Many of our Partners, Consultants and Engineers have worked in industry for a considerable period of time and have direct experience in working with certain compounds and materials. This can be particularly useful when giving an opinion in cases where there is no longer any material evidence to investigate. We can comment upon the different substances and compounds likely to have been encountered such as the different types of asbestos and asbestos cements.

We are also able to provide expert guidance on the appropriate precautions to take with regards to any specific compound or material. We can make expert comments upon the suitability of any precautions which may have been taken or had been taken in the past. This may involve consideration of the equipment in which the substances were processed and the control systems for that equipment. We can where appropriate also comment upon the question of statutory duty.

Hazardous Chemical Reactions

Chemicals or compounds which in themselves do not create hazards can react violently when mixed or can produce an unexpectedly harmful product which can result in injury. Hazards from chemicals are not confined to industry and even in domestic situations, ordinary cleaning materials can be dangerous if misused. Hazards can exist in the use of such materials as paint strippers and caustic sodas which can cause severe injury to the unwary or misinformed. We can give advice on products and the effect of the mixture of various chemicals which can be found in any given environment.

Personal Protective Equipment

In certain environments the use of personal protective equipment is essential and we can advise on the type of personal protective equipment which is most suitable, for example, where and when respirators are appropriate. Our investigation will also consider other issues such as training and enforcement with regard to the use of personal protective equipment.

Fire

We have significant experience throughout the company in dealing with fire investigations. In particular we have been called upon to determine the cause of fires in houses, shops and industrial buildings as well as machines, vehicles and contractor's plant. We also have experience in investigating suspected arson cases.

Fuels and Combustion

The use of various fuels can produce obvious risks such as fire hazards as well as risks which are not so obvious such as dermatitis due to improper handling of fuel pipes and products. The burning of fuels gives rise to other risks such as carbon monoxide poisoning. We can provide expert reports dealing with cases involving gas burning and solid fuel burning equipment both for domestic and commercial premises. Our reports will deal with the suitability of the equipment, its state of repair and maintenance and the manner of operation.

Explosion

The use of fuels can also introduce the risk of explosion however the risk of explosion is not confined to materials ordinarily thought of as being explosive. We have experience in dealing both with the more common cases where, for example, explosion has resulted from the improper use of fuels, and cases where explosions have occurred from more unusual sources such as production of fine powders.

We would be pleased to advise on any chemical or hazardous substance related inquiry; if we cannot help we will try to find someone who can.