FORENSIC SERVICES AUSTRALIA
FIRE INVESTIGATIONS, FAILURE ANALYSIS & ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SINCE 1983
OUR SERVICES
At FSA, we have the varied knowledge and expertise required for specific technical investigations. Our Forensic Consultants
have the significant benefit of collaboration and therefore rely on many decades of collective experience to provide
reports that are of the highest standard and quality. Because of the varied academic backgrounds of our
consultants, we draw on various relevant disciplines including, metallurgy and materials science, organic and
inorganic chemistry, applied mechanics, thermodynamics, physics and forensic science.
Structures, Motor Vehicles, Machinery and Marine Vessel Fires
Typical assignments involve determination of the cause and origin of fires, identification of faulty appliances and/or equipment and the analysis of fire debris samples for ignitable liquid residues. FSA also conducts investigations into the pre-fire condition of vehicles and machinery, evaluating the extent of fire damage and determining the feasibility of repair.
ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Mechanical Condition, Hail Damage, Component Failure, Tyre/Seatbelt/Light Bulb Condition
Investigations include vehicle/vessel damage interpretation and an evaluation of the contribution to the incident by a suspected component failure. FSA consultants have extensive experience in determining the mode of failure of tyres and their likely involvement in the cause of accidents.
FAILURE ANALYSIS
Materials, manufacturing defects and service related due to overload, fatigue, corrosion or error.
Failed components and systems are examined to determine whether the failure was due to a materials or manufacturing defect or whether the failure was service related, e.g. overload, fatigue, corrosion or user error. Work has been conducted on major losses from the agricultural and mining industries, as well as smaller domestic and commercial losses.
FIRE DEBRIS ANALYSIS
Analysis of fire debris samples for the presence of ignitable liquid residues by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry and the resultant chromatogram compared to those for common ignitable liquids.
PERSONAL ACCIDENTS AND PRODUCT LIABILITY
Accidents Caused by Poor Product Design, Component Failure, or Faulty Workmanship
Assignments include the assessment of slips and falls, lifting accidents and evaluation of products which allegedly cause personal injury or loss. FSA conducts testing of the slip resistance of surfaces and the geometry of walkways; either as a part of an investigation or for risk assessment
purposes.