Concerns raised 8 Inadequate information management for analysis and learning from white goods fires View source Failure by fire-investigating companies to notify authorities of investigation outcomes View source Lack of sharing of recall and replacement decision data and rationale for condensate pumps and RFI filters View source Moisture ingress into condensate pumps causing tracking faults, resistive heating and fire View source Failure of product risk assessments to account for occupants and their actions View source Lack of sharing of warranty replacement data for condensate pumps and RFI filters View source Failure to provide fire-durable identification plates on appliances View source Inadequate manufacturing standards for mains- and sub-mains-operated condensate pumps and RFI filters View source See 5 more concerns
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
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AI-generated summary
Champagauri Bhatt and Dipak Bhatt · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
On 29 March 2023, a fire caused by an electrical fault in a tumble dryer led to inhalation injuries and the deaths of Champagauri and Dipak Bhatt. Concerns included moisture ingress into condensate pumps causing faults and fire, and the need for improved data sharing, product safety standards, fire investigation reporting, risk assessment, and appliance identification.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Inadequate information management for analysis and learning from white goods fires
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire.
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires .
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters.
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards.
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations.
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure by fire-investigating companies to notify authorities of investigation outcomes
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire.
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires.
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters.
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards.
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations .
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of sharing of recall and replacement decision data and rationale for condensate pumps and RFI filters
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire.
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires.
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters.
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards.
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations.
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Moisture ingress into condensate pumps causing tracking faults, resistive heating and fire
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire .
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires.
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters.
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards.
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations.
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure of product risk assessments to account for occupants and their actions
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire.
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires.
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters.
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards.
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations.
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates .
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of sharing of warranty replacement data for condensate pumps and RFI filters
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire.
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires.
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters .
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards.
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations.
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to provide fire-durable identification plates on appliances
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire.
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires.
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters.
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards.
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations.
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Inadequate manufacturing standards for mains- and sub-mains-operated condensate pumps and RFI filters
Wider context from the report “During the inquest a London Fire Brigade witness made suggestions for more effective data sharing and use and It was apparent future deaths may occur unless action is taken.
(1) That ingress of moisture into condensate pumps may result in tracking faults causing resistive heating and fire.
(2) That changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires.
(3) Manufacturers to give the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade (LFB) to support their fire prevention work data on parts replaced on warranty for condensate pumps and RFI filters.
(4) Working group CPL / 61 look at standards of manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to improve standards .
(5) Manufacturers to share data on decisions and rationale behind recall / replacement of condensate pumps and RFI filters Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) as the regulator and London Fire Brigade to support their fire prevention work.
(6) Companies investigating fires to notify Trading Standards and the Office of Product Safety Standards (OPSS) of the outcome of those investigations.
(7) Manufacturers to be required to use the OPSS risk assessment methodology, PRISM, when conducting risk assessments to account for persons in a property and their actions, i.e. sleeping whilst a product is taking advantage of lower electricity rates.
(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles.
” Open source report
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Monitor products in the field for safety incidents and feed identified issues into risk assessments through an established process.
Verbatim wording from the response “Once a product is placed on the market, we are required to monitor the field to identify any safety related incidents that will subsequently feed into risk assessments. We have a robust process in place for doing this. Having interrogated our data following the tragic deaths of Champagni Bhatt and Dipak Bhatt, we cannot find any evidence of safety issues with the ingress of water into condensate pumps in our products. However, that does not exclude the possibility of there being a wider industry issue, and, if stakeholders involved in setting standards agree that there is a requirement to focus on potential risk with condensate pumps, we will of course actively participate in that process.” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Participate in BSI, European and international standards-development activities addressing appliance safety and emerging risks.
Verbatim wording from the response “We note that data sharing is within the scope of the Government’s ongoing product safety review, although the scope is not as broad as the matters recommended to the Assistant Coroner by the LFB. Hotpoint is a member of AMDEA, the white goods trade association, and actively participates in industry meetings, including on safety and standards. We regularly engage with the LFB, OPSS and NGOs such as Electrical Safety First, both through industry meetings and directly, to explore how all” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Participate actively in the CPL/61 working group considering indelible appliance identification markings.
Verbatim wording from the response “(8) Identification plates on appliances that will not be destroyed by fire akin to those on vehicles” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Continue supporting the LFB/AMDEA digital-identification initiative for fire-damaged white goods.
Verbatim wording from the response “On 8 January 2024, the LFB wrote to the Senior Coroner. At point 6, the LFB refers to working with AMDEA on a means of identifying fire damaged white goods via the sharing of digital images between” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Authorities should use existing investigatory powers to require manufacturers to disclose sensitive product-safety information.
Verbatim wording from the response “As noted above, the product safety legal framework places responsibility on manufacturers and other actors in the supply chain to monitor and investigate safety issues and report safety risks.” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation No evidence was found that water ingress into condensate pumps creates safety issues in its products, although a wider industry risk remains possible.
Verbatim wording from the response “Once a product is placed on the market, we are required to monitor the field to identify any safety related incidents that will subsequently feed into risk assessments. We have a robust process in place for doing this. Having interrogated our data following the tragic deaths of Champagni Bhatt and Dipak Bhatt, we cannot find any evidence of safety issues with the ingress of water into condensate pumps in our products. However, that does not exclude the possibility of there being a wider industry issue, and, if stakeholders involved in setting standards agree that there is a requirement to focus on potential risk with condensate pumps, we will of course actively participate in that process.” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Any industry-wide change to appliance identification requires implementation through updated standards or regulation rather than unilateral manufacturer action.
Verbatim wording from the response “Our understanding from AMDEA is that the trial is working well and is being rolled out to other Fire Services (outside the LFB). Additionally, indelible marking is only a benefit from the day it’s implemented, it does not help with the identification of any products produced before that date and already in the market. The AMDEA trial does address this challenge.” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation PRISM is not intended for manufacturers' pre-market product-design risk assessments, although some elements may be useful.
Verbatim wording from the response “Manufacturers are already required to demonstrate that their appliances are safe, and, if it is subsequently found they are not safe, to risk assess to determine the level of risk.” Source location Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Open published response
7 Mar 2018 Mrs Elizabeth Marion Griffin · Prevention of Future Deaths report Inner West London
View report summary
Concerns raised 13 Failure to provide accessible appliance registration for people with limited computer literacy View source Delays in launching appliance repair or withdrawal campaigns View source Failure to make linked fire alarms a contractual requirement for telecare clients View source Failure to escalate fire-alarm activations to the fire brigade within 30 seconds View source Artificially differentiated fire-safety treatment of watch-only and wider telecare clients View source Failure to visibly flag unlinked fire alarms in client records View source Unlinked household fire alarms in telecare users' homes View source Failure to identify and replace unlinked fire alarms in a timely and auditable manner View source Lack of working relationships with local fire brigades to facilitate client home fire-risk assessments View source Inadequate staff training on standards-compliant fire-alarm response View source Failure to train staff to recognise and escalate linked and unlinked fire-alarm sounds View source Lack of a central appliance-owner registration and contact mechanism View source Failure of telecare systems to maintain communication throughout clients' properties View source See 10 more concerns
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
Actions described in response An action is something this recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to the concern raised. 5
Action
Maintain lifecycle product-safety policies covering pre-market assessment, post-sale monitoring, incident investigation, risk assessment, hazard reporting and field corrective-action decisions.
Stated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 18 June 2018. View source
Action
Channel reported incidents through a dedicated UK team for consistent initial investigation and escalate safety-related cases for product-safety-engineer review.
Stated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 18 June 2018. View source
Action
Promote consumer appliance registration through online and offline registration, trained telephone advisors, product stickers, marketing materials and annual registration initiatives.
Stated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 18 June 2018. View source
Action
Operate senior-leadership oversight through a designated Executive Safety Committee responsible for deciding whether potential product-safety risks require field corrective action.
Stated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 18 June 2018. View source
Action
Continue industry and stakeholder discussions to improve registration awareness, portal usability and access for vulnerable consumers.
Stated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 18 June 2018. View source See 2 more actions
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AI-generated summary
Mrs Elizabeth Marion Griffin · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Mrs Elizabeth Marion Griffin, who was wheelchair bound due to advanced multiple sclerosis, was alone at home in bed when a dishwasher fire started on 14 July 2017. She activated her pendant alarm, but the responder did not recognise the smoke alarm, could not communicate effectively with her, and did not call the fire brigade; Mrs Griffin later died in hospital on 21 August 2017 from smoke inhalation injuries and bronchopneumonia. The concerns included delayed action by the dishwasher manufacturer, lack of appliance-owner registration and contact, and shortcomings in telecare arrangements, including unlinked fire alarms, responder training, communication, and escalation procedures.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to provide accessible appliance registration for people with limited computer literacy
Wider context from the report “3. That any such campaign be also targeted at those who are less computer literate and consideration be given as to how to address their needs in relation to registration .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Delays in launching appliance repair or withdrawal campaigns
Wider context from the report “1. That it simply took too long for Whirlpool UK to launch the repair/withdrawal campaign .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to make linked fire alarms a contractual requirement for telecare clients
Wider context from the report “8. That telecare systems providers and WWA in particular, insist that their clients, who by definition are vulnerable, have linked fire alarms as a contractual requirement for both new and existing clients in the same way that such providers insist on the provision to them by the client of keys to the clients’ homes.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to escalate fire-alarm activations to the fire brigade within 30 seconds
Wider context from the report “7. That telecare system operators and WWA in particular, apply the British Standards Institute requirement to call for the help of the fire brigade after 30 seconds maximum of trying to contact a client if the client’s fire alarm goes off .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Artificially differentiated fire-safety treatment of watch-only and wider telecare clients
Wider context from the report “4. That there is an artificial distinction between service users and clients who are “watch” only services, and those with wider telecare support . Either type of client would be vulnerable to fire .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to visibly flag unlinked fire alarms in client records
Wider context from the report “12. That telecare systems providers and WWA in particular, highlight on the front screen of the client details, if that client has an unlinked fire alarm , until such a time as the unlinked alarm is replaced by a linked one, so as to alert call responders that sounds heard in the back ground or call may represent an activated fire alarm and thus the fire brigade may need to be called to the client’s home by the call responder.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Unlinked household fire alarms in telecare users' homes
Wider context from the report “5. That users of telecare systems have the fire alarms in their homes directly linked to the telecare systems .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to identify and replace unlinked fire alarms in a timely and auditable manner
Wider context from the report “9. That telecare systems providers and WWA in particular, take active steps to identify clients without linked fire alarms and arrange for them to be replaced with linked fire alarms and that this should be done in a timely and auditable fashion .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of working relationships with local fire brigades to facilitate client home fire-risk assessments
Wider context from the report “13. That telecare systems providers and WWA in particular, develop working relationships with their local fire brigades to facilitate fire risk assessments visits to the homes of the clients by the fire brigade being offered to telecare clients and accepted by them.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Inadequate staff training on standards-compliant fire-alarm response
Wider context from the report “10. That telecare systems providers and WWA in particular, train their staff on the appropriate response to the activation of a fire alarm and that this should be according to the standards laid down by the British Standards Institute .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to train staff to recognise and escalate linked and unlinked fire-alarm sounds
Wider context from the report “11. That telecare systems providers and WWA in particular, train their staff as to what fire alarm activation sounds like whether from a linked or unlinked alarm and that they should call the fire brigade appropriately if they are heard by the responder to be activated .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Lack of a central appliance-owner registration and contact mechanism
Wider context from the report “2. That there should be a safety campaign encouraging owners of appliances to register their details through a central portal such as AMBIA so that if concerns about an appliance arise they may be promptly contacted .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure of telecare systems to maintain communication throughout clients' properties
Wider context from the report “6. That telecare systems be organised such that a client operating a pendant alarm can talk with the responder no matter where the client is within their property such as to allow a client with mobility problems to be in proper communication with their telecare system operator at all times .
” Open source report
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Maintain lifecycle product-safety policies covering pre-market assessment, post-sale monitoring, incident investigation, risk assessment, hazard reporting and field corrective-action decisions.
Verbatim wording from the response “Whirlpool has a comprehensive set of policies, procedures, and guidelines in place for field monitoring, field safety investigations, analysis, risk assessment, and reporting potential safety hazards associated with its products in order to inform an expeditious decision on a field corrective action. These systems have been developed and refined over decades, and Whirlpool keeps those systems under review as part of its commitment to continual improvement.” Source location 2018-0072-Response-by-Whirlpool-UK
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Channel reported incidents through a dedicated UK team for consistent initial investigation and escalate safety-related cases for product-safety-engineer review.
Verbatim wording from the response “When this initial contact occurs, every effort is made to gather as much information as possible regarding the appliance, the consumer, and the alleged incident. This allows us to both assist the consumer wherever we can, and it also allows us to investigate the matter in more depth.” Source location 2018-0072-Response-by-Whirlpool-UK
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Promote consumer appliance registration through online and offline registration, trained telephone advisors, product stickers, marketing materials and annual registration initiatives.
Verbatim wording from the response “Whirlpool continues to be a prominent advocate within AMDEA both to promote consumer awareness of the scheme and to communicate to consumers why registration is so important. It features on our websites and across our consumer literature. We are proud to have the highest consumer appliance registration rate in the industry and one of the largest consumer databases.” Source location 2018-0072-Response-by-Whirlpool-UK
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Operate senior-leadership oversight through a designated Executive Safety Committee responsible for deciding whether potential product-safety risks require field corrective action.
Verbatim wording from the response “Whirlpool's approach to product safety governance starts with senior leadership oversight, with a specially designated Executive Safety Committee. The membership of Whirlpool's Executive Safety Committee includes members of the Whirlpool senior leadership team from a cross-section of the company. This team is responsible for the decisions regarding the need to undertake field corrective actions for potential product safety risks that have been identified.” Source location 2018-0072-Response-by-Whirlpool-UK
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Continue industry and stakeholder discussions to improve registration awareness, portal usability and access for vulnerable consumers.
Verbatim wording from the response “Whirlpool continues to pursue initiatives to improve registration rates both for its own products, and within the industry generally. Over the past year Whirlpool has engaged in dialogue with key stakeholders including consumer advocacy groups and government agencies to consider options for addressing this important issue. For example, Whirlpool is actively leading discussions within the industry on how to improve consumer awareness of the ‘Register My Appliance’ site, make the site easier to navigate, and make the importance of registration clearer. In recent consumer communications, Whirlpool has also worked with consumer advocacy groups and charities to encourage registrations among more vulnerable members of society who may prefer human interaction to online registration.” Source location 2018-0072-Response-by-Whirlpool-UK
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Indesit responded promptly to the information available during the DWF Series 3 dishwasher safety campaign.
Verbatim wording from the response “The Coroner raised concerns over the length of timing of the safety campaign for the DWF Series 3 Dishwashers. We welcome the opportunity to provide some context to that safety campaign and Whirlpool's product safety processes.” Source location 2018-0072-Response-by-Whirlpool-UK
Open published response
Concerns raised 3 Failure to place due reliance on field information about reported fires View source Failure to raise public awareness of the magnitude and circumstances of the fire risk View source Failure of risk assessments to identify and appreciate the extent of fire risk View source
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
No linked response statements No action or position from this recipient is clearly linked to the concerns in this report.
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AI-generated summary
Bernard Hender and Douglas McTavish · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Bernard Hender and Douglas McTavish died on 10 October 2014 after a fire at their shared flat, with the deaths attributed to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. The inquest found, on the balance of probabilities, that the fire was caused by an electrical fault in a tumble dryer. Concerns included Whirlpool’s assessment and use of information about fire risks associated with door switch assemblies, and insufficient public awareness of the risk of fires caused by spontaneous combustion.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to place due reliance on field information about reported fires
Wider context from the report “[1] The door switch assembly of interest in this case is used in literally hundreds of thousands of appliances manufactured by Whirlpool. I did not emerge from the hearing confident that Whirlpool’s risk assessment processed have fully identified or appreciated the extent of the risk of fire (and its potential consequences). My impression was that at least some of the evidence from those called at the request of Whirlpool was defensive and dismissive in nature. The description by the company’s former Global Product Safety Director of the company’s approach to what he described as ‘soft data’ from the field (meaning, amongst other things, reported instances of fires) was of considerable concern to me. I am concerned that the company’s reluctance to place due reliance on information coming forward in this way, and instead to prefer to take advice from itself , represents an obstacle to timely learning and a likely inhibitor to progressive steps which might prevent fires and save lives.
[2] In the course of evidence ████████ spoke about his belief that the most likely cause of the fire being spontaneous combustion, and explained that he was aware of hundreds of fires of that origin. I was not sure that public awareness of the magnitude of the risk and of the circumstances in which it might materialise reflects the picture painted by ████████. I am concerned that not enough has been done historically to raise awareness of this risk.
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure to raise public awareness of the magnitude and circumstances of the fire risk
Wider context from the report “[1] The door switch assembly of interest in this case is used in literally hundreds of thousands of appliances manufactured by Whirlpool. I did not emerge from the hearing confident that Whirlpool’s risk assessment processed have fully identified or appreciated the extent of the risk of fire (and its potential consequences). My impression was that at least some of the evidence from those called at the request of Whirlpool was defensive and dismissive in nature. The description by the company’s former Global Product Safety Director of the company’s approach to what he described as ‘soft data’ from the field (meaning, amongst other things, reported instances of fires) was of considerable concern to me. I am concerned that the company’s reluctance to place due reliance on information coming forward in this way, and instead to prefer to take advice from itself, represents an obstacle to timely learning and a likely inhibitor to progressive steps which might prevent fires and save lives.
[2] In the course of evidence ████████ spoke about his belief that the most likely cause of the fire being spontaneous combustion, and explained that he was aware of hundreds of fires of that origin. I was not sure that public awareness of the magnitude of the risk and of the circumstances in which it might materialise reflects the picture painted by ████████. I am concerned that not enough has been done historically to raise awareness of this risk .
” Open source report × Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure of risk assessments to identify and appreciate the extent of fire risk
Wider context from the report “[1] The door switch assembly of interest in this case is used in literally hundreds of thousands of appliances manufactured by Whirlpool. I did not emerge from the hearing confident that Whirlpool’s risk assessment processed have fully identified or appreciated the extent of the risk of fire (and its potential consequences) . My impression was that at least some of the evidence from those called at the request of Whirlpool was defensive and dismissive in nature. The description by the company’s former Global Product Safety Director of the company’s approach to what he described as ‘soft data’ from the field (meaning, amongst other things, reported instances of fires) was of considerable concern to me. I am concerned that the company’s reluctance to place due reliance on information coming forward in this way, and instead to prefer to take advice from itself, represents an obstacle to timely learning and a likely inhibitor to progressive steps which might prevent fires and save lives.
[2] In the course of evidence ████████ spoke about his belief that the most likely cause of the fire being spontaneous combustion, and explained that he was aware of hundreds of fires of that origin. I was not sure that public awareness of the magnitude of the risk and of the circumstances in which it might materialise reflects the picture painted by ████████. I am concerned that not enough has been done historically to raise awareness of this risk.
” Open source report
Concerns raised 1 Failure by fridge-freezer manufacturers to address risks posed by highly flammable insulation materials View source
Responses linked to these concerns
Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.
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AI-generated summary
Anthony Lapping · Prevention of Future Deaths report
This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.
Report summary
Anthony Lapping died after a fire at his home, following the ignition of a cooker and the rapid spread of fire to an adjacent fridge freezer. The principal concern was that highly flammable insulation in fridge freezers could cause rapid fire spread, reducing opportunities for escape and increasing the risk of further deaths.
Read the report on judiciary.uk
× Source evidence
How this individual concern was interpreted PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. The report was sent to Hotpoint UK Appliances Limited; that does not assign responsibility.
PFD Monitor interpretation Failure by fridge-freezer manufacturers to address risks posed by highly flammable insulation materials
Wider context from the report “(3) There is a clearly identified risk of further deaths if manufacturers do not address the risks posed by the highly flammable nature of the insulation material used in the manufacture of kitchen equipment (fridge freezers) in common use by the public at large.
” Open source report
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Source evidence
How this respondent action was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Assess and develop methods for introducing aluminized cardboard coverings over key insulation areas on the new 60cm product platform.
Verbatim wording from the response “Future Developments
Currently, we are assessing proposals to reduce the potential flammability of cooling products even further, through the possible introduction of an aluminized cardboard covering for the key insulation areas. Unfortunately due to constraints within the design that we have in production now, particularly the fact that our insulation is quite convex, introduction of this material today is not feasible. However, we are studying methods of introducing such a material on our new 60cm product platform which is under development.” Source location 2014-0214-Response-by-Indesit
Open published response
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Source evidence
How this respondent position was interpreted
PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.
PFD Monitor interpretation Introducing aluminized cardboard covering is currently not feasible because existing insulation design constraints prevent its implementation.
Verbatim wording from the response “Future Developments
Currently, we are assessing proposals to reduce the potential flammability of cooling products even further, through the possible introduction of an aluminized cardboard covering for the key insulation areas. Unfortunately due to constraints within the design that we have in production now, particularly the fact that our insulation is quite convex, introduction of this material today is not feasible. However, we are studying methods of introducing such a material on our new 60cm product platform which is under development.” Source location 2014-0214-Response-by-Indesit
Open published response
Includes reports addressed to a minister or senior office-holder acting for this organisation.
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Information checked against published PFD reports and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations