Our expertise
EFI Global is a well-respected market leader in South Africa, delivering world-class fire investigation, engineering services and environmental 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 developmental mentoring and 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 and sample testing
Our experienced forensic and environmental specialist team works 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 has strategic partners and subject matter experts in this area and works with SANAS-accredited laboratories to test all kinds of materials, including metallurgy, polymers, composites and ceramics. Thorough evaluations strengthen any case from the causation side of the investigation and can result in opportunities for recovery or policy defenses.
Evidence collection and storage
The proper collection and preservation of evidence is critical to the integrity of any fire investigation. EFI Global’s team of trained experts and specialists ensures that, where needed, evidence such as artifacts from a 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 is 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 and impartial conclusions supported with expert witness testimony that can withstand the rigours of litigation. Our certified and highly trained fire investigators, forensic engineers and environmental specialists have performed numerous 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 or environmental incident where an electrical or mechanical component or system is involved. EFI Global’s electrical and mechanical engineers are also well-versed in forensic investigation methodologies, and they work closely with our fire investigation and environmental specialist teams to provide a comprehensive, technical examination that identifies the failure and assigns responsibility when and where possible. Once the origin has been identified, our engineers can assist in determining causation. They examine various components and systems to identify the nature and root cause of the failure and whether it resulted from a manufacturing or design defect, negligent installation or third-party liability.
Fire protection compliance assessment
Our team of specialists and subject matter experts conducts post-loss fire, environmental and electrical compliance assessments based on their extensive knowledge of building codes, fire protection and related standards and best practices. Our team can evaluate the effectiveness of fire protection features — including sprinkler systems, fire barriers and alarm systems. EFI Global investigates active and passive fire suppression, detection and protection systems to determine whether they comply with code requirements and perform as designed.
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 document and support findings that a fire was set intentionally. EFI Global fire investigators are well trained in empirical research techniques, such as on-site interviews, geographical and scene data collection and analysis of systemic reports/data. They work hand-in-hand with our forensic engineering team to identify, analyse, and document all evidence collected and process the findings, where required, using SANAS-accredited laboratories. Our experts are prepared to take a case from the point of assignment all the way to the courtroom.
Laboratory analysis
EFI Global partners with SANAS-accredited, cutting-edge laboratories that specialise in the analysis of fire debris, ignitable liquid residue, spontaneous heating, fuel contamination and combustion byproduct testing. Results are obtained from comprehensive reports issued by these laboratories in support of the scientific analysis of origin-and-cause investigations, whether fire and/or environmentally related.
Large loss investigations (such as explosions)
EFI Global has the experience and expertise to handle large, sophisticated and complicated loss sites, anywhere in the world. Our team of fire, environmental and forensic enginering experts can mobilise quickly to investigate and 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 provide geographical cartography and aerial photography of the loss site.
Marine fire investigations
EFI Global’s forensic team can conduct marine fire investigations involving recreational watercraft, yachts, cruise ships, marinas, commercial shipping, port cargo handling and waterfront structures. We perform a thorough origin-and-cause investigation for each assigned 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 origin and cause. 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
On claims involving vehicle or heavy machinery fires, EFI Global can lead and conduct an investigation, which may also include automotive experts or specially trained mechanical and electrical engineers. Using our systematic investigation methods, we can identify the cause of a vehicle fire, whether it’s mechanical, equipment or electrical failure, third party liability, incendiary or otherwise.
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 specialised. The EFI Global team, together with our expert partners, has the required expertise in forestry, terrain, weather and fuels to get the job done right.
Engineering
EFI Global’s forensic engineers and network of strategic partners are equipped with the technology, testing expertise, 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 investigation.
Catastrophe response services
Whether damage is the result of a hurricane, earthquake, flood, hailstorm, lightning strike, blizzard, tornado or fire, EFI Global can deliver timely investigation reports to assist in the evaluation of the environmental, fire and engineering impact of a natural disaster. Our catastrophe response team comprises environmental specialists, forensic engineers and fire and forensic investigators. We also have expert strategic partners who provide a variety of investigative, analytical and consulting services under the guidance of our EFI Global team. These include electrical/mechanical engineering and fire and environmental spillage investigations.
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. Our highly trained team members have performed numerous investigations and evaluations for disputes tried at all levels of the judicial system.
Material science
Our environmental specialist team has comprehensive expertise in all components of environmental consulting, project management, failure analysis and expert witness testimony. EFI Global’s specialists and strategic partners base their 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 forensic 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 specialises in analysing electrical failures associated with fires, explosions, mechanical system malfunctions, electrocutions, lightning strikes and other perils. Our services include failure analysis, root cause analysis and failure mode and effects analysis.
Environmental
Our complete line of environmental specialist services, bolstered by strategic partnerships with industrial hygiene consulting providers, are designed to help property owners, managers, developers and insurance professionals maintain compliance with current environmental regulations, minimise risks, and optimise business objectives.
EFI Global’s multidisciplinary professionals specialise in environmental compliance, hazardous materials management and facility health and safety.
As a complement to our environmental consulting services, EFI Global also enlists the involvement of our forensic engineering 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 environmental specialists 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 also offer geohydrological assessments, groundwater and environmental setting assessments, flood plain analysis, soil liquefaction causation investigations, persistent organic pollution assessments and more.
Environmental spill response
EFI Global provides environmental specialist consulting 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 opinion and witness
EFI Global’s seasoned environmental specialists and experts have years of experience in their respective fields and provide unbiased conclusions supported with expert witness testimony.
Hazardous materials consulting
EFI Global’s environmental specialists have the necessary expertise, training and regulatory knowledge to provide comprehensive investigation, analysis and consultation in hazardous materials.
Hazardous materials consulting projects are often associated with the renovation or demolition of existing structures, abatement project oversight and monitoring, development of management plans and litigation support services. We can address pre-demolition and renovation building issues — such as asbestos, lead paint, PCBs and universal waste — in all types of facilities.
Indoor air quality assessments/microbial consulting
EFI Global’s environmental specialist team has strategic partnerships with qualified microbiologists and industrial hygienists who can evaluate indoor air quality (IAQ) issues caused by microbiological materials, such as molds and bacteria, as well as fire incident surface contamination and residue assessment.
Industrial hygiene consulting
EFI Global has strategic partners who offer a full spectrum of industrial hygiene compliance and consultation services. We work together 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.
Occupational health and safety solutions
EFI Global has strategic partners who provide 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.
Petroleum management
Our geohydrologists and environmental specialists 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.
Site assessment/remediation services and waste beneficiation
EFI Global is well-versed in the complexities of property utilisation/operations that may be complicated by the presence of pollutants, contaminants or hazardous substances in soil, soil vapour, sediments, indoor air, ground and surface waters. Our team also has deep experience with products that are no longer fit for human consumption being beneficiated into alternative processes, subject to stringent quality management. 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, as well as agreement on waste beneficiation strategies. Our solutions are tailored to site-specific conditions utilising a phased approach, claims cycle and risk management framework, which allows our clients to make informed decisions on engineering designs, remedial activity, operations, maintenance and waste product beneficiation options. Our expert team is experienced in working with landowners, commercial and industrial manufacturers, government agencies and regulatory bodies on evaluating and executing successful solutions at all types of facilities.
Soil and groundwater contamination management
EFI Global’s geohydrologists and environmental specialists conduct soil and groundwater research and investigations, as well as develop remediation plans for cases where contamination is detected. Our team partners with biologists, chemists, geologists, geographers, cartographers, hydrologists, physicists, bioengineers and civil engineers who are 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.
Training and mentoring
EFI Global delivers a range of environmental and fire-related knowledge-sharing solutions for public and private sector clients. Our team members are highly experienced trainers. As a service to our insurance clients, we regularly provide podium talks and webinars that comply with various continuing education requirements.
Head office
Sedgwick House, 19 Muswell Road South, Bryanston, Johannesburg, 2191, RSA
All services
Head of EFI Global Africa
Phone
+27.011.557.9000