Information Distribution

In the event that an investigation and subsequent inspection of a fire incident is requested by a client, all work undertaken to investigate the case by, 

Andrew Lovell – Fire Investigation Sàrl 

will be handled in the strictest confidence, and will only be reviewed and discussed between the company investigator and client.

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Carry out case review with the customer.

The aim of a case review is to establish what information is readily available regarding the incident, and to evaluate the next steps in preparing a cost estimate for an on site investigation.

Investigation fee: This includes performing the on-site investigation. (Normally allow 2 days.)

A written report of the investigation and copies of all photographs taken.

Travel expenses: Entry Visa (where necessary) transport to & from the country & job site. Hotel accommodation and living costs.

 

1 - Case Review Information

1a - Who owns and/or operates the machine/appliance, and in what application?

1b - Is the machine/appliance insured?

Has the customer notified their insurance?

Has the insurance company conducted any independent assessment, review or inspection of the machine/appliance?

Has the insurance company issued a report of their findings? (are you able to get a copy?)

Has the insurance company stated or made a position in regard to settling with the customer?

Has the insurance company apportioned responsibility against the manufacturer due to a material or workmanship defect? 

1c - Is there any suspicion or suspicious circumstances that could imply that the incident was caused or started by a 3rd party (Arson)

1d - Are there any witness statements available?

Has the operator of the machine/appliance made any comments/statement?

1e - Is there a possibility of any Police, Fire service, Industrial, Safety, Governmental or Military interests or inquiry into this case?

1f - Is there any service/maintenance history available? 

Are there any outstanding technical issues that could have influenced the incident.

1g - Has the machine/appliance manufacturer expressed an interest or need to review the case?

1h - Could the fire have been caused by a known issue or problem?

1i - What is the extent of damage to the machine/appliance?

1j - Is an independent finance company involved in any ownership dealings with the machine/appliance?

1k - Where is the damaged machine/appliance located?

Has the machine/appliance been moved from the site where the incident occurred?

Have any pictures been taken of where the incident occurred?

How has the machine/appliance been stored after the incident?

Has anybody tampered or disassembled any part of the machine/appliance disturbing vital evidence? 

 

2 - On site Field Investigation

After a thermal event occurring.

Here are some recommendations you could apply prior to making a contact request for an investigation to be launched.

2a - If at all possible, do not touch, disassemble or move the appliance/machine, so as not to disturb vital evidence that may be crucial to the investigation process. Take pictures of the machine in the environment where the incident occurred.

2b - If the machine/appliance is in a dangerous position or blocking the job site, and has to be moved, take pictures of the machine/appliance in the environment where the incident occurred, prior to moving the damaged unit to a safe location.

2c - Cover the machine/appliance to preserve evidence from the elements.

Ensure the machine/appliance is in an open area, with enough space to work around without too much hindrance. 

2d - Ensure there is a possibility to have a mechanic on site with tools, as a destructive investigation will requires disassembling parts of the machine/appliance.

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3 - Insurance Claim

If you are considering making a claim against your insurance company:

3a - You need to advise them, that a fire incident has occurred, and that you have requested an independent fire investigation, so that they are aware of the incident, irrespective of how major or minor the damage.

3b - Advise the Insurance Company that a destructive examination of the machine/appliance will be performed, (which will require disassembly of the machine/appliance) and do they agree? 

3c - Ask the insurance company if their representative or agent will/will not be present to follow the investigation, which will take place at a specific location, date and time.