Expert Witness

There are many mechanical and plumbing system deficiencies in buildings that lead to failures, property damage, and people being injured. I provide forensic investigations to determine the root cause of failures and testify as an expert witness in litigation cases so that disputes are resolved based on sound engineering analysis.

For over 15 years, I have provided forensic investigations, expert witness services, and litigation support for cases involving HVAC design, plumbing design, pipe failures, plumbing component failures, sprinkler system failures, hot water scalding, water heater failures, gas venting/carbon monoxide poisoning, gas furnaces, and legionella.

As the principal mechanical engineer at Griffith Engineering & Consulting for over 23 years, my training and experience in designing plumbing, HVAC, and fire sprinkler systems enables me to offer professional opinions regarding the adequacy of system design, construction, maintenance, and operation.

I am committed to providing investigative engineering, consulting, and expert witness services that are thorough, credible, and timely. As a licensed professional engineer I can assist in the following areas:

 

Plumbing

• Plumbing design
• Plumbing code compliance
• Hot water systems/scalding
• Legionella
• Fuel gas fires and explosions
• Failure Analysis

HVAC

• HVAC design
• Gas appliance venting
• Carbon monoxide poisoning
• Failure analysis – mechanical equipment

Fire Sprinkler Systems

• Sprinkler system design
• Failure analysis – sprinkler system failures

I represent both plaintiffs and defendants and have provided both deposition and trial testimony.

 

Click here for my CV.

 

 Professional Affiliations

• American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE)
• American Society of Sanitary Engineers (ASSE)
• American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)
• International Code Council (ICC)
• National Academy of Forensic Engineers (NAFE)
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)

Codes and Standards

I serve on the following code and standards committees:

ASPE Technical Standard 15 – Hot Water Temperature and Control (member). This is a design standards committee that provides industry guidelines for hot water temperature limits and control for plumbing systems to prevent scalding

ASSE Scald Awareness Task Group (member). The task group was formed to make the general public and plumbing community more aware of potential scald issues relative to plumbing systems. The task group has published the following white papers during my membership:

• Adjustment of Automatic Compensating Valves to Prevent Potential Scald Hazards
• Reference Guide to Avoiding Potential Scald Hazards (in progress)

ASSE 1082 Working Group (member). The Working Group is developing a standard for Tankless Water Heaters Used as Temperature Control Devices for Hot Water Distribution Systems.

ASHRAE Technical Committee TC6.6 – Service Water Heating Systems (provisional corresponding member). Technical Committee 6.6 is concerned with two general areas: (1) service water requirements, and (2) design of the system for heating and distributing service hot water.

ASTM Subcommittee F15.03 – Safety Standards for Bathtub and Shower Structures (member). This subcommittee has jurisdiction for the following standards:

• F444-88 (2009) Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Scald-Preventing Devices and Systems in Bathing Areas
• F445-88 (2009) Consumer Safety Specification for Thermal-Shock-Preventing Devices and Systems in Showering Areas
• F446-85 (2009) Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Grab Bars and Accessories Installed in the Bathing Area
• F462-79 (2007) Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Slip-Resistant Bathing Facilities

ASTM Committee E58 on Forensic Engineering (member; 2016). The Committee promotes Forensic Engineering knowledge and the development of appropriate standards intended to promote the awareness of the scientific, engineering, ethical, and legal consideration inherent in Forensic Engineering investigations, reporting, and testimony.

• Subcommittee E58.01 General Practice
• Subcommittee E58.02 Product Defect Incidents

ICC, Plumbing Mechanical Gas Code Action Committee (PMGCAC) member; (2017). The PMGCAC reviews and proposes revisions to the International Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Private Sewage Disposal, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes and the International Residential Code, chapters 12 through 33.

NFPA 54: National Fuel Gas Code, Technical Committee; (member; 2016). The committee has primary responsibility for changes and updates to the code, which covers the installation and operation of fuel gas piping systems, appliances, equipment, and related accessories, with rules for piping systems materials and components, piping system testing and purging, combustion and ventilation air supply, and venting of gas-fired appliances and equipment.

 

Active Titles and Licenses

I am a licensed professional engineer in the following states:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

 

Education

Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, magna cum laude, Tennessee Technological University; 1983.

 

Click here for my CV.

 

Feel free to contact me for additional information.