Established in 1986, Loss Control Associates is an engineering consulting firm that specializes in identifying and managing fire and explosion hazards in a wide variety of facilities and processes.

FIRE PROTECTION CONSULTING SERVICES

Our engineers perform fire hazard analyses and develop fire protection strategies for protecting facilities in the refining, petrochemical, chemical and warehousing/storage industries. We also evaluate the performance of existing fire protection systems to verify that they are suitable for the hazards they protect. 

Inspection and Survey Services
          • Fire and explosion hazard analysis and audits
          • Fire protection system inspection and testing
          • Life safety analysis
          • Evaluation of structural fire protection features

Water Supply Studies
          • Testing of water supply systems 
          • Computer simulation and analysis of fire water system capabilities in existing or new designs

Emergency Response and Preparedness
          • Review and development of emergency response plans and procedures
          • Emergency organization evaluation

Code and Standards Interpretation 
          • Liaison with enforcement officials
          • Interpretation of national, state and local codes

Training 
          • Fundamentals in fire safety, fire protection systems, code applications and special hazards 
          • Emergency response planning and preparedness

Fire Protection Standards Development
          • Plant or corporate standards
          • Fire safety systems and equipment specifications

Hazardous Area Electrical Classification Studies
          • Hazardous area determination

Fire Causation and Incident Investigations
          • Fire cause investigation
          • "Root Cause" incident investigations

INVESTIGATION AND EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES

LCAI engineers perform incident investigations, conduct technical evaluations, and provide expert witness support to asssist the legal profession in case development or defense. We also perform technical code and standard reviews and other engineering services to to assist clients in addressing regulatory compliance issues. Our effectiveness in providing these services is enhanced by years of practical staff experience in sophisticated fire and explosion prevention and protection methodology. 

Incident Investigations

Alone or as part of a team, LCAI conducts fire, explosion or hazardous materials incident investigations or reconstructions. LCAI uses proven techniques and procedures to develop technically sound and defensible cause and origin scenarios. When appropriate, LCAI will recommend other experienced specialists whose services would benefit the investigation/reconstruction effort.

Technical Evaluations

LCAI evaluates incident reports, witness and expert witness depositions, and other related documentation for technical accuracy and applicability of information to a case. We also conduct preliminary evaluations to assess the technical aspects of specific incidents for potential legal action. When requested, reports are prepared to document the technical evaluation of evidence and facts. 

Expert Witness Services

LCAI engineers provide depositions and court appearances for testimony to support the technical opinions and evaluations developed for the case. Our engineers are experienced, credible expert witnesses that present sound, logical and understandable testimony. 

Engineering Services 

LCAI performs technical reviews of codes, standards or other documents, and performs other engineering activities under direction of attorneys and/or for restricted distribution. These services are identical in nature to the fire protection engineering, process safety management or related technical activities performed by LCAI, but are performed under the direction of an attorney to retain privileged communication and document distribution control.