Specialized
Capabilities
We investigate fires, explosions, and failures of systems and components using oxygen, hydrogen, other hazardous fluids, or pressure equipment. From small medical oxygen equipment to large petrochemical plant explosions, we have the expertise and tools to determine what went wrong.
Oxygen Failures
Investigate fires related to oxygen and other oxidizers.
Hydrogen Failures
Investigate fires and explosions related to hydrogen.
Hazardous Fluids
Investigate fires and incidents related to toxic or reactive gases.
Fuel Gases
Investigate fires related to a wide range of fuel gases.
Pressure Equipment
Investigate ruptures, leaks, and mechanical failures related to pressurized systems.
Electrical Devices
Investigate fires in electrical medical oxygen devices, battery systems, and other electrical systems.
Forensic Investigation
Investigate and document the scene of an incident in preparation for litigation.
Expert Witness
Utilize our experience and data-driven insights in legal contexts.
Subject Matter Experts
WHA’s engineers are recognized among the world’s leading experts in incident investigations involving oxygen and other hazardous fluids. We’ve analyzed hundreds of incidents, from small medical device fires to large industrial explosions. Our findings have frequently influenced the industry, leading directly to new international standards that continue to save lives and protect property around the globe.
Strength in Numbers
Fires and explosions are typically a once-in-a-lifetime traumatic event, but we deal with these incidents every day. Our experience and unique capabilities will bring understanding to your failure incident related to oxygen or other hazardous fluids.
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years combined experience0+
fire incidents investigated0+
countries servedCustom Testing & Incident Reproduction
Our team is uniquely qualified to develop custom test methods that can provide data-driven insights about a failure.
At our Test and Training Center in Las Cruces, New Mexico, we've performed tests on everything from small medical oxygen valves to violent ruptures of large industrial gas cylinders.
Actionable Insights Enhance Safety
Our failure analysis experts go far beyond conjecture to find defensible answers based on facts and verifiable data — actionable insights our clients can use to enhance safety and prevent future incidents.
In fact, our findings have frequently influenced the industry, leading directly to new international standards that continue to save lives and protect property around the globe.
Failure Analysis Case Studies
Ensuring Safety in Oxygen-Carrying Medical Electrical Equipment (IEC 60601-1:2020)
Oxygen-carrying medical electrical equipment represents a critical intersection of necessity and risk. While these devices can save…
Oxygen Cylinder Filling System Fire Case Study
Oxygen cylinders and pressure systems quietly hold enormous amounts of energy. When things go wrong, the results…
Case Study: Fire Station Medical Oxygen Cylinder Fire
A medical oxygen cylinder experienced a catastrophic failure and burnout during a routine fire station equipment check