Fire & Explosion Investigation CPD Course at Leeds (26-30 Sept 2016)

"An excellent insight into the world of fire investigation. Full of case histories and experiences from leaders in the fire investigation field”

The Fire and Explosion Investigation course, now in its 36th year, will be delivered by a large team of academic and industrial specialists, all experts in their particular fields of contribution.

This course aims to provide a large part of the scientific knowledge and understanding needed in Fire Investigation within the framework of relevant legislation. The course will provide a mix of lectures and a large range of case studies/scenarios, many of which are given by the person who investigated the event.

Over the five days, the lead academics (Prof Andrews and Dr Phylaktou) and external experts will provide a mix of presentations and a large range (over 100) of investigation case studies.

Example calculations and scientific analyses of the case studies will be used by the speakers to demonstrate clearly the application and significance of science principles in fire investigation.

The panel of experts include:

Prof. David Purser (CBE) of Hartford Environmental Research will give insights on a number of well-known  which he has investigated, as well as discuss the use of forensic pathology in fire investigation, much of which he has pioneered.

Mr Dave Winspear from the North Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service, will discuss the legal framework of fire investigation and the potential influences of firefighting operations on the investigation evidence

Graham and Paula Saward, Consultants, will review the management of the investigation process and of the collection of evidence. 

Russ Kirby from FM Global will relate the interests and the perspective of the insurance industry in the investigation of fire incidents.

Dr Peter Mansi (Fire Investigations UK) and Rolo Prabakar (Arup Fire) will draw from extensive investigative experience and design applications (respectively), to demonstrate how an in-depth investigation of the fire development process can lead to safer building design.

David Crowder from BRE Global will demonstrate the use of CFD as an investigative tool in various well-known fire accidents.

The fourth day of the course will concentrate on "specialist" fires leading to the investigation of explosions on the final day.

James Acott (again from Fire Investigations UK) will review the procedures for investigating vehicle fires, while

Dr Peter Jowett (Dr J H Burgoynes and Partners) will delve in the detail of electrical fires.

Dr Ken Patterson will recount the detail of the Hickson and Welch fire and the following detailed investigation.

Steve Sherwen(RPS Risk Management) will present the principles of zoning for explosion protection and its pitfalls, while

Dr Jeremy Smallwood (Electrostatic Solutions Ltd) will discuss the electrostatic hazards which can lead to the initiation of explosions.

Professor Geoff Chamberlain (Waverton Consultancy Ltd) will present the principles governing boiling liquid expanding vapour explosions (BLEVEs) and their application to the investigation of such incidents.

Dr Alan Mitcheson (Dr J H Burgoynes and Partners) will revisit a number of fire and explosion incidents that he has investigated, while

Dr Gary Tomlin (DNV GL) will discuss the specifics of investigation of gas explosions in dwellings.

"A wide ranging and eye opening course that left me more knowledgeable and enthusiastic about fire and explosion engineering" EDF Energy

How to participate

With over 20 delegates already registered, there is a small number of places still available at this point. To take part in  the course  as a CPD delegate, please follow this link or if you wish to take up the challenge (and reward) of an MSc qualification, please visit this page.

The course is offered at Leeds, Monday 26th to Friday 30th September.