Smoking in the workplace: what applies to tobacco heaters?

Smoking in the workplace is something most of us associate with old movies or stories from the past. Since the widespread discussion about protecting non-smokers, cigarettes and cigars have largely disappeared from the office environment. But what about tobacco heaters? Is using glo™ or vaping at work in Switzerland permitted, or do vapers need to step outside? We’ll break down the current regulations and share practical tips for using glo™ at work.

Contents:

glo™ & smoking at work: legal regulations
Smoking ban in the office? Here's what you need to know!
Using glo™ in the office? Here's how!

glo™ & smoking at work: legal regulations

Since 1 May 2010, the use of traditional tobacco products in the workplace has been legally regulated. According to the Swiss Workplace Ordinance, employers must take measures to protect non-smoking employees.* This might include setting up designated smoking rooms or allowing smoking in the office only under certain conditions. These conditions include "workplaces with customer traffic", such as in the hospitality industry, where smoking areas for guests may sometimes be permitted. Employees working in these areas must explicitly consent to doing so. In other workplace settings, such as workshops or factories, smoking is often strictly prohibited across the entire premises for safety reasons.

What should you keep in mind when using glo™?

glo™ heaters heat tobacco instead of burning it. They produce less toxicants than a cigarette.** For a long time, this meant they didn’t fall under traditional smoking bans (in the office). However, there are now new regulations for heating and vaping at work: Since October 1, 2024, Switzerland’s new Tobacco Products Act*** has extended passive smoking protection to all tobacco and nicotine products, including tobacco heaters and e-cigarettes. Although this may initially sound restrictive, it doesn’t necessarily mean vaping at work is entirely off-limits. Each workplace has its own set of internal rules. If these rules prohibit the use of tobacco heaters, it means that glo™ and smoking in the workplace are only permitted in specific areas, such as the courtyard.
To avoid unpleasant conversations with colleagues, it’s a good idea to check the workplace rules or consult your employer directly.

Smoking ban in the office? Here's what you need to know!

The handling of tobacco heaters varies between companies. In some offices, their use is even allowed outside of break times, while in others, it is strictly prohibited and only permitted outdoors or in designated smoking rooms. These so-called fumoirs cannot be used as workspaces and must be adequately ventilated to prevent smoke from spreading. This ensures that using glo™ is at least possible in clearly defined areas. In addition to legal regulations and employer policies, the relationship with colleagues also plays an important role. A session with your glo™ Heater offers: no smoke, no ash, less smell.**** Nevertheless, its use could lead to tension. If colleagues feel disturbed, it’s advisable to be considerate and use the tobacco heater outdoors to maintain a harmonious working environment.
General tips for using tobacco heaters in the office:

>Be aware of smoke detectors: If your office has fumoirs, check whether glo™ use or vaping is allowed near smoke detectors. Also, learn about the necessary safety precautions.
Maintain device cleanliness: Regularly clean your glo™ heater to avoid residue and odors.
Utilize smoke breaks: There is no legal right to a smoke break. It’s up to the employer to decide whether and to what extent such breaks are allowed. Smoke breaks are generally not considered working hours and must typically be made up later.

Using glo™ in the office? Here's how!

Tobacco heaters offer a better alternative to cigarettes.**** But stricter rules now apply to the the use of heaters as well as to smoking in the workplace in Switzerland under the new Tobacco Products Act. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up glo™ entirely. Employers often have the flexibility to establish their own guidelines, allowing the use of heaters under specific conditions. With clear regulations and mutual consideration, incorporating glo™ into your work routine can be seamless. This way, you can enjoy using your glo™ heater while fostering a harmonious atmosphere in the workplace.

* Swiss Working Group on Tobacco Prevention. Federal law for protection against passive smoking. www.at-schweiz.ch/de/advocacy/recht-gesetz/bundesgesetz/. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
** This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance. Comparison of smoke from a scientific standard reference cigarette (approximately 9 mg tar) and emissions from glo™, in terms of the average of the 9 harmful components the World Health Organisation recommends to reduce in cigarette smoke.
*** Federal Office of Public Health, Media and Communications. The New Tobacco Products Act Applies from October. www.admin.ch/gov/de/start/dokumentation/medienmitteilungen.msg-id-102228.html. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.
**** glo™ heats tobacco instead of burning it. It generates a tobacco aerosol, less odour and no ash. This product is not risk-free and contains nicotine, an addictive substance.