Coroner raises concerns over lack of warnings about E45 cream risk after recent fire death

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A coroner in Leicester has raised concerns over the lack of warnings about the fire risks associated with E45 cream following an inquest into a recent fire death.

According to CFW’s health and safety consultant Anthony Arcari, the case resulted in a Section 28 letter from HM Coroner – copies have been sent to NHS England, the manufacturer and the Chief Fire Officers Association who must respond to the coroner with details of the action taken or proposed action to be taken. 

Anthony Arcari said: “The coroner’s letter highlighted the case which involved an individual who was known to smoke in bed and was bed bound. This person was being cared for by a friend and had carers visiting four times a day.  

“The carers were responsible for washing and dressing them and assisting them with simple activities of daily living. This included applying E45 daily after washing.”

‘Risk of future deaths unless action is taken’ – HM Coroner

HM Coroner said: “E45 is highly flammable as it is a paraffin based product, the residue of which acts as an accelerant. In this case there was a distinct lack of awareness of this fact, by the carers and the deceased. The individual was a smoker, known to smoke in bed with no intention to stop smoking at any point.

“During the course of the inquest the evidence revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is risk that future deaths will occur unless action is taken.

“E45 is highly flammable as it is a paraffin based product, the residue of which acts as an accelerant. 
 
“In this case there was a distinct lack of awareness of this fact, by the carers and the deceased. This was in part due to lack of communication by the GP but also due to the fact that there were no fire hazard warnings on the prescription or product itself. 
 
“This product is widely available over the counter to the general public and commonly for vulnerable people such as children and the elderly. Worryingly there would appear to be no warnings on the packaging that this is indeed highly flammable, with the potential risk of ignition.”