Vaping among students is a growing concern for UK schools. Data from Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) shows that 7.6% of 11 to 17-year-olds now vape, up from 4.1% just a few years ago. Vape detectors offer a way to address this issue, but designing an effective system can be tricky. This guide helps you figure out the right approach.
Floor-to-Ceiling Cubicles and Vape Detection
Floor-to-ceiling cubicles in school toilets create a unique challenge. These enclosed spaces, often with ventilation, allow vapor to disappear quickly. Constantly monitoring these areas with staff isn’t realistic. You need a better strategy.
Smart Vape Detector Placement
One approach involves modifying toilet cubicles to improve detector effectiveness. Creating a small opening in each cubicle door can allow a single ceiling-mounted detector to monitor multiple cubicles. This might reduce the number of detectors required.
Cubicle Modifications Key Considerations
If you’re considering modifications, think about these points:
- Are your doors or side walls better suited for modification?
- How big should the opening be for accurate detection?
- Where’s the ideal spot to place detectors?
- How many cubicles can one detector cover effectively?
These decisions will impact the system’s performance and student privacy. It’s important to strike a balance.
What Affects Detector Coverage
Several factors influence a detector’s coverage area:
- The layout of your toilets.
- The strength of ventilation.
- The size of the openings in cubicles.
Remember, advertised detection ranges (like 12ft in open areas) don’t always reflect real-world performance in school restrooms.
Vapetech Your School’s Vape Detection Partner
Vapetech understands the issues UK schools face with vaping. We’ll help you design a custom system for your needs. We can advise on detector placement and the potential benefits of cubicle modifications. Get in touch for a consultation.
Addressing Vaping in Schools
Proactive steps are essential to combat vaping. Effective vape detection requires thoughtful planning and placement. Vapetech helps UK schools create safer, healthier learning environments. Contact us today to learn more.