CSIR's fire investigation team in demand

The knowledge and expertise of the CSIR's Forensic Fire Investigation Programme continues to be much in demand. Over the past few months, the team has conducted a number of high-profile studies and investigations. In support of knowledge transfer and capacity-building in the fire investigation field, a vehicle fire investigation workshop was hosted by the CSIR in October, in conjunction with the South African Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators and the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa.

Recent investigations for the short-term insurance industry

• The CSIR investigated the fire that destroyed the Makro store in Strubens Valley, Roodepoort, in May 2004. The store covered 13 000 square metres and held stock worth approximately R65 million.The CSIR also conducted the investigation into the fire that destroyed the Makro store in Woodmead, Sandton, in May 2001.
  
  

• The CSIR was contracted by a Mauritian insurance company to conduct an investigation in Grand Bay, Mauritius, in August 2004, following a severe explosion that occurred in the early hours of the morning, killing two people and destroying a restaurant and numerous shops, offices and stores located in a three-storey building in the Grand Bay CBD.
  
  

• The Swaziland Royal Insurance Corporation contracted the CSIR to investigate a fire that caused damage of R200 million at a paper mill in Swaziland.
  
  

• The team was also appointed to investigate the origin and cause of the fire that caused millions of Rands of damage and destroyed irreplaceable historical items at the Wanderers Club House on September 29th, 2004.

Other studies and investigations

The team, which included an industrial risk specialist from CSIR Mining Technology, was contracted by the Department of Labour early in September to conduct a scientific investigation into the cause of the explosion at Sasol's Secunda polymer plant, which killed several people and injured more than 140. A preliminary report on the findings has already been handed to the Department.

In another project, the CSIR, the Paraffin Safety Association of Southern Africa, the SABS and the SA Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators are working together to make recommendations to government on minimum standards for paraffin stoves. Currently, none of the most commonly used paraffin stoves sold in South Africa meet the SABS' basic safety standards. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that, all too often, paraffin appliances are used in informal structures built on rough ground and made of highly combustible and toxic material such as treated or painted wood and plastic.

The Paraffin Safety Association, in association with Proudly South Africa, is putting up half-a-million rand to encourage innovative designers to come up with safe, functional and cost-effective solutions. The challenge to design a safer stove was launched at a paraffin fire simulation that took place at the CSIR in August 2004.

Individuals or teams can enter online at www.pasasa.org, fax (021) 424 3496 or send postal entries to P.O. Box 16225, Vlaeberg 8018. The deadline for entries is 5 November 2004 and the winning entries will be announced in March 2005.

Vehicle fire investigation workshop

This one-day seminar took place during October 2004 and was presented by Bill Haggerty, a certified vehicle fire investigator and trainer from the USA. Various topics that deal with the scientific investigation of motor vehicle fires were covered. For further information, visit www.iaaisa.co.za.

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