Fire and Explosion Investigation

• Root Cause determination
  • What was the scenario that led to the ignition of the fire?
• Large and complex loss experience
• Diagramming the fire scene and fire vector analysis
  • Document the scene and the area of origin
• Electrical System Analysis
  • Was there improper or dangerous wiring that led to the ignition of the fire?
• Electrical Circuit Mapping
  • Document the layout of electrical curcuits and devices and how they relate to the area of origin
• Electrical Component Evaluation
  • Were the components in the area of origin competent ignition sources?
  • Was there a component malfunction that led to the fire.
  • Was a component improperly used?
• Electrical Arc Mapping
  • Can lead the investigator to the area that was first attacked by the fire
• Explosion Analysis Experience With:
  • Coke ovens
  • Coke oven gas processing
  • Calcium carbide manufacturing
  • Coal Pulverizers
  • Coal conveyor systems
  • Chemical reactor incidents
  • Grain elevators
• Gas System Examination and Testing
  • Was there a problem with the gas system that led to a fire or explosion?
  • Leak testing valves, fittings, and piping
  • Measurement of gas leakage rate
  • Were any valves left open?
• Kitchen Fire Analysis
  • Residential and Commercial
  • Suppression system documentation
  • Evaluation of the clearance to combustible construction
  • Hood and duct construction evaluation
  • NFPA Standard 96 compliance analysis
• Oven, Furnace, and Boiler Failures and Explosions
• Combustion control systems testing and analyisis
• Special atmosphere generators and control systems
• Analysis of system data leading up to an incident
• Sequence of operation review
• Safety ventilation calculation and review
• Codes and Standards Compliance Evaluation
  • Were there violations that led to the ignition of the fire or prevented its extinguishment or containment?