PFD report

Champagauri Bhatt and Dipak Bhatt · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 6 Dec 2024•North London

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

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Concerns
8

Raised in this report

Recipients
8

Named on the report

Responses found
8

Of 8 recipients

Stated actions
25

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised8

  1. Inadequate information management for analysis and learning from white goods fires
    Part of recurring concern: Unreliable learning from white-goods fire information
  2. Failure by fire-investigating companies to notify authorities of investigation outcomes
    Part of recurring concern: Unreliable learning from white-goods fire information
  3. Lack of sharing of recall and replacement decision data and rationale for condensate pumps and RFI filters
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 a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.16

  1. Action

    Continue monitoring fire-incident trends and collaborating with fire services and manufacturers to explore practical data-driven appliance-safety measures.

    Stated by AMDEAStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  2. Action

    Discuss PRISM in member panels, host training with OPSS, and continue recommending it as a complementary risk-assessment tool.

    Stated by AMDEAStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  3. Action

    Promote best practices on recalls, servicing and parts replacement through AMDEA panels and shared PAS7100:2022 learning.

    Stated by AMDEAStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 December 2024.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.15

  1. Position

    Members’ existing risk assessment systems effectively cover the relevant safety factors, so PRISM need not be mandated as a replacement.

    Stated by AMDEAExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Unreliable learning from white-goods fire information.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Unreliable learning from white-goods fire information.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Unreliable learning from white-goods fire information.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do 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. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

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 monitoring fire-incident trends and collaborating with fire services and manufacturers to explore practical data-driven appliance-safety measures.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Fire incident data for key appliances is collated annually in line with international IEC focuses, helping to identify trends and inform on safety improvements. AMDEA will continue to monitor the situation and collaborate with Fire Services and manufacturers to explore practical, data-driven measures that enhance appliance safety.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 9 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Discuss PRISM in member panels, host training with OPSS, and continue recommending it as a complementary risk-assessment tool.

Verbatim wording from the response

“To promote PRISM’s adoption and understanding, AMDEA regularly discusses PRISM within our panels and host training events in collaboration with OPSS. These events ensure our membership is fully informed and equipped to apply its key principles effectively.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 8 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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 best practices on recalls, servicing and parts replacement through AMDEA panels and shared PAS7100:2022 learning.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Transparency is a core principle within AMDEA’s membership, ensuring that safety practices are upheld across the industry. Through AMDEA’s Panels, we promote best practices in recalls, servicing and parts replacement facilitating shared learning and collaboration amongst manufacturers. AMDEA and its members not only support but also took part in the development of the OPSS and BSI document PAS7100:2022, which is a code of practice for Product Recalls and other corrective actions for businesses and regulators.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 6 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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 and annually refine a comprehensive system collating appliance-safety data to analyse incidents and disseminate safety information.

Verbatim wording from the response

“To further strengthen our efforts, we have recently implemented an annual comprehensive data management collation system. This system collates data from a variety of sources including OPSS and anonymised data from our membership. This collected data enables us to further analyse and disseminate safety related information related to specific appliances. This exercise has already proven instrumental in identifying trends, supporting targeted incident analysis, and driving safety enhancements at International IEC standards level.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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 and support CPL/61 work reviewing and establishing safety standards for appliances and componentry.

Verbatim wording from the response

“AMDEA, as an industry representative, along with many of its members, actively participates in the CPL/61 working group. This group is dedicated to reviewing and establishing robust standards for products and their associated componentry, addressing specific areas when trends or issues are identified.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 5 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Track Prevention of Future Deaths Reports and share them with NFCC members to identify and promote opportunities for improvement.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Thank you for raising the concern in relation to the deaths of Champagauri and Dipak Bhatt on 29 March 2023. It is with great sadness that I read about the circumstances of their deaths. The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) is committed to a culture of learning and improvement and seeks to support fire and rescue services (FRSs) to embed a learning culture. We actively track Prevention of Future Deaths Reports and share them with our members to ensure all opportunities for improvement are taken.”

Source location

Response from National Fire Chiefs Council
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 4 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 4 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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 engaging with regulators and other stakeholders to identify and learn lessons with wider implications for the safety of similar products.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I hope that Champagauri and Dipak’s family are reassured that this tragic incident is already being considered by product regulators. While North Yorkshire County Council is taking the lead in investigating this case, OPSS will continue to engage with them and other stakeholders, so that we can provide any support needed and can learn from any”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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 and promote the Product-related Fire Notification process, supported by published guidance, to collect product-fire information from fire and rescue services.

Verbatim wording from the response

“OPSS has also established a process of information sharing with London Fire Brigade (LFB) and other Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) to collect information about product-related fires, known as Product-related Fire Notifications (PFNs). In more serious cases, including those involving serious injuries or fatalities, fire investigators can undertake detailed investigations to determine the cause, defect or failure that led to a product-related fire breaking out. OPSS has been gathering this information in partnership with LFB since 2020, and other FRS since February 2023, when OPSS published guidance Product-Related Fire Incident Notifications - GOV.UK to assist and support FRS to report product-related fires.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Work with BSI to update and improve relevant product standards where necessary to raise safety levels.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I know that you have also addressed your report to the British Standards Institution (BSI) regarding your recommendation that BSI Committee CPL/61 should review the voluntary standards concerning the manufacture of mains and sub mains operated condensate pumps and RFI filters, to consider whether they should be improved. I would like to reassure you that OPSS is committed to supporting any changes to product standards that could help raise safety levels further. Representatives from OPSS attend this Committee, and we will work with BSI to update and improve the standard wherever necessary.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Arrange testing against the Standard of a test purchase of the affected tumble-dryer model.

Verbatim wording from the response

“There is a model of the tumble dryer containing the condensate pump referred to in your report which is no longer manufactured but is still available on the market. I have asked the trading standards service to arrange for testing against the Standard of a test purchase of the model as an additional check on the company’s findings.”

Source location

Response from North Yorkshire Council
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Hold a further CPL/61 meeting to consider how the relevant standards could address the fire’s cause.

Verbatim wording from the response

“d. CPL/61 considers that without the above information, it is not in a position to make a decision on how best the standard can be amended to address the cause of the fire.”

Source location

Response from BSI Group
Page 6 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Convene CPL/61 to discuss the Prevention of Future Deaths report and requested standards review.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Committee’s Response”

Source location

Response from BSI Group
Page 4 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Members’ existing risk assessment systems effectively cover the relevant safety factors, so PRISM need not be mandated as a replacement.

Verbatim wording from the response

“While AMDEA remains committed to supporting the implementation of adaptable and comprehensive risk assessments aligned with evolving safety and consumer needs, we note that our members already employ their own robust systems that effectively cover these points without being part of the PRISM framework. We will continue to recommend PRISM as a complementary tool to help adapt and enhance their existing risk assessment processes, rather than as a replacement.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 8 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

The low number of unidentifiable appliance fire cases does not justify widespread implementation of fire-resistant identification plates.

Verbatim wording from the response

“It is important here to note that the specific case in question was not brought to AMDEA’s attention, and as such, we are unaware of the relevance or connection of the identification plate to our current practices. In this instance, the appliance was clearly identified, and the manufacturer was notified well before AMDEA received any details. Identification is increasingly achieved through digital means, such as online appliance registration or digital receipts. Over the past 18 months, AMDEA has collated and analysed data for fire incidents involving unidentifiable appliances. The data continues to show that the number of such cases remain low, which does not justify the widespread implementation of fire-resistant identification plates.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 9 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Receiving manufacturer information on recalled or warranty-replaced condensate pumps and FRI filters is outside the organisation’s remit.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Unfortunately, this is not currently within the remit of NFCC. However, we do support the single recall register, which was a key output of the Total Recalls campaign initiated by London Fire Brigade and rolled out nationally. This was created as a consumer-facing initiative and focused on products rather than parts that could be causing issues across multiple appliances. This is recorded on a national register which can be found here: Product Safety Alerts, Reports and Recalls - GOV.UK”

Source location

Response from National Fire Chiefs Council
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 5 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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
Page 4 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Manufacturers already must conduct and document pre-market risk assessments, including risks arising from predictable human behaviour.

Verbatim wording from the response

“You have raised the issue of manufacturer risk assessments. Those supplying electrical equipment such as tumble dryers are already required to carry out pre-market risk assessments when assessing the overall conformity of their products to the requirements in the regulations, and document these actions. This includes risks that might arise from the product’s use in instances of predictable human behaviour, such as when people are asleep. OPSS’ PRISM tool is a post-market risk assessment methodology for product regulators to use across the broad spectrum of consumer products. While businesses can consider the use of PRISM, it is their responsibility to determine how to fully identify and mitigate risks that might arise in their specific products before they are placed on the market, and fulfil their safety obligations in the regulations.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Businesses remain responsible for fully identifying and mitigating risks in their specific products and fulfilling regulatory safety obligations.

Verbatim wording from the response

“You have raised the issue of manufacturer risk assessments. Those supplying electrical equipment such as tumble dryers are already required to carry out pre-market risk assessments when assessing the overall conformity of their products to the requirements in the regulations, and document these actions. This includes risks that might arise from the product’s use in instances of predictable human behaviour, such as when people are asleep. OPSS’ PRISM tool is a post-market risk assessment methodology for product regulators to use across the broad spectrum of consumer products. While businesses can consider the use of PRISM, it is their responsibility to determine how to fully identify and mitigate risks that might arise in their specific products before they are placed on the market, and fulfil their safety obligations in the regulations.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Existing regulations already require manufacturers to notify regulators and give regulators powers to obtain information and require corrective action.

Verbatim wording from the response

“You have raised the issue of data and information sharing between manufacturers and regulators, particularly when manufacturers are investigating potential safety issues with their products. Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, manufacturers of electrical goods are already required to notify regulators when they become aware of a safety issue with a product they have placed on the market. The Regulations also provide regulators with powers to require information from manufacturers or other persons in the supply chain regarding product safety issues, and to require corrective actions to ensure they are addressed.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Existing product-related fire notification arrangements enable OPSS to identify potentially unsafe products and take necessary action.

Verbatim wording from the response

“OPSS has also established a process of information sharing with London Fire Brigade (LFB) and other Fire and Rescue Services (FRS) to collect information about product-related fires, known as Product-related Fire Notifications (PFNs). In more serious cases, including those involving serious injuries or fatalities, fire investigators can undertake detailed investigations to determine the cause, defect or failure that led to a product-related fire breaking out. OPSS has been gathering this information in partnership with LFB since 2020, and other FRS since February 2023, when OPSS published guidance Product-Related Fire Incident Notifications - GOV.UK to assist and support FRS to report product-related fires.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 2 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Existing regulations already require electrical equipment to carry identification details and manufacturer contact information.

Verbatim wording from the response

“You also raised the issue of product identification plates. The Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 require that before placing electrical equipment on the market, a manufacturer must ensure that it bears a type, batch or serial number or other element allowing its identification, and is marked with the contact details at which the manufacturer can be contacted. BSI have previously been asked by Ministers to consider the feasibility for fire resistant identification marking for large electrical appliances to be included in international standards. In response, BSI commissioned a working group to explore how a requirement for fire-resistant marking could work in practice. This working group is currently trialling a pilot approach to enabling the identification of fire-damaged appliances and supporting their traceability.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

A recall and component improvements are considered unnecessary based on the absence of other complaints and satisfactory test outcomes.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Neither this service nor Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd has received any other complaint about the identified parts overheating or causing a fire. Since the receipt of the Prevention of Future Deaths report, the company has conducted forced failure testing going beyond that required by the Standard. The testing was conducted at an in-house facility in Italy so could not be observed by a trading standards officer, however, it was overseen by ████████ of the Beko Europe Safety team. ████████ is a member of the IEC TC89 Committee reviewing safety standards for Fire Hazard, and it has been confirmed that she was fully aware of the Bhatt case and the verdict. The filters and pumps passed all the tests.”

Source location

Response from North Yorkshire Council
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

A specific response to changes in information management cannot be provided without further detail about which aspects need to change.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I understand from your report that the inquest concluded that Champagauri and Dipak Bhatt died from inhalation injuries following a fire caused by an electrical fault in a tumble dryer. You have suggested that changes in information management would result in better analysis of, and learning from, white goods fires, but there is no explanation in your report as to which aspects of information management need to change.”

Source location

Response from the Home Office
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

OPSS should address the report’s wider recommendations because they require a national approach.

Verbatim wording from the response

“CTSI would also like to see OPSS look at the wider recommendations made in the report as we believe these require a national approach to address national issues.”

Source location

Response from Chartered Trading Standards Institute
Page 2 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.9

  1. 1

    Share product-safety insights through national and international standards-development committees.

    Stated by AMDEAStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  2. 2

    Operate the Register My Appliance campaign and website to support appliance traceability, safety communications and recall information.

    Stated by AMDEAStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  3. 3

    Provide a product-identification service, including appliance-photo guidance and routes for disseminating unidentifiable cases to members.

    Stated by AMDEAStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  4. 4

    Hold monthly meetings with LFB and OPSS and biannual Safety Liaison Panel meetings with members and relevant safety bodies.

    Stated by AMDEAStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  5. 5

    Add condensate-pump moisture-ingress risks as a discussion topic at Safety Liaison Panel meetings.

    Stated by AMDEAStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  6. 6

    Obtain independent accredited-facility checking and approval of product safety test results.

    Stated by Hotpoint UK Appliances LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  7. 7

    Engage regularly with LFB, OPSS, NGOs and industry stakeholders to explore changes to systems and processes that improve consumer safety.

    Stated by Hotpoint UK Appliances LimitedStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  8. 8

    Conduct additional product safety testing, including fault simulation and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis.

    Stated by Hotpoint UK Appliances LimitedStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 9 December 2024.
  9. 9

    Continue promoting electrical product safety and robust processes for informing consumers about risks and dangers.

    Stated by Chartered Trading Standards InstituteStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 9 December 2024.

Recipient positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when they do not describe a specific action.3

  1. 1

    North Yorkshire County Council is responsible for leading the investigation, with OPSS providing necessary support.

    Stated by Office for Product Safety and StandardsRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
  2. 2

    Hotpoint and North Yorkshire Trading Standards should investigate the product and initiate a recall if necessary.

    Stated by Chartered Trading Standards InstituteRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.
  3. 3

    CPL/61 cannot decide how to amend relevant standards without more specific fire-investigation, expert-report and appliance information.

    Stated by BSI Group The Netherlands B.V.Unable to actThe respondent said that a constraint prevented them from taking the relevant action.

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

Share product-safety insights through national and international standards-development committees.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We have carefully reviewed the content of the findings and address below each point of concern in turn. AMDEA remains committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders to enhance product safety and will continue to share insights at national and international standards development committee meetings. These ongoing efforts aim to drive continuous improvement, enhancing information management, sharing best practices, and upholding the highest safety standards across our sector.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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 the Register My Appliance campaign and website to support appliance traceability, safety communications and recall information.

Verbatim wording from the response

“One of our key initiatives, AMDEA’s “Register my Appliance” campaign and website Home - Register My Appliance supported by Fire Services and other stakeholders enables homeowners to register their appliances, supporting manufacturers to maintain customer records for warranty purposes, manufacturer record support for communications on vital communications for recalls and safety enhancements through improvements, traceability, and accountability for potential issues. Additionally, the website includes a detailed section that lists all relevant recalls across AMDEA’s membership for simple consumer reference.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 4 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Provide a product-identification service, including appliance-photo guidance and routes for disseminating unidentifiable cases to members.

Verbatim wording from the response

“AMDEA supports this process through its product identification service, as part of the Safety Liaison Panel remit. This includes providing a ‘code of practice’ and guidelines for obtaining appliance photos to aid identification. When remote identification cannot be confirmed, AMDEA members may attend the site, providing the appliance is preserved. However, this is not always possible due to the site clearance practices, limiting the ability to confirm appliance identity.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 7 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Hold monthly meetings with LFB and OPSS and biannual Safety Liaison Panel meetings with members and relevant safety bodies.

Verbatim wording from the response

“AMDEA holds monthly meetings with LFB and OPSS to discuss areas of concern and emerging trends. Additionally, through our bi-annual Safety Liaison Panel meetings, we collaborate closely with our members, Fire Services, Trading Standards and OPSS’s data team. These meetings focus on identifying trends and staying informed about changes in product and fire safety.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Add condensate-pump moisture-ingress risks as a discussion topic at Safety Liaison Panel meetings.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We would be interested in learning more about this specific issue to ensure our efforts remain aligned with emerging safety concerns and will be adding this as a topic of discussion at our Safety Liaison Panel meetings.”

Source location

Response from Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances
Page 2 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Obtain independent accredited-facility checking and approval of product safety test results.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In addition to testing all our products to the appropriate industry safety standards, all the results of those tests are checked and approved by an independent accredited test facility.”

Source location

Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Engage regularly with LFB, OPSS, NGOs and industry stakeholders to explore changes to systems and processes that improve consumer safety.

Verbatim wording from the response

“As outlined below, we regularly engage with other stakeholders to discuss how systems and processes can be changed to improve consumer safety.”

Source location

Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Page 3 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Conduct additional product safety testing, including fault simulation and Failure Mode and Effect Analysis.

Verbatim wording from the response

“We view meeting the standards as the minimum level of safety. In addition to meeting the standards, we do additional testing to ensure, as much as is possible, that a product is safe. That includes putting faults on products and assessing the consequences. This is known as Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA).”

Source location

Response from Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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 promoting electrical product safety and robust processes for informing consumers about risks and dangers.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In conclusion, CTSI remains committed to ensuring that electrical products are safe, and that processes for keeping consumers informed of risks and dangers are robust to ensure that preventable deaths or deaths injuries are avoided.”

Source location

Response from Chartered Trading Standards Institute
Page 2 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

North Yorkshire County Council is responsible for leading the investigation, with OPSS providing necessary support.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), within the Department for Business and Trade, is the UK’s national product regulator, responsible for the regulation of most consumer goods, including electrical appliances. OPSS was made aware of this incident by London Fire Brigade on 31 March 2023, and took the following steps - we made contact with the manufacturer of the tumble dryer, Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd, and with the relevant local authority that leads the regulation of the business through Primary Authority, North Yorkshire County Council. Following OPSS’ evaluation of the early information in this incident, it was agreed with North Yorkshire County Council that they would lead the investigation in this case. OPSS remains in regular contact with the Council and continues to offer them any necessary support.”

Source location

Response from Office for Product and Safety Standards
Page 1 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

Hotpoint and North Yorkshire Trading Standards should investigate the product and initiate a recall if necessary.

Verbatim wording from the response

“CTSI understands that Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd has a Primary Authority agreement with North Yorkshire Council Trading Standards, and in regard to this incident the Trading Standards team are leading the activity with Hotpoint UK Appliances Ltd directly.”

Source location

Response from Chartered Trading Standards Institute
Page 2 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response

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

CPL/61 cannot decide how to amend relevant standards without more specific fire-investigation, expert-report and appliance information.

Verbatim wording from the response

“c. The Committee considered this request and decided that in order to be able to reach an informed engineering decision regarding making an appropriate amendment to the standard, more specific information regarding the fire investigation and its conclusions was needed. In particular:”

Source location

Response from BSI Group
Page 5 · response
Published 9 December 2024

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026