Exploding e-cigarettes - safety guidelines

Derbyshire County Council has teamed up with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to issues these safety guidelines:

• Only use the connectors and chargers specifically provided for use with the battery

• Don't buy batteries or other items that don't have instructions - all batteries must be sold with instructions for use and always follow the manufacturer's advice

• Don't leave a charging battery unattended

• Don't exceed the recommended charging time and disconnect the battery when charging is complete

• Only charge in a location fitted with a smoke alarm and well away from flammable materials, soft furnishings, beds, sofas and carpets. Don't charge batteries in an unattended vehicle

• Handle batteries with care and remove from equipment when not in use

• Replace batteries that have been damaged, dropped or overcharged - they may have a higher risk of fire or explosion. Use replacements made by the manufacturer that produced the device

• Be wary of low-priced, unbranded products

• Keep the original product literature for future reference.

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Health and Communities - Councillor Dave Allen says:

"We're not saying don't use these products and I would always encourage people to make every effort to give up smoking"