Product related deaths

Noted (AI summary) Takeda believes the existing patient information leaflet adequately addresses the issue of damaged patches, and they have requested a review to determine if changes are needed; the MHRA also reviewed product information for fentanyl patches in April 2015.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Business Innovation and Skills acknowledges concerns about clothing flammability but states that most clothing is flammable and reducing it would require flame retardants with their own risks. They don't believe there's sufficient evidence to extend flammability requirements to other types of clothing but will keep the issue under review.

Noted (AI summary) The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills clarifies that responsibility for labelling of "poppers" rests with the Health and Safety Executive and enforcement with local Trading Standards. It states that General Product Safety Regulations would not have been breached in this case as instructions for use were not followed and the Home Office tackles new psychoactive substances.

Noted (AI summary) The Department of Health acknowledges the concerns raised about helium gas and suicide, noting ongoing discussions with partners but without specific outcomes to report. They highlight the need to balance helium availability with safety and reference Samaritans' media guidelines.

Noted (AI summary) BOC states they followed all procedures and contractual obligations, and all equipment was in working order. They see no reason to take further action but will monitor procedures.

Noted (AI summary) AMDEA's Technical Manager on Refrigeration together with industry safety specialists prepared a basic proposal for change to the international standard IEC 60335-2-24. This proposal was placed before the BSI committee CPL61 and was accepted as a UK proposal for change at international level in 2014; the UK proposal was accepted by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) meeting in Tokyo. BSI Committees CPL/61 and PEL/33 reviewed the points raised and are submitting a proposal to the International Committee to add a warning about supply cords and portable socket-outlets to relevant appliances, and a new test for non-metallic material covering thermal insulation. The Society explains its role as a professional body for forensic science practitioners, noting that their reports are usually delivered directly to those who engaged them and may be sensitive or confidential. They state that forensic scientists are rarely involved in fire investigations unless they are serious, unexplained or suspicious, and that the fire service and/or police usually investigate. CFOA will engage proactively with DCLG to help develop the future IRS and the ease by which this type of information can be gathered, accessed and disseminated. CFOA will provide guidance to FRS by April 2015 to help ensure that the information provided on IRS is as accurate and meaningful as is possible to facilitate the ease by which DCLG could provide it to TS and manufacturers if they decided to do so. BIS will consider consistency of guidance and sharing of best practice as part of the independent review of consumer product recalls. The potential for a Code of Practice will also be considered as part of the independent review. BIS will continue to support AMDEA's Register my Appliance site.

Noted (AI summary) BIS acknowledges the concerns and describes existing campaigns and partnerships promoting blind cord safety led by the British Blind and Shutters Association (BBSA) and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA).

Noted (AI summary) The company outlines the safety standards in place at the time of manufacture and improvements made since. It describes assessments underway to reduce flammability further but describes constraints on introducing an aluminized cardboard covering.