In July, the insured experienced a significant loss when a fire sprinkler system failed to perform as expected during a fire-related incident. This occurred despite a routine annual inspection by the contractor a month prior. Additionally, recent building expansion and sprinkler system modifications raised concerns about whether the system had been updated or altered correctly.
Our investigation revealed issues with system components, along with potential gaps in the contractor’s maintenance and communication, all of which contributed to the loss.
The root cause of the failure was identified as improper materials and installation practices. The corrugated flexible plastic hose that connected the circulation relief valve to the floor drain lacked any markings or certifications, indicating that it was likely not listed for this application. Furthermore, the way this hose was connected – using a gear clamp and electrical tape – was not adequate for this application.
The contractor’s annual inspection reports and maintenance history were reviewed in detail to determine whether any previous issues or shortcomings in system performance had been identified and addressed. The contractor had inspected and maintained the system for several years and had previously flagged the status of the jockey pump. According to the contractor’s inspection report, the jockey pump had been left off, with the expectation that the fire pump would start automatically if pressure dropped. However, the failure to resolve or address this issue was a significant oversight.
Recommendations included replacing the faulty hose with a certified, compliant material and proper fittings, enforcing stricter maintenance protocols – particularly for critical components like the jockey pump – and regularly testing pressure levels in the system. This case underscores the importance of adhering to fire safety codes and maintaining fire protection systems in optimal working order to prevent such failures.
For the first time in five years, the National Tour is Back on the Road! Our team of engineers and forensic experts will be delivering in-depth presentations on a series of critical industry topics, including:
Each seminar will feature four hours of expert-led discussions, with topics tailored to each city based on local expertise. Attendees will also enjoy a networking lunch, providing valuable opportunities to connect with industry professionals.
We’re thrilled to be speaking in front of a live audience once again and sharing insights that enhance investigative practices and further professional knowledge.
Hussein is a structural designer and forensic investigator. He is a registered building code designer in Building Structural, Large and Small Buildings with the MMAH and a certified engineering technician with the OACETT. Hussein holds a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University, and he is currently a Master of Engineering candidate at the University of Toronto in Structural & Forensic Engineering. Hussein currently specializes in structural and building envelope investigations, and the design of structural repairs.
He is also experienced in structural and architectural design and building information modelling. He specializes in creating structural and architectural drawings using Autodesk REVIT, as well as preparing structural plans and performing calculations for wood, steel, and concrete structures. Hussein has comprehensive knowledge of the Canadian Building Codes and Standards.
John is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and Fuels Specialist. He has over 17 years of experience, including 3 years with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority where he was Fuels Safety Inspector and Fuels Technical Trainer. Prior to that, he spent 10 years as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A Journeyperson) and Construction and Maintenance Electrician (309A Journeyperson). John has also taught refrigeration and gas fitting at Fanshawe and Conestoga Colleges.
Benjamin is an architectural BCIN designer with experience preparing formal engineering plans, drawings and procedural documentation. He has created conceptual drawings and renderings for renovations, additions, new construction projects and the rebuild of damaged buildings. Ben is also a Certified Professional Inspector (CPI) and a NACHI-Certified Home Inspector. He has extensive knowledge of Ontario Building Codes and has coordinated with contractors, design professionals, district staff and city inspection authorities on various projects.
With over 30 years of experience training dogs in all areas of detection work, Sid leads all drug, explosive and accelerant related investigations that require the precise expertise of our K9 Unit. As Director at Large for the Canine Accelerant Detection Association, Sid has trained and handled eight accelerant detection dogs, and has extensive experience working with police, tracking and building searches. He is also an expert in handler protection and training for security patrol canines and mine detection dogs.
Chris is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator and Vehicle Fire Investigator. Over the course of his professional career he has attended over 650 fires, conducting numerous experiments to determine the validity of hypotheses relevant to each investigation. Chris also has a background in forensic anthropology and human osteology, and has assisted in the identification and analyses of excavated remains, and led teams in the recovery of partial human remains in total burn situations.
Simon is a licensed professional engineer in Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, California and Illinois. He specializes in forensic structural investigations and the rehabilitation and restoration of existing structures. His experience also consists of new building design, tenant improvement, structural repair, structural remodeling, and special structural design. Simon is practiced in the analysis and design of all major structural materials: wood, steel, concrete, and masonry, and possesses sound knowledge of the Canadian and US building and design codes, including NBCC Part 4, the CSA standards, ASCE-7.
