First, let me say this about notes...

I think when deciding to save or destroy, it is prudent to save your notes/scanned copies/electronic data.

However, I suspect the initiation of this thread, and the search for feedback, has something to do with the rejection of Mr. Lentini’s proposal (921-153 Log #195) by the 921 committee. Perhaps to further this discussion (or prolong the agony) the question should be… Should 921 be the document to provide recommendations on what to do with any notes you generate during your investigation?

The current document states… “The purpose of this document is to establish guidelines and recommendations for the safe and systematic investigation or analysis of fire and explosion incidents.”

My concern is that if a proposal of this nature gets in the book, the document starts (or continues) to mandate/legislate/regulate/strongly suggest/require/direct (choose your verb) one on how one needs to perform their record keeping processes and office administration outside the fire/explosion incident investigation. This seems outside the intent of the 921. The status of your notes has nothing to do with how one conducts a “safe and systematic investigation or analysis of fire and explosion incidents.” The final report is the product, and a reflection of, how a fire or explosion incident was/was not “safely and systematically investigated or analyzed” Whether notes should be saved or destroyed should not be the argument, or suggestion/mandate/”standard of care” in the document, but rather just an admonition or acknowledgement of the consequences of either choice.

Are we on the doorstep of… (to paraphrase R. Rinkle)… “When the law is against you, argue the facts. When the facts are against you, argue the law. When both are against you, attack the plaintiff… When the plaintiff is right… argue he didn’t have save his notes.

Regards;



Robert K. Toth, IAAI-CFI ®
IRIS Fire Investigations, Inc.
www.irisfire.com

Bus. 303.840.4705
Toll Free: 877-745-4747