Award for ESO's Brian Richardson

Brian Richardson from the Electrical Safety Office (ESO) received an Australia Day Achievement Award from the former Department of Emergency Services for his assistance with fire investigations.

Currently Acting Director, Equipment Safety and Licensing, Brian was awarded the appreciation certificate for his expert advice, training on the causes of electrical fires, and liaison with the Queensland Fire Investigation and Research Unit.

Brian said the award was a team effort and was great recognition for ESO officers for their contribution to fire investigations.

“The two organisations work well together to determine the cause of a fire and gather data to enable evidence-based actions to improve electrical equipment and installation design,” Mr Richardson said.

He said the two agencies were jointly training inspectors and specialist fire officers to investigate and determine possible electrical faults that may be a cause of fire.

“Equipment Safety and Licensing staff also offer expert advice and examination on equipment samples which have been involved in a fire.”

Brian is the President of the Queensland Association of Fire Investigators which includes many Department of Emergency Services officers, and is affiliated with the International Association of Arson Investigators.