News19,135 Articles

November 23, 2009

Apple 'won't repair machines belonging to smokers'

Nicotine residue harms repair staff

Carrie-Ann Skinner

Apple is reportedly refusing to repair machines belonging to smokers because residue from cigarettes seeps into machines and creates a health risk for those fixing the Mac.

The Consumerist website claims it has received reports from two Mac users saing that Apple repair centres in the US have declined to fix machines under Applecare warranties, claiming that have been voided due to second-hand smoke.

"They informed me that his computer can't be worked on because it's contaminated," said one of the website's readers called Ruth.

"When I asked for an explanation, she said he's a smoker and it's contaminated with cigarette smoke which they consider a bio-hazard! I checked my Applecare warranty and it says nothing about not honouring warranties if the owner is a smoker."

Both readers took the issue up with Apple's head office, but were still denied the reapairs under their warranty.

"[Apple did] advise me that nicotine is on OSHA's list of hazardous substances and Apple would not require an employee to repair anything deemed hazardous to their health," added Ruth.

Apple was unable for comment on the story.

See also: OPINION: Apple's no-smoking warranty nonsense

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See also: Apple changes App Store approval process

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Comments received


bernard Roughton said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

Quire right too! It's high time smokers realise the problems their selfish habit causes other people.

John Wood said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

Mr Broughton
You stop using petrol, gas and diesel-powered vehicles and I'll stop smoking.

MalcolmF said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

Mr Wood,
Use of fossil fuelled vehicles is not optional at the moment for most of us. Smoking is a choice, at least initially.

Roger Allen said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

What a nanny state, put your protective gloves on and get on with the job. What ever is the world comming to?

Jake said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

Tobacco smoke also gunks up your fans and hard drives which leads to overheating. This is the same for any computer.

Johno said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

What a load of bullshit , who the hell comes up with these stupid rules needs to get a life i think, what harm is a bit of used smoke going to do to anyone , the worlds gone crazy !!!

Ivan Lavery said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

With all the hazardous materials within a modern motor vehicle no mechanic should ever repair another one. Then Apple would never be able to ship another computer, problem solved ! Oh dear how sad never mind

Ivan Lavery said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

With all the hazardous materials within a modern motor vehicle no mechanic should ever repair another one. Then Apple would never be able to ship another computer, problem solved ! Oh dear how sad never mind

redstringuitar said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

This just demonstrates how far up it's own rectum Apple actually is, it's nothing more than a cheap headline bid to compete with all the attention Windows 7 is getting.
I was considering getting a Mac next time, but now that the new Microsoft OS is available, there's no need.

paul c said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

What Apple don't say when you buy there pc or laptop, "Are you a Smoker?" no they just want your money, so if that is the case then there warranty is not the worth the paper it's written on.. There don't want to lash out money for repairs full Stop!

WilbertD said on Thursday, 26 November 2009

Never have bought an Apple, never will now.
That's my comment to them.

Rusty said on Friday, 27 November 2009

My wife and I promised ourselves top-o' the line macs for xmas this year. The two kids get new ones too. Yer outta luck now Mac. Now it's Big Macs all around! Alienware PC's for momma and poppa, and a couple of Lenovos for the kids. Mac's ain't worth their Tosh anymore!

Kippert said on Friday, 27 November 2009

WilbertD and Rusty,
You were never really going to get Macs now were you?

John said on Friday, 27 November 2009

How bloody stupid!! What are these nuts going to think of next to stop....I do not smoke, but I think it is a good way to turn away customers...

Rick said on Sunday, 29 November 2009

Is there any company that evades responsibility for its products more than Apple?

Carl said on Sunday, 29 November 2009

You said it John. I'll stop smoking when people stop driving past my house.

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