Alan graduated in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds and remained there to undertake research into gaseous explosions leading to the award of his PhD.  After a period working for Rolls Royce, Alan joined Burgoynes in 1977 and became a Partner in 1983.  Since then he has conducted investigations into over one thousand instances of fires, explosions, mechanical and metallurgical failures, on land, at sea (including offshore platforms) and in the air, both in the UK and abroad.  He has provided expert evidence in Courts and Arbitrations in the UK and Far East.

Alan has extensive experience of investigating marine casualties and has particular expertise regarding the safe carriage of DRI and HBI.  Major incidents Alan has been involved with include the explosions at the refineries at Syncrude, Canada and Texaco in Pembroke and on the platforms HEATHER ALPHA and PIPER ALPHA.  He has also investigated a number of high profile incidents involving blast and smelting furnaces and other metallurgical process plant.

Alan has given advice to major chemical, petrochemical, food and drug companies and other manufacturing industries on the prevention of, and protection from, the hazards of fire and explosion arising from flammable vapours and dusts.  This includes the design of plant and equipment to withstand the effects of explosion, and conducting hazard surveys on major installations.  He has lectured widely to academic and industrial audiences and has published papers on gas and dust explosions, and on conducting scientific investigations into the causes of losses.