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Randy Harris brings multi-faceted expertise to fire investigation as a specialist in carbon monoxide poisoning and gas explosions, with extensive experience in electrical fires. As a Chemical Engineer who has done graduate work in Materials Science, he is well suited to investigations in the oil and gas industry and has been certified as a Propane Handler and Fire and Explosion Investigator. Mr. Harris has investigated almost every conceivable fire cause. In the course of twenty three years he has investigated over 2,000 incidents. A general breakdown of cases is as follows:
- 700 electrical fires
- 500 laboratory examinations
- 350 arsons
- 400 gas explosions
- 300 vehicle/truck/tractor fires
- 100 carbon monoxide incidents
- 70 oil/gas well and refinery incidents
- 30 chemical problems
Mr. Harris is a hands-on investigator who believes in hard work to get the job done. He utilizes on-site and in-lab testing and analyses of equipment. He conducts the entire investigation, from digging through debris, code research, testing and analysis, to giving expert testimony in court. His analyses can include fire travel and conditions, and will often utilize computer simulations or animations.
He has given expert testimony on at least 140 occasions. That expert testimony has dealt with fire, arson and explosion investigations, laboratory testing and analysis, carbon monoxide poisoning and chemical engineering. He has worked on numerous subrogation and product liability cases.
Randy Harris enjoys the challenge of the more difficult cases that require his specialized experience, knowledge and expertise. He is one expert who can properly evaluate all of the evidence.
Education
- 1983 - 1984 University of Utah (32 hours toward M.S. Degree)
Graduate Studies in Materials Science
- 1978 - 1982 State University of New York at Buffalo
B.S. Chemical Engineering
- 1974 - 1978 John Bowne Agricultural High School
Graduated in top 10%
Professional Status
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator
- Certified Propane Handler
Experience
- 1985 - Present Fay Engineering Corp. - Fire Reconstructionist
Chemical Engineer specializing in the field of fire, arson and explosion investigation, origin and cause determination and all aspects thereof. Expertise in carbon monoxide poisoning, natural and propane gas systems, testing and analysis of equipment. Knowledge of hazardous materials, chemical plant operations, well sites, fire standards and safety codes. Experienced in chemical problem analysis and materials testing. Computer simulation of fires. Court qualified.
- 1984 Thatcher Chemical Company
Chemical Engineer
Chlorine Dept. Process and production improvements. Production of sodium hypochlorite in batch reactors. Compiled procedures for processes and emergencies. Safety Improvements - Technical Advisor
- 1984 University of Utah
Research Assistant
Processing of AlN-SiC ceramics utilizing hot-press. Machined graphite dies, polished samples, used X-ray diffractometer and optical microscopes to analyze the new materials.
- 1982 - 1983 Webb Foods, Inc.
Chemical Technician
Performed various quality control tests. Analyzed and reported results, varied compositions.
Other Activities
Randy has taught various seminars for the insurance and legal communities.
Professional Affiliations
- National Fire Protection Association
- International Association of Arson Investigators
(Colorado Chapter and International)
- National Association of Fire Investigators
Specialties
Extensive experience in L.P. and natural gas incidents. Expert in carbon monoxide poisoning, testing combustion equipment, fire code interpretation and chemical problem analysis. Experienced in industrial plants, oil/gas wells and facilities, fire detection and suppression equipment, and computer simulations.
Special Training Programs
- Advanced Arson Seminar - 1986, Denver Fire Dept.
(40 hour course with final examination)
- Fire and Explosion Investigation Seminar - 1986
Metropolitan Arson Investigators Association
(40 hour course with final examination)
- Fire and Explosion Investigation Seminar - 1987
Metropolitan Arson Investigators Association
(2 days of field work)
- Technical Fundamentals for the Fire Investigator - 1990
The College of Engineering
University of Wisconsin - Madison
- Heating Equipment Service Seminar- 1994
Rheem Manufacturing - The Learning Center
(40 hour semester long course with final examination)
-
Rocky Mountain Region Advanced Fire, Arson and Explosion
Investigation Training Program. - 1995
- Gas and Electrical Appliance Fire Investigation Seminar - 1995
"Barker and Herbert Analytical Laboratories, Inc.
(Laboratory experience with final examination)
- "Introduction to Fire Science"
Community College of Denver
(40 hour semester long course)
- "Fire/Arson Investigation"
Community College of Denver
(40 hour semester long course)
- "The Chemistry of Arson and Explosives
Metropolitan State College
(40 hour semester long course)
- NFPA - 921 Training Seminar - 1997
by The National Fire Protection Association and Aurora Fire/Rescue
* Certified Fire and Explosion Inverstigator
- Interviewing and Interrogation Techniques - 1998
by Stan Walters
- National Fire Protection Association World Safety Congress and
Exposition - 2000
- Investigation of Vehicle Fires Seminar by Lee S. Cole and Associates - 2000
- National Association of Fire Investigation
National Seminar on Fire Analysis Litigation - 2003
- Defense Research Institute Fire and Casualty Seminar - 2005
- Defense Research Institute Fire and Casualty Seminar - 2007
- Completed a fire investigation training course furnished by
the National Fire Protection Association
Propane Seminars
