Full Profile

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

BSc (Hons)

Chemistry – University of Greenwich

MRSC

Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry

Experience:

Chris joined Burgoynes as a forensic investigator in London in 2010, before transferring to the Hong Kong office in 2017, where he specialises in the investigation of fires and explosions. Chris holds a 1st Class Honours Degree in Chemistry from the University of Greenwich, and he is a Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and an Associate of the Institute of Fire Engineers. He is also a Member of both the International Association of Fire Investigators, and the International Association of Arson Investigators. Before joining Burgoynes, Chris spent 8 years as an analytical chemist working in the pharmaceutical industry, and he also has 5 years’ experience working as an industrial firefighter, responding to fires, first aid emergencies and chemical spill incidents. In addition, Chris worked for 3 years as a Retained Firefighter for Kent Fire & Rescue Service.

During his career with Burgoynes, Chris has investigated over 500 incidents - both land-based and marine. The land-based incidents have included fires involving small electrical devices and household appliances; motor vehicles and machinery; commercial premises; warehouses, factories and petrochemical plants; and low and high voltage electrical distribution equipment. In the marine industry, Chris has investigated fires and explosions involving: ship engine rooms and machinery spaces; accommodation and storage areas; containerised cargo; bulk and general purpose cargo; oil and chemical tankers, and car carriers. He has also provided live fire-fighting and fire safety advice to vessel operators and their crews. Drawing on his analytical chemistry background, Chris has advised on claims involving alleged marine cargo contamination, and incidents arising from industrial and chemical process control failures.