Social Care News

Paraffin-based skin products: fire-risk warnings issued

Further warnings have been issued by the NHS National Patient Safety Agency about the risks associated with using paraffin-based creams following an inquest into a fire death.

A coroner in Leicester recently raised concerns over the lack of warnings about the fire risks associated with E45 cream (see fire risk warning story – July 8) and issued a Section 28 letter – copies were 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. 

CFW's health and safety consultant 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."

Download and share the warning posters in English or Welsh

The following warning posters are available to download from our members resources section of the website (and can also be seen below here).

'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."