How to Handle a Leaking IGNITE Device Safely
A leaking disposable vape can release e-liquid through the mouthpiece, airflow holes or casing. With an IGNITE device, the safest response is to stop using it immediately, keep the liquid away from skin and eyes, and avoid pressing buttons or attempting repairs.
Small amounts of vape liquid may contain nicotine, which can be harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable, so move the device and any leaked liquid away from shared surfaces as soon as you notice the problem.
Australia’s warm weather can make storage more important. A device left in a parked car in Sydney, Brisbane or Perth may be exposed to temperatures that affect the liquid and battery. Heat, pressure, impact and moisture can all increase the risk of further leakage.
The steps below apply to common disposable models, including devices in the V15, V25 and V60 ranges. If the casing is split, the device is hot, or it smells burnt or chemical-like, treat it as a damaged lithium-battery product rather than trying to save it.
| What you notice | What to do immediately | What to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| A few drops around the mouthpiece | Stop vaping and wipe the outside with disposable tissue | Do not continue “testing” it |
| Liquid on your hands | Rinse with running water and soap | Do not touch your face or food first |
| A cracked or swollen casing | Place it away from people and flammable items | Do not squeeze, puncture or charge it |
| Hissing, heat or smoke | Move away and call emergency services if needed | Do not place it in water or a sealed container |
| Liquid swallowed or symptoms develop | Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 | Do not induce vomiting |
Stop using the device straight away
Remove the IGNITE device from your mouth and place it on a stable, non-flammable surface, such as a ceramic plate or concrete area. Keep it away from bedding, paper, aerosols and direct sunlight. Do not shake it, blow into the mouthpiece or tap it against a table, since these actions can spread liquid into the airflow channel.
If the device has a power button, switch it off without repeatedly pressing it. Most disposable vapes are designed to be used until depleted and are not intended to be opened, refilled or repaired. A leaking unit should not be disassembled to identify the cause.
A small amount of condensation around the mouthpiece may look like a leak, especially after a device has moved between air-conditioned rooms and humid outdoor conditions. Even so, wipe the exterior and monitor it. If liquid returns, the airflow changes, or the taste becomes unusually harsh, stop using the product and treat it as faulty.
Protect your skin, eyes and household
Put on disposable gloves if they are available, then wipe visible e-liquid with paper towel. Seal the used towel in a small bag before placing it in the rubbish. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, even if the contact seemed minor. Avoid eating, drinking or touching your eyes until your hands are clean.
If liquid reaches your eyes, rinse them with clean running water for at least 15 minutes and remove contact lenses if they come out easily. Seek medical advice if irritation, blurred vision or pain continues. For skin exposure, wash the area promptly and change contaminated clothing.
Nicotine exposure can cause nausea, dizziness, headache, sweating, trembling, a rapid heartbeat or vomiting. If anyone swallows e-liquid, or a child or pet may have contacted it, call the Australian Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26. Call 000 for severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, collapse or loss of consciousness. Do not make a person vomit unless instructed by a medical professional.
Check for battery damage
A disposable vape contains a lithium battery, so leakage combined with heat or physical damage needs extra caution. Stop handling the device if it becomes warm, swells, hisses, smells strongly of chemicals, produces smoke or shows a cracked shell. Move people and animals away, and call 000 if there is fire or immediate danger.
Never plug a disposable IGNITE device into a charger, power bank or USB cable. Do not place a damaged unit in a pocket, handbag, glovebox or rubbish bin, where pressure and other materials can create a hazard. Do not puncture the casing or attempt to drain the battery.
If the device is cool and stable, place it somewhere dry and isolated from combustible items while arranging disposal. A metal container may be suitable for short-term separation only if it is open, cool and positioned safely; sealing a warm or active battery in a container can trap heat and gases.
Decide whether to replace or dispose of it
A leaking device is generally not suitable for continued use. Take clear photos of the leak, casing and packaging, and record the batch or product details if available. This information can help customer support assess a manufacturing fault. Keep the unit away from children while waiting for instructions.
When choosing another product, use the retailer’s current product information rather than relying on a damaged device as a reference. The IGNITE catalogue presents the store’s available device lines and flavours, while support can advise about an order or reported fault.
Do not place a vape containing a battery in kerbside recycling. Australian councils differ in how they handle disposable vapes, so check your local council’s e-waste, household battery or hazardous-waste service. In Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and other cities, designated drop-off points may accept small lithium-battery items. Keep the device separate from general rubbish until the correct disposal route is confirmed.
Prevent leaks during storage and transport
Store an unused device upright, in a cool, dry place away from direct sun. Avoid bathrooms, windowsills, hot cars and areas where the device may be crushed. Keeping it in loose clothing or a bag with keys can damage the casing or activate the draw sensor on some designs.
During Australian summer, do not leave a vape in a parked vehicle, including when travelling between suburbs or heading to the beach. At airports, follow current airline and CASA rules for carrying vape devices and lithium batteries; vapes generally must remain with passengers rather than in checked baggage. Never use or charge one on an aircraft.
Check the mouthpiece and outer casing before every use. If you see e-liquid, a damaged seal, unusual gurgling, reduced airflow or a burnt taste, discontinue use. Prompt cleaning, careful storage and responsible battery disposal reduce the chance that a minor leak becomes a health, fire or environmental incident.