Mark H. Nelson, P.E., NAFI-CFEI, NAFI-CVFI
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Practice Leader
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Expert QuestionS & AnswerS
After 10 years in HVAC systems, what’s a recurring finding in your investigations that most people in the industry don’t expect?
That the recommended repairs are not always required or even correct. Many times, the quotation will specify the full replacement of the HVAC system, when a simple repair or even a single part could be replaced to make the system operational.
HVAC systems and plumbing systems — what unique evidence and challenges does each present?
HVAC systems and plumbing systems are quite often repaired prior to our involvement. One must determine what the conditions of the system were at the time of the incident. Determining how the repair has affected the evidence must be considered in the analysis for the appropriate answer.
As someone who trains others in your discipline, what’s the most common mistake you see less experienced investigators make in fire and explosion investigation?
Being overwhelmed by the size and complexity of the fire scene. There are so many different types of systems to investigate and consider that it’s easy to get focused on one thing and miss the rest.
What do you wish more people understood about the work you do in fire and explosion science?
Some of the most damaged fire scenes can still lead to an answer if the effort is put into it. And some of the smallest fires can leave you scratching your head. In some cases, the evidence just is no longer there.
Background
Mr. Mark Nelson is a graduate of the University of Florida with a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering. He is a registered professional engineer and a NAFI Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI), and a NAFI Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI). In addition, he is an ACTAR-certified Traffic Accident Reconstructionist.
Mr. Nelson’s professional background consists of 10 years of experience in machinery design and manufacturing, project management, and engineering management. He possesses broad experience in materials selection and application, process conceptualization, engineering design, hands-on testing and development of final products, engineering and quality standards, components part supplier selection and management, development and implementation of customer training programs, and customer relations. His specific areas of expertise include the design, development, and manufacturing of high-speed process machinery. Mr. Nelson’s skills also include covering systems and tarpaulins for the heavy-duty truck and waste industries in the international and domestic markets.
Mr. Nelson’s areas of expertise include investigating residential commercial, and industrial building fires, appliance fires, chimney and solid-fuel burning appliance fires, natural gas and propane explosions, and vehicles and heavy machinery fires.
In addition, Mr. Nelson’s failure analysis includes piping and plumbing failures, residential appliances and HVAC systems, and items such as door systems, lift gates, and machinery failure and accident analysis. Mr. Nelson’s experience includes vehicle accident reconstruction and vehicle component failure evaluations.
Education and Certifications
- Mechanical Engineering, B.S.: University of Florida (1993)
- Registered Professional Engineer: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia
- Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI): National Association of Fire Investigators (#12797-6287)
- Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI): National Association of Fire Investigators (#12797-6287V)
- F.I.R.E. Certified Fireplace & Chimney Inspector (#FCI-329)
- Certified Traffic Accident Reconstructionist (#1654): Accreditation Commission for Traffic Accident Reconstruction (ACTAR)
- Other Courses: International Building Code; Construction Quality Management
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