Navy Issues Guidance on How to Use E-Cigarettes (Illustrated)

On February 3, 2017, Norfolk (NNS) — In response to the updated Department of Defense tobacco policy last year and recent incidents affecting sailor safety, the U.S. Fleet Command and the Pacific Fleet announced guidance on the use of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS), which is not limited to e-cigarettes and vape pens. This tobacco product guidance will be regarded as a fleet order in compliance with Department of Defense policy.

In practice, this means that sailors using ENDS will now be required to follow the same rules and use them in the same places as they would traditional tobacco products.

Besides detailing the correct classification of these devices, the information also explains relevant safety issues and instructs each type commander (TYCOM) to ensure their respective forces modify their existing tobacco policies to include ENDS and develop specific policies for their platforms and unique mission requirements to reduce risks associated with U.S. forces.

U.S. Fleet Deputy Commander Richard Breckenridge said: “Our sailors work in inherently dangerous environments compared to the general public. When introducing new commercial technologies that may be safe in our homes or cars, our leadership is responsible for minimizing the unique risks these products pose on ships, submarines, or aircraft.”

It is precisely due to the popularity of products like e-cigarettes and the injuries and fires caused by lithium battery explosions that this guidance has become even more significant.

“The safety of our sailors is crucial to combat readiness,” said Fleet Safety Director Brandon Murphy. “The explosion risk of lithium-ion batteries threatens that readiness.”

The lithium-ion batteries used in ENDS differ in shape and structure from those used in other electronic devices. When ENDS' lithium-ion batteries short-circuit due to moisture, impact, or compression, overcharging, or damage, they can overheat and rupture.

The explosion itself can lead to intense fires and ignite nearby objects. Additionally, the potential for these devices to cause severe fires on ships, submarines, and aircraft can endanger people and property.

This guidance primarily targets personnel in confined spaces such as ships, aircraft, submarines, expeditionary equipment, and vehicles, providing training on the use, loading, charging, and carrying practices for products containing lithium-ion batteries, such as e-cigarettes.