Source · Prevention of Future Deaths

Riley Holt, Keegan Unitt, Tilly-Rose Unitt and Olly Unitt

Ref: 2020-0236 Date: 17 Nov 2020 Coroner: Andrew Haigh Area: Staffordshire South Responses identified: 1 / 1 View PDF

Conventional smoke alarms may be ineffective for children under 16, particularly boys, suggesting mandatory fire suppression systems in all new properties, similar to Wales, should be considered.

Date 17 Nov 2020
56-day deadline 18 Feb 2021 est.
Responses identified 1 of 1
Other related deaths

Coroner's concerns

AI summary
Conventional smoke alarms may be ineffective for children under 16, particularly boys, suggesting mandatory fire suppression systems in all new properties, similar to Wales, should be considered.
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In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to The_MATTER QF CONCERNis as_follows: During the course of the evidence about these sad deaths it was reported that Staffordshire Place, Stafford, ST16 2LP Telephone: 01785 276126 or 276127 Email: sscor@staffordshire gov.uk Policy you: children under the age of 16 (and particularly boys) do not respond to conventional smoke alarms_ This adds to the argument that in England to copy what is already legally required in Wales) all new built properties should be required to have fire suppression system installed:

Responses

1 respondent
Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Central Government
PDF
Noted

The Secretary of State acknowledges the deaths and states that the government is committed to building safety, including a review of smoke alarm standards. (AI summary)

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Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Ministry of Housing; Local Government Communities & Local Government Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government Fry Building 2 Marsham Street London SWIP 4DF Tel: Andrew Haigh Emair HM Coroner for Staffordshire South wwgov.uklmhclg Staffordshire Place Stafford Our Ref;f Staffordshire Your ref: 150774 ST16 2LP December 2020 Dea_t I HassL, Thank you for your report dated 17 November under regulations 8 and 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2013. was very to read of the tragic deaths of Riley Holt;, Keegan Unitt; Tilly-Rose Unitt and Unitt in Stafford on 5th February 2019. accidental death is upsetting, but the untimely deaths of four children is unbearable_ The Government are committed to bringing about the biggest change in building safety for a generation. Part of that programme of work is a full technical review of the standards that support building regulations the important issues of smoke alarms and sprinklers will, of course be considered as part of that review_ understand that the specific issue of smoke alarms waking children was considered by the relevant technical committee at the British Standards Institute and that this was taken into account in an amendment to BS 5839-6 issued this year. Yas_ 1hes (nzclc RT HON ROBERT JENRICK MP sorry Olly Any

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Report details

Reference
2020-0236
Date of report
17 November 2020
Coroner
Andrew Haigh
Coroner area
Staffordshire South

Responses identified

Responses identified 1 of 1
All listed responses identified

Organisations named in PFD reports are normally expected to respond within 56 days. Deadline: 18 Feb 2021 (estimated).

Sent to

Housing of Vulnerable People (Building Safety)

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