Counterfeit products in fires An LFB perspective

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Walter Bridges
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1 Counterfeit products in fires An LFB perspective London Fire Brigade Fire Investigation Team: Watch Manager Andy Vaughan-Davies Fire Information Group UK Seminar Imperial Hotel 17 th September 2015 Copyright London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority 2015

2 The Issues Identification of counterfeit goods. LFB research has highlighted the poor quality of counterfeit i-phone chargers. The correct recording of incidents involving genuine and counterfeit goods is critical in identifying trends in causes of fire.

3 The counterfeit charger research Incident in SE London in 2012; charger exploded in bedroom. Initial comparison indicated minor differences from genuine product. Charger removed for examination. Purchased from Deptford Market. To date LFB investigators have attended eleven incidents. Most recent was on 26 th August 15.

4 Typical incident

5 The research Fires attended by London Fire Brigade Fire Investigation Officers. Laboratory analysis and examinations at Bureau Veritas by Jon Fuguet. The research is on-going.

6 Objectives of the research To determine a simple method of identifying a counterfeit charger. To determine the mechanism of failure in the chargers.

7 Types of charger B6 model number A1299. Majority of counterfeits examined so far are based on the A1299. B6b/HB6b A1399 (next generation). 2 counterfeits seen this year.

8 The visual differences: Genuine Pin finish: both shape and texture-

9 The differences: Genuine Pin finish: both shape and texture

10 Genuine Fake Print colour and positioning

11 USB orientation

12 Fake Genuine

17 Numbers of components Genuine A1299: 60 components Counterfeit A1299 :19 to 33 (Average 25) Genuine A1399: 67 components

19 Weight Genuine A1299 : 45.70g Counterfeit A1299: 30g to 38g (A g)

20 But fakes will overcome!

21 s

22 Plug pin quality A Genuine 5 Counterfeit

23 D= genuine 16= counterfeit including PCB

24 The issues found in counterfeits Poor soldering of conductors and components. Impure copper used. PCB tracks insufficient.

25 Lack of safety insulation in general.

26 Note: USB socket insulated. More use of safety insulation in general.

27 The Issues found in counterfeits non resistive heating failures. Likely to overheat. Poor layout of printed circuit components. Poor spacing of printed circuit board electrical connections.

30 The Issues found in counterfeits The number and sequence of components in counterfeits was different. The incorrect sequencing leads to an inability to reduce the input from the wall supply to the correct current to charge the device.

31 The resulting overcurrent leads to a failure at the weakest point which is often the solder points in the counterfeit chargers.

34 Casing composition, Ignitability and flammability. Genuine : Polycarbonate Counterfeit Poly ABS Beilstein Test for halides 11 out of 14 negative 3 Trityl Chloride (manufactured in China)

35 Characteristic thick black smoke when ABS burns.

36 The latest and probably the worst quality

37 The latest and probably the worst quality

38 With only 19 components on the PCB

39 First recorded injury in London, ( electric shock ) On charge On a call. Hospitalised

40 The Issues Personal Injury including electrocution and burns. Fire which may result in death or personal injury, loss of belongings and damage to property. Damage to the device itself which may also void the manufacturer s warranty.

41 The Consequences.

42 Six fire engines attend fire in Paddington: 4 injuries

44 Four Fire engines attend fire in Cricklewood: 2 injuries 1 rescue

47 Completion of research Measurement of current from counterfeit devices. Mechanism by which device (phone) is damaged. Density of plug pins.

48 The solution A joined up approach to address: Personal Injury, electrocution or fire Damage to property & environment Damage to device

49 The Future Problem here to stay. Awareness, accurate identification and recording of incidents / data is essential. Liaison with the manufacturer of the genuine product crucial. Correct identification ensures accurate data.

50 Identification & cause GHD Hair Straighteners. Correct identification of counterfeit product Manufacturer involved.

51 .

55 The Conclusion Manufacturer involved. Fake product. Straighteners not determined as cause.

56 The value of accurate data.

57 Accurate data: Risk Assessment to Recall 1. Describe the product and the hazard 2. Identify the type of consumer to be included in the injury scenario 3. Describe the injury scenario in which the identified product hazard(s) or adverse health effects might effect the identified consumer 4. Determine the severity of the possible injury (or worse) to the consumer. 5. Determine the probability of the injury scenario occurring. 6. Determine the risk level.

58 Accurate data: Risk Assessment to Recall Check: Is risk level plausible. Determine other injury scenarios to identify the highest risk posed by the product.

59 Accurate Data is Crucial Injury: The severity of a possible injury to a person using or coming into contact with the product. Includes People and Pets Probability: The probability that an injury scenario may indeed materialise during the expected lifetime of the product. Often estimated and subjective Reported incidents: 1 fire in 500 appliances or 1 in 1000 significant difference.

60 Severity of Injury Rapex guidance Commission Decision 2010/15/EC. Level of Injury Consequence Injury or consequence that after basic treatment (first aid, normally not by a doctor) does not substantially hamper or cause excessive pain; usually the consequences are completely reversible. Injury or consequence for which a visit to A&E may be necessary, but in general, hospitalisation is not required. Functioning may be affected for a limited period, not more than about six months, and recovery is more or less complete. Injury or consequence that normally requires hospitalisation and will affect functioning for more than six months or lead to a permanent loss of function. Injury or consequence that is or could be fatal, including brain death; consequences that affect reproduction or offspring; severe loss of limbs and /or function, leading to more than approximately 10% of disability.

61 Risk Level: Severity and probability Source: Rapex guidance + Vulnerable people

62 UK fire statistics : crucial Fire Kills campaign Running since 1988

63 CSCL globe: 19,000 containers Biggest container ship in the world on its 11,067 mile maiden voyage docked in Felixstowe from China on 7 th January Fully-laden, the ship can carry 156million pairs of shoes, 300million tablet computers or 900million tins of beans.

64 But!!! On 25 January - 53 days after the CSCL Globe commercial debut. MSC Oscar loaded with 19, 224 containers headed to Europe..

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