Richard Sutcliffe

Richard Sutcliffe joined Dr J H Burgoyne and Partners as an Associate in 1981 and became a Partner in 1988. Since 1981 he has been continuously engaged in the investigation of fires, explosions and incidents of a chemical nature. He has personally undertaken over 1100 investigations.  He has undertaken investigations in Europe, North America, South America, Caribbean, Africa, Middle and Far East.

Incidents investigated include fires and explosions in a vast variety of situations such as shipping, heavy and light industry, chemical plant, commercial and domestic premises and vehicles. He has been required to give expert testimony in the UK and overseas in civil and criminal courts, and at arbitration tribunals. He has also acted as a Single Joint Expert.

Chemical incidents investigated include carbon monoxide poisonings, fuel contamination, foodstuff contamination, land contamination, self heating and occupational exposure to hazardous materials.

Marine experience includes the investigation of engine room, accommodation and cargo fires, cargo self heating, contamination and spoilage problems, and attending cargo fires to provide technical advice. He has particular experience of incidents involving problems with coal. Marine cargo incidents investigated include those involving: coal, metallic ores, calcium hypochlorite, copra, fishmeal and wheat.

Aviation experience includes the investigation of a deliberate fire and work on two incidents involving on-board oxygen systems.