David Alan Thomson · Prevention of Future Deaths report

On 11th August 2014 I commenced an investigation into the death of David Alan THOMSON, Aged 62.

The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 15th October 2014.

The conclusion of the inquest was
Ia Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and
Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis

On 5th August 2014, David Alan Thomson was certified as having died at his home. He suffered from Chronic Pulmonary Disease and Coronary Atherosclerosis. He had been charging an e-cigarette when the battery exploded, causing damage to an oxygen pipe attached to the oxygen concentrator, causing the pipe to ignite. Mr Thomson is likely to have reacted to the risk and his exertions have proved fatal.

The deceased suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and is on home oxygen. The oxygen tank is located in the living room and is located in bed in a bedroom on the same floor. There is an extensive length of hose between the tank and his bedroom. He has reportedly attempted to re-charge his E Cigarette but the charger / cigarette has been resting on the oxygen pipe, burnt through it and causes the oxygen to catch fire. He had attempted to get to the oxygen tank to turn it off but has collapsed and died. There was no fire damage in the property. History of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

It is understood that e-cigarettes rely on Lithium-Ion batteries, which are charged using standard micro usb chargers. Unfortunately, any chargers with a micro usb plug will fit and, if the wrong current is fed to the e-cigarette, the battery will “explode”.

This issue is brought to your attention for solution.