INGENIEUR
e. Preparation of equipment
Before entering any incident scene, the
investigation team needs to identify all
required relevant equipment, depending
on type of incident. For example, if the
incident relates to the release of chemicals,
suitable equipment such as FTIR and multiple
gas detectors are important to detect and
measure the quantity as evidence.
f. Operations planning
The forensic engineer leads as the co-
ordinator for the team of experts. Experts
should be not only selected for their
technical capabilities but must be familiar
with the legal process since they may
be called upon to testify in a case. Frequent
meetings among experts should occur to
discuss the subject matter and to bind the
scope of work, right up to the conclusion of
the investigation.
g. Site investigation and analysis
A site visit is essential to view the real
situation and get a better understanding
before reaching any conclusions. A site
visit allows investigators to evaluate the
nature of any failure or incident and plan
for the next task. The investigator has
the opportunity to simulate the failure
or incident, even off site, before drawing
any conclusion. Photographs, drawings,
personal communications/interviews and
notes may become evidence when it comes
to legal proceedings. Proper and suitable
equipment has to be identified for a site
visit, to record, measure and analyse any
evidence during the site investigation.
h. Document search
All related documentation of an incident
or failure such as drawings, contract
documents, technical specifications, test
records, maintenance records and log
books have to be kept to ensure continuity
of the legal procedure. The investigator
needs to be familiar with and understand
international and national standards such
as ASME, BS, MS and ISO in order to
confirm any breaches.
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i. Literature review
Published work has to be reviewed for
comparison and references. In addition,
several sources from professional bodies or
societies such as local universities, SIRIM
or Government agencies can be referred to
as a guide for investigation processes.
j. Investigation synthesis
Synthesis of the findings needs to proceed
when gathering information, such as data
from site observations, literature reviews,
laboratory work and experimental analysis.
k. Development of hypotheses
Depending on the situation and with all
available data, a basic conclusion can
be made. However, large scale failure
investigations will be more time consuming,
as there will be frequent meetings and
discussions held before coming up with a
conclusion.
l. Test of hypotheses
Each hypothesis has to be tested to justify
the cause of failure. The results of the
test can justify each hypothesis. Normally,
laboratory work related to the testing and
analysing will be conducted to prove the
hypothesis.
m. Establish most probable cause
The probable cause can be established
after gathering all information and testing
the hypothesis. Investigation methodology
such as the Fault Tree Analysis, Failure
Mode and Effect Analysis, Root Cause
Analysis and Tripod Beta will help to
identify the immediate and root cause of
the incident.
n. Investigation report
It is compulsory for the forensic engineer
to prepare the investigation report. It will
include overall details of the event or failure,
the most probable cause, conclusions and
suggestions to the court. The report should
be understood by all parties. Layman terms
must be used, especially in explaining
difficult technical words. Justification of