He is a Fire Test Technician with over 20 years of experience, specializing in testing and studies related to the performance of equipment and materials associated with fire and explosion related failures. He is experienced in small and large scale testing, and evaluation to determine ignition sources, flame spread rate, failure modes, heat flux, temperature, heat transfer, smoke generation, and fire suppression. He is also knowledgeable in the evaluation of fire detection and suppression systems. He has performed experimental and standard studies/testing related to product development.
He has provided expert testimony in the court of law.
Academic Background
• UC Davis, Certificate in Fire Protection Engineering, 1998
• Chabot College, Hayward, CA; AA degrees in Electronic and Computer Technology, 1983
• U.S. Navy, Millington, TN; Aviation Machinist Mate Jet (A) School, 1974
• Livermore High School, Livermore, CA; Graduated in 1973
Professional Experience
• RTI Group, LLC, Annapolis, MD, Fire Test Technician, March 2016-present.
• Consultant, Livermore, CA, 1981-Present
Consulting services involving all aspects of testing (designing, coordinating, fabricating, and operations) related to fire, explosions, and equipment performance and failure. Provides analysis of test and accident data in determining probable cause and origin of fire or explosion. In addition, provides analysis in fire spread, damage patterns, material failure, equipment failure, and fire management systems. Provided computer generated graphics of data (graphs, tables, etc.) and drawings for analysis, deposition, and court room presentations, and reports.
Conducted inspections to determine the cause and origin of fires involving single and multiunit dwellings, commercial and industrial building and/or complexes, gas and electrically powered vehicles, and a private substation. Performed fire inspections of domestic, commercial, and industrial electrical and/or electrical mechanical equipment and components. Studied and tested fire related events involving aircraft, automobiles, electrical equipment, batteries, wiring, buildings, building material, and propellants. Has worked on accidents involving fire, smoke, explosions, electrical arcing, electrical over-load, static discharge, welding, piloted ignitions, smoking materials, oxidizers, corrosion, and other nonspecific fire causes. Conducted compliance reviews to determine if electrical equipment, buildings, and systems are in compliance with various codes and standards.He has given depositions and testimony related to the examination of evidence, experimental and testing, cause and origin of the fire, damage patterns, and equipment failure.
• Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA, 1984-Retired
From 1981-1984, worked as a contractor at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) employed by Butler Service Group out of Sunnyvale, CA. Between 1984 and 2007, worked as a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor employed by the University of California and from 2007 until retirement, worked as a DOE contractor for Lawrence Livermore National Securities (LLNS).
Between 1981 and 2004 he conducted fire testing and safety analysis for various DOE programs and conducted small and large-scale fire experiments to evaluate and determine the performance of materials, fire models, energized and un-energized electrical wires and cables, building and ventilation systems, and fire management systems (fire detectors, sprinkler systems, etc.). Also performed training of fire fighters and testing personal protection equipment. He has written Operations Procedures, Operational Safety Procedures, Facility Safety Procedures, National Environmental Protection Act documents, project proposals, test plans, and reports.
From 1997 to 2006 he supported the Yucca Mountain Program, continued to conduct fire testing, and fire hazard analysis for nuclear weapon systems and DOE waste facilities. Duties associated with the Yucca Mountain Program involved the design, fabrication, and setup of materials testing and analysis related to the corrosion of various metal alloys. He provided similar support to the National Ignition Facility (NIF) laser program.
Between 2006 and 2010 worked for the NIF project as an inspector for electrical assemblies, wire harness, electrical cables, and clean room certifications. He changed the NIF electrical standards for wire and cables from unique DOE specifications to industrial standards and specified electrical testing standards for cable and harness assemblies. Also performed inspection of large optics used in the NIF beam lines.
• Ed Chovanes Ford, San Leandro, CA, 1977-1980
Worked in the new car department as a utility/installer technician receiving and preparing new cars for delivery.
• U.S. Navy VFP-63 NAS Miramar, San Diego, Ca; rating ADJ-2, 1973-1977
Duties included the fueling and de-fueling, troubleshooting, inspection, adjustment, power turn-up, and scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of jet aircraft. He was a supervisor, training petty officer, safety petty officer, and ground turn-up NATOPS instructor.