incidents of e-cigarettes exploding on unsuspecting users.
FIA, the Fire Industry Association in the United Kingdom, are just one fire authority that have issued vape safety information.
Some of the risks associated with e-cigarettes, according to FIA, include:
- Battery explosions – the lithium-ion batteries can overheat and explode, causing fires
- Overcharging or incompatible chargers – using the wrong charger or overcharging vapes can cause batteries to overheat and explode
- Incorrect storage – if the proper storage is not used, e-cigarettes and vapes may cause a fire if stored near flammable materials
- Disposal – if lithium-ion batteries aren’t disposed of correctly, they can cause fires when thrown away
Lithium-ion battery fires have sparked many debates on the safety of these now commonly used items. Electric and hybrid vehicles, e-scooters, electronic devices and other technologies all rely on lithium-ion batteries for power – yet there is no Australian Standard yet in place to provide detailed guidance on the requirements needed for their safe handling and storage.
Lithium-ion battery fires are notoriously difficult to put out, with a lack of awareness about the dangers adding to the risks associated with the batteries.
IMPORTANT: Lithium-ion batteries are recognised as Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods. You can find out more about Class 9 items in our blog which outlines some suitable storage options.
Storage for Vapes
Recently, we’ve had a surge of enquiries about storage for vapes.
A safe option for electronic cigarettes that require storage is a Class 9 Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods storage cabinet.
These cabinets are designed to meet the strict requirements of the Australian Standard AS NZS 4681:2000 – The storage and handling of Class 9 dangerous goods and articles.
Features of the Class 9 cabinet includes:
- Double walled sheet steel construction
- Thermic air barrier between walls to act as a fire/heat barrier
- Self-closing, close fitting doors that close in sequence
- Strong fully adjustable shelving perforated for free air movement, 100mm adjustment increments
- Safety signs that comply with AS 1216 and AS 1319
Vape devices or e-cigarettes must be stored in an environment that reduces the risk of fire or explosion as they are recognised as Class 9 dangerous goods.
Can You Recycle Vape Batteries?
The lithium-ion batteries that power vapes contain a range of hazardous chemicals as well as posing a fire (or explosion) risk.
Therefore, there is a potential hazard to people, property and the environment if lithium-ion batteries aren’t disposed of correctly.
If you need to dispose of your re-usable vapes, you may be able to recycle your lithium-ion batteries. Your vape batteries may be taken to your local waste authority, with some states also allowing local pharmacies, supermarkets and other businesses to act as a safe collection and disposal point.
REMEMBER: Check with your local waste management centre on the safest way to dispose of – or recycle – your lithium-ion batteries.
Changing Vape Laws Qld: Storage of Unused Vapes
Due to the lithium-ion battery contained in electronic cigarettes, we recommend diligence when handling and storing these goods.
Vapes that are unwanted or yet to be used do pose the same risk as other equipment that have lithium-ion batteries, such as laptop computers, escooters, mobile phones and industrial robots. We recommend conducting a risk assessment with a Dangerous Goods Consultant to ensure safety at your site.
Following the risk assessment, compliant storage for vapes - this being Class 9 storage - should be implemented, with additional measures such as fire suppression systems, auto dialers to alert staff when the workplace is unattended, smoke alarms and other safety measures.
Do You Require Class 9 Storage?
With the changes to vaping laws Qld, it's understandable that there will be a requirement to store these vapes safely. Just because vapes are a commonly found item, doesn't mean that they are without risk. Vapes can produce fires when handled or stored incorrectly, so any vape storage must be able to decrease the likelihood and impact of a lithium battery fire.
If you require Class 9 storage for any of your miscellaneous dangerous goods, speak with one of our helpful consultants who can offer a solution to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for temporary vape storage, lithium-ion charging cabinets, or any other type of dangerous goods storage, we offer a range of products that are designed and constructed to meet Australian Standards.
Find out more about the dangerous goods that may be present in your workplace, by downloading our eBook: Dangerous Goods – What Are They? Our eBook will advise you on the classes of dangerous goods and the controls required to minimise risk to your workplace.
