National Patient Safety Agency: Fire hazard with paraffin-based skin products (Nov 2007)

Summary

Following a reported death, the National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) commissioned the Health and Safety Executive to undertake fire hazard testing with white soft paraffin on a variety of bandages, dressings and clothing. The results showed the ability to reproduce the fire hazard in a controlled environment. This risk was not previously well recognised. 

Content

This document is accompanied by:

• general advice and advice for hospital inpatients
• supporting information for healthcare staff including background and findings
• posters in English and Welsh
• Health and Safety Laboratory report FS/06/12 ‘Fire hazards associated with contamination of dressings and clothing by paraffin based ointments’
• examples of products containing paraffin
• warning / hazard stickers for products
• a patient safety video
• leaflets in English and Welsh.

Although the deadline for actions has passed, this guidance remains best practice. It should be followed to prevent future patient safety incidents.