Source · Prevention of Future Deaths
Saima Usman
Ref: 2022-0108
Date: 8 Apr 2022
Coroner: Professor Fiona Wilcox
Area: Inner West London
0 responses identified · 1 indexed addressee
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AI-generated concerns summaryThe coroner noted that privately rented accommodation in the London Borough of Wandsworth lacks a registered landlord scheme, meaning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not required. This absence increases the risk of death from fire or CO exposure for residents.
Date
8 Apr 2022
56-day deadline
21 Jun 2022 est.
estimated from the Judiciary.uk publication date
Responses identified
0 of 1
Coroner's concerns
The coroner noted that privately rented accommodation in the London Borough of Wandsworth lacks a registered landlord scheme, meaning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not required. This absence increases the risk of death from fire or CO exposure for residents.
View full coroner's concerns
That those living in privately rented accommodation within the London Borough of Wandsworth are at greater risk of death from exposure to fire or CO, as it does not currently have registered landlord scheme through which in order to be registered smoke and CO detectors would have to be installed.
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Report sections
Investigation and inquest
On the 22nd March 2022, evidence was heard touching the death of Saima Usman. Ms Usman had been found deceased at her home following a fire. She was 44 years old at the time of her death. Medical Cause of Death 1 (a) Mixed opioid toxicity How, when, where the deceased came by her death: Ms Usman was found deceased and partially burned ay the LFB at her home address at around 11pm on 8th July 2021. The fire did not contribute to her death. The source of the fire was likely to be from her burned clothing, either from a lighter or cooker, but her drug toxicity caused her collapse and prevented her from extinguishing the fire. Thre were no suspicious circumstances and no evidence of self harm. Conclusion of the Coroner as to the death accidental drug related death Circumstances of the death. Extensive evidence was taken and accepted by the court. In summary: Ms Usman lived in flat belonging to a private landlord. There was no smoke detection system within the property.
Whilst in this case this would have been unlikely to have prevented the death, in other cases smoke alarms certainly allow earlier detection of fires and the prevention of deaths, and the limitation of spread of fire to adjacent properties as emergency services are called earlier.
Evidence from the Fire Brigade investigator was that Local Authorities currently have no legal powers to enforce smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in privately rented property. Had the property been rented from the LA, they could have ensured that such safety systems would have been in place.
Other LAs have registered landlord schemes that ensure that in order to be registered smoke and CO detectors must be installed. Matters of Concern
That those living in privately rented accommodation within the London Borough of Wandsworth are at greater risk of death from exposure to fire or CO, as it does not currently have registered landlord scheme through which in order to be registered smoke and CO detectors would have to be installed.
Whilst in this case this would have been unlikely to have prevented the death, in other cases smoke alarms certainly allow earlier detection of fires and the prevention of deaths, and the limitation of spread of fire to adjacent properties as emergency services are called earlier.
Evidence from the Fire Brigade investigator was that Local Authorities currently have no legal powers to enforce smoke or carbon monoxide (CO) detectors to be installed in privately rented property. Had the property been rented from the LA, they could have ensured that such safety systems would have been in place.
Other LAs have registered landlord schemes that ensure that in order to be registered smoke and CO detectors must be installed. Matters of Concern
That those living in privately rented accommodation within the London Borough of Wandsworth are at greater risk of death from exposure to fire or CO, as it does not currently have registered landlord scheme through which in order to be registered smoke and CO detectors would have to be installed.
Action should be taken
It is for each addressee to respond to matters relevant to them.
Copies sent to
, 102, New Park Road, London. SW2 4LNStation Officer Fire Investigation Team G/W, Dowgate Fire Station, 2nd Floor, 9495 Upper Thames Street, London. EC4R 3UE
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Report details
- Reference
- 2022-0108
- Date of report
- 8 April 2022
- Coroner
- Professor Fiona Wilcox
- Coroner area
- Inner West London
Responses identified
Responses identified
0 of 1
1 response not yet linked
Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 21 Jun 2022 (estimated from the Judiciary.uk publication date).
Sent to
- London Borough of Wandsworth