The B.C. Coroners Service has warned the public about the dangers of leaving laptop computers running on couches and other soft surfaces.

The provincial agency’s advisory follows the completion of an investigation into a fatal laptop fire that killed a 56-year-old Vancouver man six months ago.

According to a press release issued today (August 26) by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, the man’s laptop overheated and burst into flames within 50 minutes of being left on a couch while plugged in and turned on.

The man’s death is the first in the province to be attributed to a laptop fire.

Since 2004, four other plugged-in laptops in B.C. have caused fires after either overheating or short-circuiting.

Fifteen other fires were caused by other electronic equipment—such as personal computers, DVD players, and cellphone chargers—short-circuiting or overheating.

The coroner’s service said that, during its investigation, it found out that several makes of laptops have been recalled in recent years due to lithium-ion batteries overheating and catching fire.

In the release, the coroner’s service and the B.C. Office of the Fire Commissioner offered the following laptop safety tips:

Ӣ Always operate on a hard surface that allows ventilation. Soft materials can block the airflow vents and cause it to overheat. If it is not possible to avoid using a soft surface, an optional heat-sink base should be used to maintain cooling.

Ӣ Always shut down your laptop, even for short periods of time, especially when placed in a carry bag.

Ӣ Inspect and clean the air vents on a weekly basis. Forced-air dusters can be used to keep the vents clean and free from debris.

Ӣ Replace any equipment or parts that do not work according to manufacturer specifications and standards.

Ӣ Using a laptop desk or cooler will prevent you from being burned when using your laptop. A good laptop desk will have large enough vents for allowing air circulation between you and the laptop.

Ӣ Visit the Health Canada recall listings website at http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/index-eng.php or call 1-866-662-0666 to see if a laptop you own, or if you are considering purchasing a second-hand or rebuilt model, has been recalled.

”¢ Review the manufacturers’ website for additional safety tips and recommended maintenance.

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