Expert Witness in Building Regulations, Fire Safety Engineering, Defects
.png/:/rs=w:1353,h:419)
About Fire Safety Engineering
Our Expertise
Fire Safety Engineering Pty Ltd is a specialist consultancy with decades of experience in the intersection of building regulation, compliance, and fire safety engineering. Led by Allan Harriman OAM, one of Australia’s most respected experts in fire safety, the firm provides independent, litigation-compliant expert witness services across New South Wales, supporting legal professionals, regulatory authorities, insurers, and private clients in resolving complex building and fire-related disputes.
Expert Witness Services
We provide trusted and independent expert opinion in:
- Building regulation interpretation and compliance
- Fire safety design and performance-based solutions
- Building defects (including façade/cladding issues)
- Non-compliant or unauthorised building works
- PCA responsibilities and performance
- Development Control Orders and Fire Orders
- Fire-damaged buildings
- Construction documentation and approval processes
- Appeals of Development Applications and Certificates
Our experience includes matters before:
- Supreme Court of NSW
- Land and Environment Court
- NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)
- District Court
- Federal Court of Australia
Our Expert: Allan Harriman OAM
Experience
Allan Harriman OAM is a veteran fire safety engineer and building regulation consultant with over 40 years’ industry experience. As founder of BCA Logic (now part of Jensen Hughes) and a leading authority in fire safety litigation, Allan has acted in hundreds of expert witness matters involving both prosecution and defence. His expertise is grounded in decades of hands-on consultancy, academic insight, and regulatory knowledge.
Credentials
- Masters in Fire Safety Design, Western Sydney University
- Graduate Diploma in Building Surveying, UTS
- Registered Building Surveyor (Unrestricted) – NSW Fair Trading
- Accredited Fire Safety Engineer – NSW
- Qualified Trainer and Assessor, Former RTO Director
- Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to the construction industry
Innovative Expert Solutions for all Clients
Recent Cases
- 569 George St, Sydney – Supreme Court: Building defect rectification
- Auburn Central – Land and Environment Court: Fire Orders and unauthorised works
- Peninsula Private Hospital – Federal Court: Fire safety expert report
- SP 61694 v Vero Insurance – Supreme Court: Fire-related defects and compliance
- Chan v Acres – PCA liability dispute
- World Square & Maestri Towers – Residential and commercial defect litigation
- SP84411 vs Sydney City Council – Building Products (Safety) Ban for combustible cladding
- Alamdo vs Reece – Upgrading necessary for a development consent
- LFD Homes vs Sydney City Council – retention of affordable housing
- Owners SP 92450 v JKN Para 1 Pty Limited – combustible cladding
The Expert Witness Process
The expert witness process follows a rigorous and transparent methodology and codes of conduct, and usually involves:
- Initial Inspection & Review – Site inspections, document assessment, and legislative analysis
- Expert Report – Preparation of compliant, objective, and court-ready evidence
- Joint Expert Conclaves & Mediation – Participation in meetings to facilitate resolution
- Court Testimony – Confident and experienced in providing oral evidence under cross-examination
Why Choose Fire Safety Engineering Pty Ltd
- Unmatched experience across all classes of building projects
- Proven expert testimony in high-stakes legal environments
- Depth of technical, regulatory, and compliance knowledge
- Professional integrity and impartiality
- Strong record of contributing to successful legal outcomes