Smoking in the structural shop

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Before afternoon break,a guy came into my area and lit up a cigarette. The big cloud of smoke went right into my face. I ask the guy, "really, you come into my area to lite up". He said, "I lite up all over this shop". After break was over, there he was over at the end of my horses smoking another cig. I approached him and told him I like breathing his smoke. He didn't care. The next morning he made a point to come to my area with a just lit cig and stand there and blow his smoke. I told him he was going to ruin it for everyone. The city has banned smoking in the workplace. I had enough. I took it to management. I told the shop superintendent I did not want to take the cigs from the guys, I used to be a smoker so I know how it is. I just don't want someone to come into my area and smoke. They can go anywhere in the shop they want as long as it's not in my area. The superintendent agreed, but added, the city says NO smoking in the workplace. If the city were to come in to address a complaint and see 15 or so guys smoking, there will be individual fines for each smoker accessed to the company. Now what? This really did happen.I thought it would be interesting to hear some feedback from WW.  JimJim,I don't mean to be argumentative and cantankerous,but I am getting older and a bit crotchety!Addendum; AND CRANKY
Reply:We have smokers in my shop,  they smoke in their service trucks.  I was ready to freak out of anyone had smoked in MY truck while I was in vacation.Amazingly, nobody did.If I had asked someone not to smoke around me, and then they intentionally came around just to pizz me off, I'd empty a fire extinguisher on them.
Reply:I like the way you think. That is precisely the issue. He did it just to pizz me off. I told the union steward about it 2 months ago so it's not a new situation.Here's the rest of the story. The smoker is the welding inspector.JimJim,I don't mean to be argumentative and cantankerous,but I am getting older and a bit crotchety!Addendum; AND CRANKY
Reply:Get him at recess
Reply:Originally Posted by welditforyouBefore afternoon break,a guy came into my area and lit up a cigarette. The big cloud of smoke went right into my face. I ask the guy, "really, you come into my area to lite up". He said, "I lite up all over this shop". After break was over, there he was over at the end of my horses smoking another cig. I approached him and told him I like breathing his smoke. He didn't care. The next morning he made a point to come to my area with a just lit cig and stand there and blow his smoke. I told him he was going to ruin it for everyone. The city has banned smoking in the workplace. I had enough. I took it to management. I told the shop superintendent I did not want to take the cigs from the guys, I used to be a smoker so I know how it is. I just don't want someone to come into my area and smoke. They can go anywhere in the shop they want as long as it's not in my area. The superintendent agreed, but added, the city says NO smoking in the workplace. If the city were to come in to address a complaint and see 15 or so guys smoking, there will be individual fines for each smoker accessed to the company. Now what? This really did happen.I thought it would be interesting to hear some feedback from WW.  Jim
Reply:In just about any shop I would think cigarette smoke would be the very least of your worries as to what you breath in. You breath that is for maybe a couple minutes a day while the rest of the stuff is 8 hours.
Reply:Stuff one of these down into each of his cigarettes. They will blow it to smithereens...My buddy used to keep a pack of loaded cigarettes in his top pocket for anyone who wanted to "bum" a smoke...Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkMiller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:I don't smoke any more. I don't have a problem working alongside someone who does as long as they don't blow the smoke in my face. This country was build on tobacco and alcohol today if you use  either you are considered a criminal. Just my opinion.  JohnSent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerThis country was build on tobacco and alcohol today if you use  either you are considered a criminal. Just my opinion.  JohnSent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:My wife smokes like a train. Her lung capacity is about an 1/8 of mine. If I pay attention to how she is breathing, next thing I know I’m hyperventilating. The strange part, about 17 years ago I was working in California, the wife calls me before I leave for work. She was crying, her older brother had just died in her arms from lung cancer!I guess you can say my wife isn’t the sharpest tool in the shed! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Don't get me started.... The stuff is nothing but burning garbage....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterDon't get me started.... The stuff is nothing but burning garbage....zap!
Reply:The only thing smokin on the job should be 7018 rodwww.georgesplasmacuttershop.comPlasma Cutter and Welder Sales and Repairs--Ebay storeTec.Mo. Dealer Consumables for the PT and IPT torch's
Reply:I have a friend who smoked heavily for many years (he's since gotten married and quit at the wife's insistence).  He is a bit of an audiophile and about twice a year, he'd drop off a piece of stereo equipment for me to fix.  The stuff was always filthy with cigarette tar.  Fully half of the problems were caused by that tar getting into switches and controls...  I bought a benchtop power supply once -- Raytheon one right out of the early 1970s.  I thought it was an avocado green color, until I removed PCB from the housing and washed the latter.  Then, I realized it was painted metallic silver, and the greenish tint was tobacco tar.I also once lived in a rental house where the previous tenant had told the landlords that his "friends" would "occasionally" smoke.  Truth was, he himself smoked like a chimney.  You could clean a wall 4 times and still see it bleeding tar in the humid weather.  We ended up repainting a couple of rooms with stain-blocking paint, and even in those, the stains bled through again in a couple of places.  Took a good year before the smell dissipated, too.If you want to smoke, I really don't have a problem with that -- just don't do it in my house or near flammables in the shop.  However, I'll never start myself.Ben Originally Posted by John THey zapYou remember playing in bars when they allowed smoking?You get home and all your cymbals  and equipment smell like cigarette smokeTerribleSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Please let me say, I dont want to take the butts away from the smokers. I simply want my work area respected. I shouldn't have to leave my area so someone can smoke in it. As for the weld smoke, I try control my breathing under the hood. Works for shorter welds, not so much for the longer ones. The fact of the matter is it shouldn't even be an issue.
Reply:Those cigarette loads got me in trouble with my grandfather. Try a horse hair instead, it may help somebody to quit.Marijauna is pungent but doesnt smell as bad as cigs IMO.
Reply:In NY, you are not permitted to smoke indoors in any public space. That includes workplaces. Doesn't stop Da Big Boss from lighting up in his office...As mentioned, that co-worker-smoker was being very rude bordering on being a bully. Formal complaint? Done.Still happening? Firm (not overkill) retaliation is called for. Welding his car's doors shut comes to mind....Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:He's definitely the bully on tbe play ground. He made his point that he'll do whatever he wants. Yesterday he was bodering on threatening. I told the shop super that I didn't want to see the shop become smoke free, just my area. If you want smoke . . . . Burnem up. Just leave me out of it.It appears most of you share my point of view. It's always nice to know that you're not in that group of one.
Reply:Originally Posted by John THey zapYou remember playing in bars when they allowed smoking?You get home and all your cymbals  and equipment smell like cigarette smokeTerribleSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I had bronchial pneumonia repeatedly as a small child. My mother was a very heavy smoker. She admitted to smoking four packs, in truth, it was more. She has had a couple bouts of cancer, but not lung cancer. Now at 88, no longer a smoker, she has been hospitalized twice for low oxygen levels. She's on O2 full time. I've never smoked a cigarette, and never will. I'd not hire a smoker for a number of reasons, most significant; they are never working! When they aren't smoking, they are thinking of their next cigarette. Also, the butts they throw everywhere are offensive to me. Any other form of litter would not be tolerated. Cigarette butts are everywhere. I'm not OCD, but this practice drives me crazy!I wonder if your inspector smoking to annoy you wouldn't be considered harassment. It doesn't have to be sexual.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:Originally Posted by welditforyouPlease let me say, I dont want to take the butts away from the smokers. I simply want my work area respected. I shouldn't have to leave my area so someone can smoke in it. As for the weld smoke, I try control my breathing under the hood. Works for shorter welds, not so much for the longer ones. The fact of the matter is it shouldn't even be an issue.
Reply:Remind me to keep on your good side...! Originally Posted by mike837goStill happening? Firm (not overkill) retaliation is called for. Welding his car's doors shut comes to mind....
Reply:Originally Posted by John THey zapYou remember playing in bars when they allowed smoking?You get home and all your cymbals  and equipment smell like cigarette smokeTerribleSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by WorldPowerLabsRemind me to keep on your good side...!
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterOh yes...Come home and unpack the stage clothes and want to burn it all because of the stench.......snip......zap!No smoking in my shop. I wouldn't hire a smoker.Ian TannerKawasaki KX450 and many other fine tools
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BI wonder if your inspector smoking to annoy you wouldn't be considered harassment. It doesn't have to be sexual.
Reply:Originally Posted by TJSI was a bouncer for over ten years in CT.
Reply:Originally Posted by welditforyouHe doesn't smoke to annoy me, he just smokes. Like any other smoker, that's what they do. It's the petty little man BS of coming to my area to do it. Now since I've said something about it, he comes right up to the edge of my area. I can only say so much before the company pulls the plug on smoking all together. Then of course it will all be my fault. Not the guy who chose to come to my area and smoke. Regardless of the fact the city has put a stop to smoking in the work place. Do you think anyone will want to BS with me on there way by or sit at the same lunch table with me. I'm betting not. I'll have the plague. I don't know, maybe I'm not giving the guys enough credit, but I think all they will see is that they can no longer smoke at work because I didn't like it..
Reply:I live in a small town in Indiana the Excise State Police came in a convenience store I go to and busted them for smoking in the office not store and got them for paraphernalia a pack of cigarettes astray and lighter fine $100.00 JohnSent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:I worked for a company where all the shop people smoked except me. I was the newbie there. The only one knew how to TIG or weld if that matter. I know they all smoked in the shop before I got there. I made it a point to remind the owner that no smoking in the shop(law). They all had to go out back of the shop now to smoke while I worked. I could care less. I was not there to make friends. I was there to work and get paid. I knew they were pissed at me but I knew they would not say **** to my face, cause back then I did not need a hoist to lift bare blocks into position on the race cars I worked on and they were not aluminum.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:I don't have cold feet and I did think about the repercussions. That's why I told the super I didn't want to see the shop go no smoking.Just NOT in my area. I don't care if they can smoke or not. They simply need to see that the smoker was the root cause of this, I was the first part of the result. The next part may be the smoking ban. Not my fault.If he would have apologized this would not have happened. He isn't the type to do that. If he were to apologize, too little to late. I can't stop it now. This whole thing started 2 months ago. The union steward ask me not to do anything about it (gutless fock). JimLast edited by welditforyou; 10-28-2015 at 04:15 PM.Jim,I don't mean to be argumentative and cantankerous,but I am getting older and a bit crotchety!Addendum; AND CRANKY
Reply:I am allergic to cigarette smoke. It causes me breathing problems after 10 minutes or so and eventually leads to nasty headaches, not to mention the stench. Spending a few hours around a smoker will leave me with breathing problems for up to a day. I don't have asthma or other issues, other than allergies and congestion, but somehow it does a number on me. Screw the smokers who can't keep it to themselves. I do like the e cigs as I have not noticed any effects from being near people who use them and often I can't even smell them. It lets them get their fix and I am not effected ( I have not stayed around one for more than 10 minutes or so and don't know what would happen after hours of exposure).You should not have to work in that kind of environment. Welding hazards are a given and part of your job. You can use a respirator if you want or just dodge the smoke, it is your choice. Welding has to happen. Cigarette smoking is not necessary for the job at hand, and is not something you signed up to deal with, and has been banned as you stated. I have had family and coworkers who smoked. It consumes much of their lives.One of my coworkers would hang around the open door to the building we were working on and smoke. I told him to take it outside. After a few weeks of that crap (along with all the smoke breaks) I let him have it and refused to work with him. I was the foreman for a small company and often times I was working the only jobs going at the time, but sometimes there was a second guy who worked with me and also headed up jobs. I told the smoker that I was done with him and he could ask my the owner to put him on other work if he wanted. He quit instead. He was also the kind of guy that was on assistance since he had a newborn kid and he bragged about buying red bulls because he got extra money but he wouldn't normally waste his own money on that stuff because it costed too much. It was no problem for him to waste that tax money that he got. My boss/owner of company was not happy but he got it. He valued my work greatly and even after I quit and had enough of that work, he still calls me back for things such as running a man lift while he is in the basket and washing down buildings or to do fabrication/welding work for him (which I like better than the other construction work I did).Do what you have to do. You are already around particles and fumes that are not good. There is no need to add more crap to that. If you want to be really nice, buy the guy an e cigarette and see if he likes that and if it works for both of you. I can't blame your actions and you are being nice by not trying to get smoking banned by your employer.Miller 330abpMiller 211 inverter, M150 spool gunMiller 135Miller 375 Extreme plasmaCNC plasma table (build in progress)Femi 120abs portable band sawMany other toolsToo little garage spaceNot enough money
Reply:CGT80, thank you for recognizing that.Obviously more than a few have had there dealings with smokers in one way or another. I just want my space to be respected. Keep the damn cigarettes out of it. Period. Or I will push back. Here's another aspect of the problem. Suppose the company bans smoking in the shop as they did previously. Now the guys are ducking out the back door to puff one real quick. What's the company to do. If the smoker gets fired, next thing you know you have no help.JimLast edited by welditforyou; 10-28-2015 at 05:21 PM.Jim,I don't mean to be argumentative and cantankerous,but I am getting older and a bit crotchety!Addendum; AND CRANKY
Reply:Originally Posted by welditforyouI don't have cold feet and I did think about the repercussions. That's why I told the super I didn't want to see the shop go no smoking.Just NOT in my area. I don't care if they can smoke or not. They simply need to see that the smoker was the root cause of this, I was the first part of the result. The next part may be the smoking ban. Not my fault.If he would have apologized this would not have happened. He isn't the type to do that. If he were to apologize, too little to late. I can't stop it now. This whole thing started 2 months ago. The union steward ask me not to do anything about it (gutless fock). Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauMaybe go to the other smokers in the shop and explain it to them, and ask if they would lean on him not to smoke in your presence or it might affect their smoking in their own areas soon. If the other guys that smoke respect you enough not to smoke in your area except this one guy, then they may can influence him to go elsewhere, before they themselves are forced to go without smoking in the workplace. That way if it did get banned, then they would know the right one to blame for it, and it wouldn't be you.
Reply:i never smoked but my folks were heavy smokers. my dad succumbed to smoking related emphysema but in reality was all but dead the last 10 years of his life. i work with 2 guys who smoke in their 1/4 of the shop. i have several large pedestal fans stationed around and will point one at the offender till he get's the picture. as senior man i let them know if it gets out of hand they'll be smoking on the loading dock which is a 20 minute walk.i.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:I'm with CGT80 - allergic to it.  Plus I now have COPD - but have never smoked.I've found over the years that smokers are very often a bunch of a-holes about this issue.  I've had to kick family members out of my shop while doing them a favor because they wouldn't refrain from lighting up and would give me attitude over it - favor ended without finishing.My last encounter ended with me saying "get your F-ing truck out of my F-ing shop right now."I've had family members refuse to not smoke around my kids even though they were both premature and had lung issues at the time - then get mad because I wouldn't bring them over.I have very little empathy for smokers due to these, and several other, issues.Tell your co-worker to blow his smoke out his A$$.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:You guys whine so much I would think your tears would put out the cigarettes. Is it just the union smokers or the non union ones.
Reply:So pat h, what point is it that you're trying to make. I believe I missed it. I take it that you're a smoker. Enjoy!Just not around me.I'm an ex-smoker too. It's been said many times that ex-smokers are the worst. I wear that like a badge.JimLast edited by welditforyou; 10-29-2015 at 12:01 AM.Jim,I don't mean to be argumentative and cantankerous,but I am getting older and a bit crotchety!Addendum; AND CRANKY
Reply:When I quit smoking, I chewed skoal bandits to take the edge off, only about a month. Now 4 years later, for some reason I thought I needed to chew again. So for about 2 months I did a little bit. I walked away from the chew a couple weeks ago. No big deal. I don't miss smoking one little bit.JimJim,I don't mean to be argumentative and cantankerous,but I am getting older and a bit crotchety!Addendum; AND CRANKY
Reply:I guess I am a different kind of azz. I would get the plug pulled on ALL smoking and the first time anyone says a word very loudly say everything was fine until he played his bully card......so if you want to blame someone blame the bully!
Reply:Originally Posted by welditforyouSo pat h, what point is it that you're trying to make. I believe I missed it. I take it that you're a smoker. Enjoy!Just not around me.I'm an ex-smoker too. It's been said many times that ex-smokers are the worst. I wear that like a badge.Jim
Reply:Originally Posted by pat hYou guys whine so much I would think your tears would put out the cigarettes. Is it just the union smokers or the non union ones.
Reply:Originally Posted by Mick120ANYONE comes in my shop smoking, they get the short, sharp shift.....F*ck off with that crap.I keep getting told, I'm the worse ex smoker ever......DAMN RIGHT....and PROUD OF IT!!!!!!   24 years now, I hate the smell of the things and, can smell a smoker from half a mile off.Recently had my wife's sister stay with us for over 8 weeks.....a smoker.....I wouldn't let her smoke within a bulls roar of the house..... ....Hated the smell of her when she came in......Needless to say, there's no love lost.....
Reply:Mom and Dad were 4 packs a DAY each...Mom quit 20 yrs ago..Dad quit when he died.Guess that's why I am lucky enough to never have even tried it.Out of the 5 of us kids nobody else did either.Got our dose every damn day as a kids and I can't fuchin stand it....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:...delete...Last edited by Insaneride; 10-29-2015 at 10:07 AM.Reason: delete
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterGot our dose every damn day as a kids and I can't fuchin stand it....zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by pat hNo not a smoker, also not a snitch, deal with the problem don't fukk it up for others, my point is just that, I guess if it don't go your way you don't understand or can't see the point, I can't see going and telling a boss figure can work in your favor over the long haul with the other workers I know that wouldn't fly around jobs I've been on, but I'm sure our situations are different
Reply:As of this posting there are just under 1000 views, so people are reading the thread. In todays world smoking in the workplace is becoming less  acceptable every day. It's not that I care whether or not you smoke. I shouldn't have to breath your smoke. From the majority of the post in this thread it seems that my position is favored about my area not being for smokers. I enjoyed reading your opinions and agree with so much of what you had to say. I tried to take the high road with this but that didn't work. It was timeto make a stand, so I did. I don't want to be "that guy"but in my opinion I was given no choice. He forced my hand. It didn't have to go this far.However, my wife comes home today after her procedure and all looks very good. With that I go back to work tomorrow to face who knows what. One thing for sure, there will be something! JimJim,I don't mean to be argumentative and cantankerous,but I am getting older and a bit crotchety!Addendum; AND CRANKY