E58 - Forensic Engineering

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide may be useful to forensic engineers, courts, jurists, attorneys, insurance adjusters, and clients of forensic engineers. Although this guide is directed to the practice of forensic engineering, its description of the elements of investigative reports may be useful to practitioners in other disciplines that embrace scientific laws and theories.  
5.2 This guide is based on Guide E2713, which discusses elements of the practice of forensic engineering and provides suggested readings which may be of interest to those creating (or reading) forensic engineering reports.  
5.3 This guide is informational and not mandatory. Not all items necessarily apply to all forensic engineering reports. Practitioners should adopt the requirements stated herein as appropriate to their individual situations. The author should verbally discuss findings with the client prior to the preparation of a written report. Not all clients will require a written report, and some may want a report with a focused scope or a report that follows a particular format.
SCOPE
1.1 This document provides guidance on the purpose, content, and limitations of forensic engineering expert reports, and it discusses report representation in electronic form.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This guide is intended for use by individuals who investigate incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning. If this guide is followed, the cause for the carbon monoxide poisoning incident may be determined, and corrective action may be identified to prevent future incidents.  
3.2 When attempting to identify the source of carbon monoxide, consider that it is produced at some level in virtually every fuel-burning engine, boiler, furnace, burner, stove or fire. All carbon-based fuels (for example, gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, paper products, plastics) produce carbon monoxide as a result of incomplete combustion. When there is insufficient air for complete combustion, carbon monoxide can become a major product of combustion. In properly-operating fuel-fired combustion appliances (for example, residential furnaces and water heaters), the level of carbon monoxide produced may be as little as a hundred parts per million or less (that is, 0.01 %). In those same appliances, malfunctions can potentially result in significantly higher carbon monoxide concentrations (10 000 ppm to 100 000 ppm, or higher). Properly-operating internal combustion engines may also generate carbon monoxide concentrations on the order of 10 000 ppm or higher.  
3.3 Be aware of the effects of carbon monoxide on humans and pets. Carbon monoxide acts as a central nervous system depressant. With increasing dosage (combination of concentration and time of exposure) symptoms may include headache, dizziness, weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion, and may lead to death. Carbon monoxide is especially hazardous because it is colorless and odorless, providing no warning of its presence. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the blood, creating carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). The affinity of carbon monoxide for hemoglobin is approximately 200 times greater than the affinity of oxygen for hemoglobin. Therefore, the blood can accumulate dangerou...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers collection and preservation of information and physical evidence related to incidents involving the poisoning of individuals by carbon monoxide.  
1.2 This guide is not intended to address the medical effects of carbon monoxide exposure.  
1.3 This guide is not intended to be a guide for investigating carbon monoxide poisoning caused by hostile fires, or contamination in closed air systems or confined spaces. Guidance on the investigation of carbon monoxide poisonings related to fire can be found in NFPA 921.  
1.4 This guide is not intended for an investigation where equipment is removed from the incident site and conducted in a more controlled setting.  
1.5 This guide is intended to be used by a wide range of investigators, including first responders, appliance technicians and engineers.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended as a foundation for other E58 Committee standards that are focused on specific technical disciplines, for example Guide E2292.  
4.2 The emphasis of this guide is on the practice of forensic engineering in the United States, though elements of practice in other countries may be similar. Commercial use of the terms “engineer” and “engineering” are regulated by state and federal law; this document uses these terms only to describe a technical discipline, and not to confer title or status. Courts may decide that individuals with qualifications other than those described herein can testify as experts in forensic engineering.  
4.3 Certain forensic engineering investigations of incidents and claims may be related to the behavior or condition of one or more physical systems, or the manner in which they were used. These investigations may also be related to compliance inspections, subrogation, litigation, and other activities. It is important to note that some incidents may be considered alleged, particularly when objective proof of their occurrence is not apparent.  
4.4 Suggested additional readings are listed in Appendix X1.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides an introductory reference to the professional practice of forensic engineering, and discusses the typical roles and qualifications of practitioners.  
1.2 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This guide may be useful to forensic engineers, courts, jurists, attorneys, insurance adjusters, and clients of forensic engineers. Although this guide is directed to the practice of forensic engineering, its description of the elements of investigative reports may be useful to practitioners in other disciplines that embrace scientific laws and theories.  
5.2 This guide is based on Guide E2713, which discusses elements of the practice of forensic engineering and provides suggested readings which may be of interest to those creating (or reading) forensic engineering reports.  
5.3 This guide is informational and not mandatory. Not all items necessarily apply to all forensic engineering reports. Practitioners should adopt the requirements stated herein as appropriate to their individual situations.
SCOPE
1.1 This document provides guidance on the purpose, content, and limitations of forensic engineering expert reports, and it discusses report representation in electronic form.  
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 This guide is intended for use by individuals who investigate incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning. If this guide is followed, the cause for the carbon monoxide poisoning incident may be determined, and corrective action may be identified to prevent future incidents.  
3.2 When attempting to identify the source of carbon monoxide, consider that it is produced at some level in virtually every fuel-burning engine, boiler, furnace, burner, stove or fire. All carbon-based fuels (for example, gasoline, diesel fuel, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, paper products, plastics) produce carbon monoxide as a result of incomplete combustion. When there is insufficient air for complete combustion, carbon monoxide can become a major product of combustion. In properly-operating combustion equipment, the level of carbon monoxide produced may be as little as a hundred parts per million or less (that is, 0.01 %). However, combustion with insufficient air can produce carbon monoxide concentrations of 10 000 ppm to 100 000 ppm (that is, 1 to 10 %) or higher.  
3.3 Be aware of the effects of carbon monoxide on humans and pets. Carbon monoxide acts as a central nervous system depressant. With increasing concentration or time of exposure, or both, carbon monoxide will cause people to feel sleepy or sick, lose consciousness, and die. Carbon monoxide is especially hazardous because it is colorless and odorless, providing no warning of its presence. When inhaled, carbon monoxide binds with hemoglobin in the blood, creating carboxyhemoglobin (COHb). The affinity of carbon monoxide for hemoglobin is approximately 200 times greater than the affinity of oxygen for hemoglobin. Therefore, the blood can accumulate dangerous levels of COHb, depriving the body of oxygen.  
3.4 Since there is the potential for investigators to become victims of elevated carbon monoxide levels themselves, extreme care should be taken to assure the safety of investigators and anyone else at risk of conti...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers collection and preservation of information and physical evidence related to incidents involving the poisoning of individuals by carbon monoxide.  
1.2 This guide is not intended to address the medical effects of carbon monoxide exposure.  
1.3 This guide is not intended to be a guide for investigating carbon monoxide poisoning caused by hostile fires, or contamination in closed air systems or confined spaces. Guidance on the investigation of carbon monoxide poisonings related to fire can be found in NFPA 921.  
1.4 This guide is not intended for an investigation where equipment is removed from the incident site and conducted in a more controlled setting.  
1.5 This guide is intended to be used by a wide range of investigators, including first responders, appliance technicians and engineers.  
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually in the United States, (excluding fire deaths) and carbon monoxide poisoning causes thousands of individuals to seek medical attention.  
3.2 This practice is intended for use by individuals who investigate incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning. If this procedure is followed, the cause for the carbon monoxide poisoning incident may be determined, and steps can be taken to prevent future incidents.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers guidelines for collecting and preserving information and physical evidence related to incidents involving the poisoning of individuals by carbon monoxide.  
1.2 This practice is not intended to be a guide for investigating carbon monoxide poisoning caused by hostile fires, or contamination in closed air systems. Guidance on the investigation of carbon monoxide poisonings related to fire can be found in NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations .  
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This guide is intended as a foundation for other E58 Committee standards that are focused on specific technical disciplines, for example Guide E2493.
The emphasis of this guide is on the practice of forensic engineering in the United States, though elements of practice in other countries may be similar. Commercial use of the terms “engineer” and “engineering” are regulated by state and federal law; this document uses these terms only to describe a technical discipline, and not to confer title or status. Courts may decide that individuals with qualifications other than those described herein can testify as experts in forensic engineering.
Certain forensic engineering investigations of incidents and claims may be related to the behavior or condition of one or more physical systems, or the manner in which they were used. These investigations may also be related to compliance inspections, subrogation, litigation, and other activities. It is important to note that some incidents may be considered alleged, particularly when objective proof of their occurrence is not apparent.
Suggested additional readings are listed in Appendix X1.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides an introductory reference to the professional practice of forensic engineering, and discusses the typical roles and qualifications of practitioners.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
Carbon monoxide poisoning is responsible for approximately 300 deaths annually in the U.S., (excluding fire deaths) and carbon monoxide poisoning causes thousands of individuals to seek medical attention.
This practice is intended for use by individuals who investigate incidents involving carbon monoxide poisoning. If this procedure is followed, the cause for the carbon monoxide poisoning incident may be determined, and steps can be taken to prevent future incidents.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers guidelines for collecting and preserving information and physical evidence related to incidents involving the poisoning of individuals by carbon monoxide.
1.2 This practice is not intended to be a guide for investigating carbon monoxide poisoning caused by hostile fires. Guidance on the investigation of carbon monoxide poisonings related to fire can be found in NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers guidelines for collecting and preserving information and physical evidence related to incidents involving the poisoning of individuals by carbon monoxide.
1.2 This practice is not intended to be a guide for investigating carbon monoxide poisoning caused by hostile fires. Guidance on the investigation of carbon monoxide poisonings related to fire can be found in NFPA 921, Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This guide sets forth recommendations for the collection of non-volatile memory data from a vehicle ECU or EDR that, to the extent possible, do not alter the data being collected.
This guide sets forth recommendations for the collection of non-volatile memory data from a vehicle ECU or EDR that, in the case where data may be altered during the collection process, informs the parties involved of the risk and type of alteration that may occur.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide sets forth recommendations for the collection of non-volatile memory data from vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs), or Event Data Recorders (EDRs), that have allegedly been involved in an event or incident that is the subject of litigation.
1.2 The data collection methods used to retrieve data from the subject ECU or EDR include commercially available scan/interrogation/test tools and also include proprietary scan/interrogation/test tools with prior agreement of the parties involved.
1.3 Additional, and potentially applicable, standards promulgated by ASTM Committee E-30 on Forensic Sciences include: Practices E 860 and E 1188.
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This guide sets forth recommendations for the collection of non-volatile memory data from vehicle Electronic Control Units (ECUs), or Event Data Recorders (EDRs), that have allegedly been involved in an event or incident that is the subject of litigation.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E58 on Forensic Engineering, this guide was withdrawn in January 2016 in accordance with section 10.6.3 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This practice establishes procedures for the investigation and evaluation of a physical component failure. The framework and methodology outlined is not exhaustive, as evaluation of complex component failures often requires unique and/or highly specialized analytical and investigative techniques. Each of the outlined elements of the practice may not be required or possible for each component.
SCOPE
1.1 This standard practice for the engineering investigation and analysis of component failures covers the collection and analysis of all information and physical evidence pertaining to the failure or perceived failure of a specific component. The data and physical evidence includes but are not limited to background information regarding the design (if available), fabrication and expected service conditions of the component, evidence pertaining to the actual service history of the component, and physical evidence relating to the component failure. The nature of the use of the particular component is immaterial with respect to this standard. This standard does not apply to software.
1.2 For the purpose of collecting and generating data, all values will be used with SI (English) units.
This standard may involve hazardous substances and objects, operations, and equipment. This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This standard practice for the scientific-engineering, or technical investigation and analysis of component failures covers the collection and analysis of all information and physical evidence pertaining to the failure or perceived failure of a specific component.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E58 on Forensic Engineering, this practice was withdrawn in January 2013 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
In the United States, electrocutions in the home number about 560 per year, while industry electrocutions are the fifth leading cause of occupational deaths, accounting for 5348 deaths, or about seven percent of all work-related deaths for the period between 1980 and 1992. Electrical burns account for 4 to 6.5 % of all admissions to burn units in the United States and account for approximately 800 fatalities per year in the United States from 1984 through 1987.
Recording of findings and physical data following an electrical incident is critical to determining cause and steps that can be taken to prevent future incidents. Documentation and preservation of the physical items, along with photographic and video recordings, helps convey findings to technical and non-technical third parties. The documentary data, which includes reports and statements, is used to corroborate the physical data and findings.
The examination of the events along with the scientific method may permit a reconstruction of the incident.
The examination of the events along with the scientific method may permit a reconstruction of the incident.
Incident investigations should be conducted as soon as possible after the event. Most accidents are investigated within minutes or hours by police or regulatory authorities. Often, several authorities are at the scene at one time and each are generally required to document their findings in an official report. The documents generated by these authorities are significant since they reflect the earliest observations of the scene; however, because first responders have a primary responsibility to protect life and property and to prevent further harm, these documents may not reflect every pertinent detail.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers guidelines for the recognition, documentation, collection and preservation of potentially relevant information and physical items involving electrical incidents, electrical injury, and/or the electrocution of individuals in low and medium voltage residential and industrial installations.
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This practice covers guidelines for the recognition, documentation, collection and preservation of potentially relevant information and physical items involving electrical incidents, electrical injury, and/or the electrocution of individuals in low and medium voltage residential and industrial installations.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E58 on Forensic Engineering, this practice was withdrawn in January 2013 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.