Contamination and Pollution Investigation Services

Most of our contamination losses are commercial, although on occasions we have been called in on large or particularly complex domestic losses. We are experienced in the following types of contamination assessment:

Post-fire
Post-flood
Leakage of water, oil or chemicals
Land contamination
Asbestos
Product spillage

Even a small fire can create smoke contamination across a relatively large area, sometimes through sealed doors. Water damage can cause mould spores which can be injurious to health. These can spread from the original source causing increased damage and cost if it is not identified and dealt with. Our work includes assessment of contamination of:

Buildings
Machinery
Stock
Domestic goods
Food
Clothing

WHY APPOINT A CONTAMINATION EXPERT FROM HAWKINS?

Our service is the scientific assessment of:

The extent of contamination
The type of contamination
The best method of cleaning
Whether cleaning or restoration is required at all or in part
If so, whether the cleaning is required as a consequence of the insured event
Whether contaminated equipment is beyond repair
Independent assessment as to whether the cleaning/refurbishment work has been done to the appropriate standard required to restore the pre-fire condition

HOW DOES HAWKINS ASSESS CONTAMINATION LOSSES?

Samples are taken from various parts of the building or stock and analysed scientifically to ascertain their precise nature. It is then possible to 'map' the samples to show how the contamination varies across the building and to show those areas which are contaminated by the insured event, and those which are not.

On many occasions we find that the schedule and method of proposed cleaning is fair and accurate. Equally, however, we often find that the schedule includes all of the building when in fact much of the building is either clean or, if dirty, it is not as a result of the incident.

There is sometimes a conflict regarding whether machinery can be cleaned or must be replaced. An insured party will normally favour replacement even when cleaning can be undertaken successfully. On the other hand a cleaning company might wrongly advise that equipment can be cleaned when this is unlikely to be successful.

Often a manufacturer or service agent will have concerns that they cannot guarantee the performance of equipment after cleaning. The insured may have concerns as to whether stock is completely unaffected.

We will advise on who is correct.

BUSINESS INTERRUPTION CLAIMS

Our service saves not only direct costs but also indirect, consequential losses. Correctly identifying and cleaning contaminated equipment at the time of a loss will save downtime and potentially costly further disruption of production at a later date.

The delay caused by excessive cleaning can also lead to inflated business interruption losses.