no smoking signs

The Growing Need for “No Vaping/No Cannabis Use” Signs

Smoking is changing, laws around smoking are changing, and the No Smoking signs surrounding those laws have changed, as well. The biggest ways that these can impact public spaces, including healthcare facilities, is through the potential use of vapes/e-cigarettes and marijuana. The FDA ruled in 2016 that vapes were in the same category as tobacco products, namely due to their harmful and toxic emissions. States have responded differently across the country, some of which seemingly contradict the FDA. For instance, Alabama’s No Smoking laws do not directly apply to vaping, making specific signage about vapes and e-cigarettes necessary.

In cases or states where publicly smoking tobacco is prohibited, the same goes for marijuana use. Still, individuals visiting your healthcare facility may be unaware of this rule, especially since it includes medical marijuana. To cover all bases and keep everyone at your healthcare facility informed, consider installing No Vaping/No Cannabis signs. More specific than traditional No Smoking signs, these hone in on new smoking-related activities that visitors or even staff might want to engage in. As mentioned, each state is different, so check your state’s vaping and smoking laws to learn what special types of No Smoking signs you may need.

Why Warning About Oxygen Use Is Vitally Important in Healthcare Facilities

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), “smoking materials are the leading heat source resulting in medical oxygen related fires, injuries and deaths”. While many people understand that smoking or lighting a fire near medical-grade oxygen can cause a fire hazard, it’s not quite as well-known why that’s the case. The biggest part of the equation is the oxygen itself, which is necessary, along with heat and fuel of some sort, to ignite a strong fire. The main source of heat for these fires, in many cases, is the flames of cigarettes, though lit candles and even sparking toys or electronics can have the same effect.

It’s also not necessarily the oxygen that explodes so much as the cigarette itself becomes incredibly flammable. For instance, if an individual using oxygen attempts to smoke, the atmosphere around them will be filled with excess oxygen. Anything within this area, namely a lit cigarette, will ignite easily, as well as burn faster and hotter. The unfortunate fallout is extreme fires that may lead to massive loss of property and life.

There’s simply no safe place to smoke in a home healthcare facility while oxygen is in use, which is why Oxygen In Use signs are a must-have. These remind staff and visitors to not only refrain from smoking, but also to be mindful of any activities that might ignite a wayward flame or spark. Rated for exterior and interior use, the Oxygen In Use No Smoking signs from HealthcareSigns.com can be used in any area of your healthcare facility, ensuring that unnecessary fire and health hazards are prevented.