David Rose

David Rose Singapore Forensic Investigator

David’s career started in the Technical Services and Development Laboratory at the BP facility in Hythe. He then moved on to study anti-oxidant behaviour in lubricating oils for his PhD at the School of Chemistry at Leeds University. After graduation he studied hydrocarbon combustion as a research fellow. In 1993 David joined the Defence Research Agency (latterly known as DERA) working for the Fuels & Lubricants Centre in Farnborough, running the Fluids Handling and Flammability Hazards laboratories. His research varied from developing methods of preventing gearbox explosions, self-cleaning filtration systems, the compression ignition of hydraulic fluids to fuel reformation for fuel cells. He acted as a consultant to the Armed Forces concerning fire hazards associated with fuels and lubricants. David became interested in forensic investigation while working as part of the DERA TWA 800 air accident investigation team, investigating the destruction of a Boeing 747 that was caused by the ignition of a fuel-air mixture in the centre wing tank. Since joining Hawkins in 2001, David has carried out over 1,000 forensic investigations involving petrochemicals, confined space entry, fire and explosion incidents both in the United Kingdom and overseas. These cases have included small scale incidents to multi-million pound losses […]

Sophie Parsons

Investigator Dr Sophie Parsons

Sophie is a Chartered Engineer with expertise in materials failure analysis and corrosion incidents in both the marine and land-based sectors

Jessica Ng

Investigator Jessica Ng

After completing her first degree in Physical Science, Jessica pursued a Master’s in Forensic Science from King’s College London in 2012. Jessica joined Hawkins in 2015, specialising in fire and explosion investigation, contamination assessments, and agricultural cargo claims. Since joining the company, Jessica has investigated the causes of fires in residential and commercial premises, and appliance and vehicle fires in Hong Kong and overseas. Her investigations include contamination assessments of buildings, manufacturing equipment, stock, and lifts/escalator components following fires and floods. In April 2016, Jessica completed the Fire Science and Investigation course at the University of Edinburgh. Jessica also has marine experience investigating fires on yachts, container and bulk cargo vessels and provided advice on ‘live’ ship fires involving cargoes such as coal and other agricultural products. She has investigated the causes of cargo contamination on tankers and has been involved in cases involving the liquefaction of nickel ore and coal, which includes witnessing laboratory tests to determine the moisture content and flow point. She also regularly assists P&I Clubs in supervising the loading process of Group A cargoes. Jessica has been heavily involved with agricultural bulk cargo claims pertaining to soybeans and maize in particular. She is experienced in […]

James Morris

James Morris website profile picture

James completed his PhD researching a novel enzyme and its mechanism of action in blood cells, before undertaking six years postdoctoral research into the biochemistry of various cellular signalling pathways. In 2007 James took on a role at a small biotechnology company, where he ultimately became responsible for the chemicals production business, serving hospitals through the UK and Europe with histological stains. James built up the product stewardship requirements of the business, and qualified as a road transport Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser. James has since worked as a Product Steward, assessing and assigning hazard and transport classifications to new and reformulated petrochemicals products, for Shell and Gulf Oil. At Hawkins, he will be aiding both the Fire Investigation and Contamination teams, with his extensive knowledge of chemical reactions. He is an Associate based in our Reigate Office.

Luke Collins

Investigator Luke Collins

Following his Masters in Aerospace Engineering, Luke worked as a Dynamic Test Technician for Ipeco Holdings Ltd, a leading manufacturer of civil and military aircraft seating. In 2009, Luke joined Hannaford Forensic Services Ltd (Hannafords), specialising in the forensic investigation of vehicle fires. During his time at Hannafords, he undertook over 150 investigations, which included road vehicles from all classifications, as well as a large number of off-road plant equipment. To assist with the investigations, Luke successfully completed a VOSA Public Service Vehicle Inspection Procedures and Standards course. On several occasions, he prepared expert witness reports for use in civil litigation and has presented in court in Southampton. In 2011, Hannafords extended into Asia opening a Hong Kong office (HFS-Asia). Luke undertook marine fire investigations, including engine room fires and cargo hold fires. During this time, Luke obtained a Diploma in Marine Investigation from Lloyds Maritime Academy. In 2014, Luke joined Hawkins’ office in Reigate, Surrey. He has expanded his expertise into the field of fire and explosion investigation of domestic and commercial properties, factories and process plants, whilst continuing vehicle and marine fire investigation work. In 2014, Luke completed John DeHaan Theoretical and Practical Fire Investigation courses at Gardiner […]

Jake Irwin

Forensic Investigator Dr Jake Irwin

After completing a PhD at the University of Sydney, Jake joined the National Measurement Institute of Australia producing certified analytical reference materials. He then took a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Warwick, performing chemical synthesis and analysis for a wide variety of projects. In 2006 Jake joined the Forensic Science Service as a Researcher and then R&D Science Manager in the physical sciences. He led progress in the analytical sciences (in particular the toxicology & illicit drug testing fields) and drove the development and implementation of quality assurance standards at a European level. Jake also worked on many collaborative projects with universities and other research organisations. Since joining Hawkins in 2012 as a fire investigator, Jake has investigated many fire scenes from small domestic losses to large commercial losses. More recently Jake has also investigated chemical, post-fire and post-flood contamination events. Jake is currently a Principal Associate and Regional Manager of our Birmingham office.

Carriage of Coal: Gas Monitoring & Ventilation

When transported or stored in bulk, coal can be hazardous because: it can create a flammable atmosphere, it can self-heat, it can deplete the oxygen concentration and, it can corrode steel structures.

Harmonious Chemical Safety: Understanding GHS

The rapidly expanding global trade in chemicals was highlighted for posing unnecessary risk to both people and the environment, due to the wide assortment of national and regional chemical hazard classification systems in use at that time.