Nick Carey

Nick joined Hawkins in June 2012 after a 27 year career with the London Fire Brigade. During the last 16 years of his fire service career he was a full-time Fire Investigation Officer. In 2009 Nick was awarded a PhD with the University of Strathclyde for his research into the interaction of fire and electrical circuits and the metallic damage to electrical conductors located within fire scenes titled “Developing a reliable systematic analysis for arc fault mapping”. He has undertaken a number of electrical examinations within the UK. This has included multi-agency teams investigating several firefighter fatality incidents and the investigation into the cause of the Cutty Sark fire in Greenwich. Nick has investigated a number of electric shock & electrocution incidents and electrical product failures. He has investigated shipping fire and explosions on behalf of P&I Clubs and cargo interests. He has also investigated a number of fires involving yachts and superyachts overseas. Nick has provided firefighting advice for shipping incidents on a number of occasions. He has given evidence as an expert witness at arbitrations, Coroners’, Crown and Civil courts. He has delivered electrical training to Fire Brigades, Police Forces and Forensic Laboratories and presented at training conferences […]

Hawkins Welcomes Health & Safety Manager Stuart Mitchell

Hawkins is delighted to welcome our new Health and Safety Manager, Stuart Mitchell, who will be located in our Bristol office.

Luke Collins

Following his Masters in Aerospace Engineering, Luke worked as a Dynamic Test Technician for Ipeco Holdings Ltd, a leading manufacturer of civil and military aircraft seating. In 2009, Luke joined Hannaford Forensic Services Ltd (Hannafords), specialising in the forensic investigation of vehicle fires. During his time at Hannafords, he undertook over 150 investigations, which included road vehicles from all classifications, as well as a large number of off-road plant equipment. To assist with the investigations, Luke successfully completed a VOSA Public Service Vehicle Inspection Procedures and Standards course. On several occasions, he prepared expert witness reports for use in civil litigation and has presented in court in Southampton. In 2011, Hannafords extended into Asia opening a Hong Kong office (HFS-Asia). Luke undertook marine fire investigations, including engine room fires and cargo hold fires. During this time, Luke obtained a Diploma in Marine Investigation from Lloyds Maritime Academy. In 2014, Luke joined Hawkins’ office in Reigate, Surrey. He has expanded his expertise into the field of fire and explosion investigation of domestic and commercial properties, factories and process plants, whilst continuing vehicle and marine fire investigation work. In 2014, Luke completed John DeHaan Theoretical and Practical Fire Investigation courses at Gardiner […]

Jake Irwin

After completing a PhD at the University of Sydney, Jake joined the National Measurement Institute of Australia producing certified analytical reference materials. He then took a Post Doctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Warwick, performing chemical synthesis and analysis for a wide variety of projects. In 2006 Jake joined the Forensic Science Service as a Researcher and then R&D Science Manager in the physical sciences. He led progress in the analytical sciences (in particular the toxicology & illicit drug testing fields) and drove the development and implementation of quality assurance standards at a European level. Jake also worked on many collaborative projects with universities and other research organisations. Since joining Hawkins in 2012 as a fire investigator, Jake has investigated many fire scenes from small domestic losses to large commercial losses. More recently Jake has also investigated chemical, post-fire and post-flood contamination events. Jake is currently a Principal Associate and Regional Manager of our Birmingham office.

Hawkins Attends Marine Insurance Conference 2022

Hawkins is proud to sponsor the Marine Insurance London Conference. Dr Nick Carey, Mr Luke Collins, Ed Hammersley, Dr Sophie Parsons, and Mr Graeme Drysdale attended the event.

Carriage of Coal: Gas Monitoring & Ventilation

When transported or stored in bulk, coal can be hazardous because: it can create a flammable atmosphere, it can self-heat, it can deplete the oxygen concentration and, it can corrode steel structures.

Harmonious Chemical Safety: Understanding GHS

The rapidly expanding global trade in chemicals was highlighted for posing unnecessary risk to both people and the environment, due to the wide assortment of national and regional chemical hazard classification systems in use at that time.

Under Control: The Challenges of Designing for the Submarine Environment

Control systems are an intrinsic and abundant part of modern life; they control everything from personal aspects of our lives, such as our central heating and the engines of our cars, to massive industrial automation, in industries like factories, distribution warehouses and transportation links. They are responsible for not only completing a task, but ensuring that it is done quickly, efficiently and safely. This article will discuss the constraints imposed on a control system with huge responsibilities, which must function within a challenging, underwater environment.

Bulk Coal Cargoes

Common problems associated with the transportation of coal in bulk include self-heating and methane production.

Liquefaction

Cargo liquefaction may occur if the material properties of ores or other bulk cargoes are not investigated sufficiently prior to loading, or the IMSBC requirements are not met.