Canada
Specialized expertise for complex property, infrastructure and business challenges.
Our expertise
EFI Global is a well-respected market leader in Canada, delivering world-class engineering failure analysis, origin-and-cause investigations, environmental consulting, laboratory testing, emergency response and specialty consulting services to clients across the country.
Fire
EFI Global is renowned as the world leader in fire origin-and-cause investigations, thanks to our experienced professionals and robust technology resources. We investigate residential, commercial, industrial, vehicle, equipment, marine and wildland fires in support of effective claims management and resolution.
We understand the importance of conducting timely, thorough and well-supported fire scene evaluations; that’s why we require that every fire investigator be qualified in origin-and-cause investigations and receive ongoing training to stay abreast of changing industry standards. We bring clients the highest technological and scientific services available, and we facilitate careful evidence collection, testing and storage.
Component testing
Our teams of experienced engineers and scientists work together to determine whether a fire was caused by the failure of a component, fixture or piece of equipment and, if so, was the result of a fabrication, material or other type of defect. EFI Global’s in-house laboratories test all kinds of materials, including metallurgy, polymers, composites and ceramics. Our thorough evaluations strengthen any case from the causation side of the investigation and can result in opportunities for recovery or policy defenses.
Contents inventory verification and analysis
When contents losses occur due to fire, having an experienced claims team to ensure accuracy and control costs is essential. EFI Global’s contents experts can assist with all types of losses — from small residential claims to the most complicated and expansive commercial losses. From first notice of loss, through pack-out management, scope capture and finally settlement, all contents losses are reported with the coverages, limitations and exclusions applied. Our efficient process enables us to deliver a detailed and accurate inventory, while controlling indemnity payments and claim expenses.
Evidence collection and storage
The proper preservation, collection and storage of evidence is critical to the integrity of any fire investigation. EFI Global’s team of trained experts and technicians ensures that artifacts from every fire scene are gathered, documented, packaged, labeled, transported, and stored in accordance with the highest industry standards. Having our experts at the scene to gather important data gives them a first-hand look at the loss site and allows them to develop and test hypotheses regarding origin and cause; it’s also how we ensure that nothing is missed.
Expert witness testimony
EFI Global’s seasoned experts have years of experience in their respective fields and provide unbiased conclusions supported with expert witness testimony that can withstand the rigours of litigation. Our certified and highly trained fire investigators have performed thousands of origin-and-cause investigations for disputes tried at all levels of the judicial system.
Failure analysis
Failure analysis is an important part of investigating any fire where an electrical or mechanical component or system is the suspected cause. Since many of EFI Global’s electrical and mechanical engineers are also certified fire investigators and well-versed in fire patterns and damage, they work closely with our fire investigation team to provide a comprehensive, technical examination that identifies the failure and assigns responsibility when and where possible. Once the fire’s origin and potential ignition sources have been isolated, our engineers examine various components and systems to identify the nature of the failure and whether it resulted from a manufacturing or design defect, negligent installation or third-party liability.
Fire protection analysis
Our specialist engineers can help you take proactive steps to protect against fires and fire damage. Based on extensive knowledge of building codes and fire protection, our forensic engineers evaluate the effectiveness of fire protection features — including sprinkler systems, fire barriers and alarm systems. EFI Global inspects facilities’ fire suppression, detection and protection systems to ensure they comply with code requirements and will perform as designed. We can also evaluate whether the presence of undue hazards may challenge those systems. Our engineers can even develop fire models to assess the potential impact of fire scenarios on specific facilities.
Incendiarism and fraud assessments
EFI Global understands the ramifications of an incendiary fire cause and the evidence needed to successfully defend a fraudulent claim. We rely on industry standards, sound methodologies and scientific principles to support findings that a fire was set intentionally. EFI Global fire investigators are well trained in empirical research techniques, such as on-site interviews, neighborhood canvassing, following paper trails and performing records searches. They work hand-in-hand with our engineers, chemists and scientists to identify, analyze, and document all evidence collected and process the findings in our in-house, state-of-the-art laboratories. Our experts are prepared to take a case from the point of assignment all the way to the courtroom.
Laboratory analysis
EFI Global’s cutting-edge laboratories are run by degreed and experienced professionals. Our chemical labs specialize in the analysis of fire debris, ignitable liquid residue, spontaneous heating, fuel contamination and combustion byproduct testing. Results obtained by our laboratory scientists support the scientific analysis of fire origin and cause investigations.
Large loss and explosion investigations
EFI Global has the experience, expertise and resources to handle sophisticated and complicated explosion sites, anywhere in the world. Our response teams of fire and explosives experts, engineers and other technicians can mobilize quickly to investigate and conduct the scientific testing needed to objectively determine the cause of an explosion or other large-scale loss event. We can also assist in identifying any hazardous or dangerous chemicals that may be present and providing aerial photography of the loss site.
Marine fire investigations
EFI Global’s forensic marine team includes court qualified and certified fire investigators who are strategically positioned for rapid response around the world. We support marine fire investigations involving recreational watercraft, yachts, cruise ships, marinas, commercial shipping, port cargo handling and waterfront structures. Our team conducts thorough origin-and-cause investigations for each marine fire loss, including documenting the fire scenes, conducting on-site interviews, and collecting and preserving evidence, as needed.
Origin and cause
Because fire often masks or destroys much of its own evidence, determining the origin and cause of a fire loss can be a daunting challenge. EFI Global’s team of expert investigators is well trained in the industry best practices and methods needed to make an accurate and reliable determination of the fire’s cause and an assignment of responsibility. By employing scientific methodologies and a systemic approach to fire scene examinations, we can offer sound origin-and-cause conclusions that withstand the challenge of litigation.
Subrogation, fraud and liability investigations
Vehicle investigations
EFI Global employs a team of automotive experts, mechanical and electrical engineers and investigators specially trained to handle claims involving vehicle/heavy machinery fires. Using our systematic vehicle inspections methods, we can identify the cause of a vehicle fire (mechanical, equipment or electrical failure; third party liability; incendiary; etc.) or determine whether a defect could have caused a reported wreck.
Wildfire mitigation assessments
Changes in land use and climate are driving a sharp increase in wildfires around the world. EFI Global’s experts in forestry, terrain, weather and fuels can provide a comprehensive evaluation of any property or landscape and offer professional recommendations on how to mitigate the risks associated with an advancing wildfire.
Wildfire investigations
With changes in land use and climate driving a sharp increase in wildfires around the world, it’s more critical than ever that the cause of wildfires be thoroughly and accurately investigated. Wildfire origin-and-cause determinations differ significantly from those related to structures, and the skills and equipment required to conduct a wildfire investigation are just as specialized. The EFI Global team has the required expertise in forestry, terrain, weather and fuels to get the job done right, anywhere on Earth. With the potential for millions of dollars in wildfire losses, having a well trained and experienced professional handle the loss investigation is the smart investment.
Engineering
With experts in virtually every field, EFI Global can serve as a single provider of all your engineering service needs. Our engineers are equipped with the technology, testing equipment, tools and experience needed to solve even the most difficult cases. Whether your project requires a simple evaluation or an exhaustive investigation, we pride ourselves on delivering the same quick response, in-depth analysis and timely reporting on each assignment.
Automotive analysis/vehicle accident reconstruction
Our forensic automotive engineers specialize in determining if and how automotive systems may have contributed to a loss. EFI Global has expert investigators and engineers on six continents who can conduct on-site examinations of automobiles, heavy equipment, marine vessels and other vehicles. Services provided by our automotive team include:
- Single vehicle wreck investigations, to determine whether a car went out of control because of a mechanical defect in the steering, brakes, suspension of throttle.
- Lock examination, to identify any signs of security devices being compromised, manipulated, picked or bypassed as part of a reported vehicle theft.
- Soft issue claims, where we provide cost-effective technical support on minor-impact vehicle accidents with the potential to produce injuries.
- Vehicle accident reconstruction, which enables us to accurately report what happened and how it happened in a professional and unbiased manner.
Building envelope consulting
EFI Global provides a range of consulting services to help building owners, property managers, insurers and others design, construct, evaluate, and maintain commercial and residential facility building envelopes. Our consultants are specially trained in the intricate function and interaction of roofs and exterior wall systems, so they can help clients identify distress and other potential problem areas.
With roofs being particularly susceptible to weather damage and installation and maintenance issues, our services can help to prevent costly repairs. We offer roof consulting, uplift resistance testing, asset management, condition assessments, construction quality analysis/control, design, water and air infiltration testing and qualitative evaluation services.
Catastrophe response services
Whether the result of a hurricane, earthquake, flood, hailstorm, lightning strike, blizzard, tornado or fire, EFI Global’s team of forensic engineers can deliver timely damage assessments to evaluate the impact of a natural disaster. Our catastrophe response team comprises structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, as well as roof and building envelope consultants, who can conduct a wide variety of investigative, analytical and consulting services. These include:
- Electrical/mechanical engineering
- Fire investigation
- Hail damage assessment
- Reconstruction consulting
- Roof damage investigation
- Seismic damage evaluation
- Storm surge determination
- Structural evaluation
- Water intrusion analysis
- Wind induced failure analysis
- Wind vs. flood assessment
Civil and structural engineering
EFI Global has performed thousands of forensic structural investigations, ranging from single-family residences to multilane highway bridges and high-rise buildings. Our civil and structural engineers have the diverse experience in forensics, design and construction needed to evaluate complex, failure-related losses in all types of structures; they also have industry-specific specialization in particular systems, components and facility types. Our core services in this area include structural condition assessments, cause of loss determinations, destructive and non-destructive qualitative analysis, retrofit design, third party review and construction oversight and coordination.
Construction management
From planning and design through post-construction, EFI Global’s dedicated professionals can ensure that each phase of your project — whether it’s a retrofit design, remediation, renovation or new facility — is executed correctly. Our multidisciplinary team offers feasibility level planning, design, construction, engineering and management expertise. These services are often required on remediation projects to ensure regulatory compliance. The EFI Global team has thorough knowledge of the model law codes, applicable regulations, costs and construction methods and means to orchestrate effective and cross-disciplinary oversight.
Equipment consulting
When equipment is damaged or contaminated, our team of experts can serve as a technical liaison between equipment owners, service vendors/original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and insurance carriers to help restore equipment and operations to pre-loss condition. Bringing evidence-based data to equipment assessments, our consultants offer clients innovative solutions for mitigating damage, minimizing business income loss, and evaluating viable repair and replacement options. Click here to learn more about our equipment consulting solutions.
Expert witness testimony
EFI Global’s seasoned experts have years of experience in their respective fields and provide unbiased conclusions supported with expert witness testimony that can withstand the rigours of litigation. Our certified and highly trained engineers have performed thousands of investigations and evaluations for disputes tried at all levels of the judicial system.
Fire protection engineering
Our specialists can help you take proactive steps to protect against fires and fire damage. Based on extensive knowledge of building codes and fire protection, our forensic engineers evaluate the effectiveness of fire protection features — including sprinkler systems, fire barriers and alarm systems. EFI Global inspects facilities’ fire suppression, detection and protection systems to ensure they comply with code requirements and will perform as designed. We can also evaluate whether the presence of undue hazards may challenge those systems. Our engineers can even develop fire models to assess the potential impact of fire scenarios on specific facilities.
Human factors analysis
Using accident reconstruction, cause analysis and product evaluation, EFI Global’s qualified investigators and engineers consider the role of people throughout system lifecycles, with an eye toward identifying design choices that promote safe and effective use and operation. We review projects from conception through to design, testing, manufacture, distribution, installation, training, operating, supervision, maintenance, repair, recycling and disposal. Our human factor analyses help designers plan for not only intended uses and users, but also unintended but foreseeable misuse in order to mitigate risk.
Material science
Our materials science team has comprehensive expertise in all components of engineering, ranging from consulting, project management, design and risk-based inspection to failure analysis, research and testing and expert witness testimony. Their experience spans all material applications, including metallurgy, polymers, composites and ceramics. EFI Global’s engineers and scientists observe, analyze, and base conclusions on available data to determine whether the failure of a component, fixture or piece of equipment is the result of a fabrication, material or other defect.
Mechanical and electrical
EFI Global’s mechanical and electrical engineers have the extensive training needed to handle losses of any size. We provide expert investigations, analysis and reporting in a timely, professional manner for a range of clients. Our team specializes in analyzing electrical failures associated with fires, explosions, mechanical system malfunctions, electrocutions, lightning strikes and other perils. We also perform energy audits, power/mechanical equipment inspections, electrical installation reviews, safety appraisals and cost containments. Our mechanical and electrical engineering services include:
- Agricultural machinery inspection and analysis
- Automotive accident reconstruction
- Building energy audit
- Computer system, appliance and furnace malfunction
- Grain elevator investigation
- HVAC equipment evaluation
- Petroleum storage and distribution system evaluations
- Product failure analysis
- Refinery and petrochemical plant control system assessment
- Sprinkler/fire suppression design and failure analysis
Property condition assessments
Our assessment professionals help clients determine whether the current condition of a facility may interfere with operational continuity, lead to depreciated property value, or create an ongoing maintenance issue due to materials or system defects. EFI Global conducts thorough site evaluations; visual inspections of building system components; interviews with personnel and tenants; inquiries to the local fire prevention, building, planning and zoning departments; and reviews of available construction documents, plans, capital expenditure schedules and specifications. Our team can provide professional opinions on probable costs to correct deficiencies or to complete work during a reserve term. We can also provide detailed roof assessments; lead, mold or asbestos consulting; water and air infiltration testing; and qualitative evaluation services, such as infrared thermography. Our unique, multidisciplinary perspective on design, condition assessment, building management and quality assurance enables us to identify and solve issues during the design and construction phase — before they turn into larger, costlier and more disruptive problems.
Telecommunications consulting
EFI GIobal has a dedicated network of engineers, geologists, industrial hygienists and environmental scientists with specialized expertise in the architectural and engineering (A&E) needs and compliance requirements of the telecommunications industry. We offer a broad array of solutions to businesses in this complex space, including real estate services, A&E services, field surveys, site assessments, forensic engineering and more.
Environmental
Our complete line of environmental and industrial hygiene consulting services is designed to help property owners, managers, developers and insurance professionals maintain compliance with current environmental regulations, minimize risks, and optimize business objectives.
EFI Global’s multidisciplinary professionals specialize in environmental compliance, hazardous materials management and facility health and safety. Our credentialed experts around the world include certified industrial hygienists (CIHs), professional engineers (PEs), certified safety professionals (CSPs), professional geologists (PGs), licensed asbestos consultants, environmental scientists, environmental permitting specialists and more.
As a complement to our environmental consulting services, EFI Global also provides corrective action by enlisting our in-house forensic engineers and building consulting specialists — a significant market differentiator.
Due diligence services
Environmental assessments focus on identifying potential environmental concerns, determining the cost of addressing those concerns, and assessing the potential for environmental liability based on a review of the property’s history, available regulatory databases and visual observations. Because significant business and risk management decisions are based on the data generated, they require extreme care and diligence in their execution. EFI Global’s skilled engineers, geologists and environmental scientists have the local knowledge and expertise needed to provide feasible project solutions — from inception to completion — for financial institutions, real estate developers, property management firms, attorneys, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and the manufacturing, healthcare and government sectors. We offer clients the benefit of in-depth knowledge of properties so they can make informed decisions on purchasing, managing, or financing assets.
We conduct phase I environmental site assessments (ESA) and can provide seamless transitions to phase II or III assessments, where warranted. We also offer property condition assessments (PCA), seismic risk assessments (SRA), flood plain analysis, vapour intrusion investigations, mold testing and more.
Emergency planning and response
Our health and safety consultants help clients develop site-specific emergency action and management plans to ensure preparedness for when a potential hazard urgently becomes a real one. When emergencies do occur, our industrial hygienists and other environmental experts can quickly be on-site to manage the situation, control the damage, and ensure safety. We offer immediate responsiveness 24/7, providing coverage during weather-related catastrophes, emergency situations in public/private sector buildings and more. EFI Global works with restoration and abatement contractors who can complete remediation scopes of work and restore building operations under aggressive deadlines.
Energy efficiency services
EFI Global’s proven team of investigators can identify ways to control building energy expenses and environmental impacts. We have the experience needed for the proper collection, compilation, analysis and reporting of building energy performance information associated with commercial properties. Our certified experts provide world-class service and conduct program reviews to benchmark energy use each year, thus ensuring decision-makers have the right information to make smart decisions that save energy, money and carbon dioxide.
Environmental spill response
EFI Global provides environmental consulting and emergency response services for transportation spills and catastrophes in which the release of petroleum products and other hazardous materials result in property contamination. We offer immediate assessments of site conditions, environmental regulatory guidance, preparation of remedial action plans, oversight of remediation contractors, regulatory reporting and cost management consulting. Our remediation monitoring programs assist clients in managing and resolving environmental risks to soil and groundwater associated with emergency spills and uncontrolled releases. EFI Global’s experienced project managers work to control the costs associated with spill cleanup and can provide third-party audits of contractor invoices for spill response projects — whether or not our team is directly involved.
Expert witness testimony
EFI Global’s seasoned experts have years of experience in their respective fields and provide unbiased conclusions supported with expert witness testimony that can withstand the rigours of litigation. Our certified safety professionals (CSP) and industrial hygienists (CIH) have reviewed and evaluated thousands of occupational accidents that occurred in manufacturing, industrial, commercial and agricultural settings, drawing on their expert knowledge of the particular regulatory standards in those sectors. Their findings have been used successfully in trials at all levels of the judicial system.
Hazardous materials consulting
Indoor air quality assessments/microbial consulting
EFI Global’s team of qualified microbiologists, engineers and industrial hygienists can evaluate indoor air quality (IAQ) issues caused by microbiological materials, such as molds and bacteria. We also test using recommended commercial and residential standards for carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, temperature, humidity, carbon monoxide, radon gas, particulates and volatile organic compounds. When evaluating buildings for IAQ, our team examines ventilation systems and their operation, local sources of pollution, facility use and distribution of its occupants. In addition to our evaluation and testing services, our experts can provide remediation work plans and specifications to address the removal of microbial contaminants and repair the building systems.
Industrial hygiene consulting
EFI Global offers a full spectrum of industrial hygiene compliance and consultation services. We work to identify, evaluate, and control chemical and physical hazards. We can evaluate the effectiveness of existing engineering and administrative controls, develop appropriate exposure control strategies, and assist plant engineers and health and safety specialists in complying with applicable regulations.
LEED and green building support services
Our professionals accredited as leaders in energy and environmental design are renowned experts in the sustainable building community. We can help clients around the world define the environmental sustainability performance of all buildings, regardless of where they are in their lifespan.
Occupational health and safety solutions
EFI Global provides a wide range of workplace safety consulting services, including management systems for occupational health, safety and environmental compliance audits; job hazard analyses; industrial hygiene services; determinations of occupational exposures and how to reduce exposures with substitution or engineering controls; and health and safety program development and training. We also offer on-site construction safety management, including inspection and oversight of construction activities. Our team has performed thousands of workplace accident investigations and directed health and safety programs for organizations in various industries.
Petroleum management
Our geologists, environmental scientists and engineers employ creative and cost-effective strategies in developing management plans for underground (UST) and above-ground (AST) petroleum storage tanks. We conduct site assessments to identify tank leaks, develop corrective active plans, and provide oversight of implementation and remediation activities. EFI Global has performed assessments as part of emergency response activities for major oil, pipeline, insurance, automotive, trucking and banking companies, as well as governmental regulatory agencies.
Regulatory compliance and permitting
EFI Global’s regulatory experts provide custom, solution-oriented assessments that assist clients in maintaining compliance with environmental, health and safety monitoring, permitting, recordkeeping and training requirements. We understand that environmental management systems (EMS) and health and safety management systems (HSMS) require a team effort, so we partner closely with clients to learn about their particular facilities, operations and permit needs.
Site assessment and remediation services
EFI Global is well-versed in the complexities of property redevelopments that may be complicated by the presence of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous substances in soil, soil vapour, sediments, indoor air and ground and surface waters. We collaborate with clients on full-cycle site assessment and remediation services — from initial contaminant discovery through complete characterization, risk assessment, remedial design and cleanup implementation. Our approaches are tailored to site-specific conditions utilizing a risk management framework, which allows our clients to make informed decisions on engineering designs, remedial activity, operations and maintenance. Our expert team is experienced in working with landowners, developers, government agencies and regulatory bodies on evaluating and executing successful solutions at all types of facilities.
Soil and groundwater contamination management
EFI Global’s geotechnical and environmental experts around the world conduct soil and groundwater research and investigations, as well as develop remediation plans for cases where contamination is detected. Our team of biologists, chemists, geologists, geographers, hydrologists, physicists, bioengineers and civil engineers is highly experienced in professional sampling, measuring, assessing and reporting techniques. We can help clients determine the composition of soil layers or identify possible contamination of groundwater or a parcel of land.
Third party review and data verification
To assist clients in methodically analyzing project details, regulatory requirements, cost considerations and industry standards, EFI Global provides third party review and data verification services. Our experts work to ensure that client projects are being executed in a responsible and practical manner, without cost overruns or delays. We review work performed by contractors, restoration and remediation firms, and environmental services providers, with an eye toward efficiency and compliance.
Training
EFI Global provides a variety of environmental training services for public and private sector clients. Our training focuses on regulatory compliance and asbestos awareness regarding potential exposures and site procedures for worker safety and health. Our team members are experienced trainers and include certified industrial hygienists, certified safety professionals and licensed asbestos inspectors and management planners. As a service to our insurance clients, we regularly provide training that complies with various continuing education requirements.
Wetlands and biological services
To address land development needs, EFI Global performs environmental feasibility studies and environmental permitting services. These help our clients make informed decisions about property purchases, real estate development and planned construction activities as they relate to nearby wetlands and listed species. We can also provide expert reviews of permitting information and interpretive guidance or required regulatory interaction. Our team has extensive experience in performing wetland delineations, assisting clients with permitting, and developing mitigation plans. We can conduct wildlife studies involving amphibians, reptiles, fish and small mammals to determine the impact of proposed projects.
Building consulting services
With a nationwide network of construction experts, EFI Global offers comprehensive building consulting services for claims involving commercial and residential structures. Our team provides objective insights throughout the entire restoration process, helping you make informed decisions at every stage of a project. By combining technical expertise with practical insight, we ensure structures are restored efficiently and at the right cost to drive the best possible claim outcomes.
Our building consulting services include:
|
|
Explore our building consulting services.
Assign a project - Canada
24/7 Spill Line 1-866-530-4086
"*" indicates required fields
