Business Details
40 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Engineering and Fire Investigation Services Since 1986
Founded in 1986, Safety Engineering Lab (SEL) has established itself as a leader in engineering and fire investigation services. Our team of certified professionals combines decades of experience with rigorous scientific standards to deliver comprehensive analysis and expert testimony for fire, explosion, and product safety cases. We specialize in managing complex scenes, conducting laboratory testing, and providing clear, actionable reports for clients across the United States and internationally. SEL's collaborative approach has been instrumental in high-profile investigations, including the Dupont Plaza Hotel fire and West Fertilizer Company explosion. Our in-house capabilities include 3D imaging, CT scanning, and advanced materials analysis, ensuring thorough and accurate results.Under three generations of Hoffmann leadership, we maintain a commitment to innovation and scientific integrity. Our services support litigation, subrogation, and process safety improvements for manufacturers, legal firms, and insurance companies. SEL's laboratory in Warren, Michigan, houses state-of-the-art equipment for battery testing, thermal imaging, and forensic analysis. We pride ourselves on delivering reliable, evidence-based solutions tailored to each client's unique needs. With a focus on continuous improvement, SEL remains at the forefront of fire science and engineering consulting.
Services
Fire Investigation
Product Safety Testing
CT Scanning
Engineering Analysis
Laboratory Services
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience in fire and explosion investigation.
- Our in-house laboratory features CT scanning and advanced materials analysis tools.
- We provide 24/7 emergency response for new case investigations.
- Our team includes third-generation engineering experts with courtroom testimony experience.
- We serve clients nationwide with international investigation capabilities.
Services
Fire Investigation
Our fire investigation services combine scene documentation, artifact analysis, and scientific modeling to determine fire origin and cause. We employ 3D imaging and drone technology for accurate scene reconstruction. Clients receive detailed reports suitable for legal proceedings and insurance claims.
Product Safety Testing
We conduct comprehensive product safety assessments including flammability testing, material analysis, and failure investigations. Our laboratory performs electrical, chemical, and mechanical evaluations to identify risks and improve consumer safety. Results support litigation and regulatory compliance efforts.
CT Scanning
SEL's industrial CT scanning service provides non-destructive 3D imaging of components and materials. Our X3000 scanner offers sub-micron resolution for failure analysis and quality control. This technology supports battery testing, metallurgical examinations, and forensic investigations.
Engineering Analysis
Our engineers perform root cause analysis for complex incidents using computational modeling and physical testing. Services include gas migration studies, electrical system evaluations, and structural failure assessments. Findings are presented through technical reports and expert testimony.
Laboratory Services
Our accredited laboratory offers materials analysis, battery testing, and chemical identification services. Equipped with SEM/EDS, FTIR, and thermal imaging tools, we conduct destructive and non-destructive testing for litigation support and product development applications.
People
John M. Hoffmann
Founder
PhD-certified safety expert with over 35 years of fire investigation experience. Pioneered industry changes in hot water heater safety standards. Led investigations into major disasters including the PEPCON explosion and Station nightclub fire.
Donald Hoffmann
President
Chemical engineer with 30+ years of fire and explosion analysis experience. Testified in hundreds of legal cases and published extensively on gas explosions and lithium-ion battery safety. Current leader of SEL's day-to-day operations.
Alex Hoffmann
Senior Investigator
Third-generation engineer specializing in industrial fire investigations. Expert in chemical process safety and electrical failure analysis. Joined SEL in 2019 after completing advanced engineering studies.
Ralph Boyll
Project Manager
Veteran project manager with 25 years of experience coordinating complex fire scene investigations. Developed SEL's research library system and mentored multiple generations of fire investigators.
Michael Kroll
Lead Fire Investigator
Former research librarian turned fire investigator with expertise in artifact analysis and historical fire pattern comparison. Conducts advanced materials testing in SEL's laboratory facilities.
Questions
What types of fire investigations do you handle?
We investigate residential, commercial, and industrial fires including explosions, chemical incidents, and vehicle/marine fires.
Do you provide expert testimony services?
Yes, our engineers and investigators have testified in hundreds of depositions and trials nationwide.
What laboratory capabilities do you offer?
Our facilities include CT scanning, SEM/EDS analysis, battery testing, and materials characterization equipment.
Can you assist with international cases?
Yes, we've conducted investigations in Canada, Caribbean territories, and supported global litigation matters.
What process safety services are available?
We develop chemical handling programs, conduct hazard assessments, and evaluate storage compliance standards.
How quickly can you respond to new cases?
Our team provides 24/7 emergency response for urgent investigation requirements.
