WHA International, Inc.

We Simplify Safety

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About the firm

WHA International, Inc. is a specialized engineering practice providing safety consulting, failure analysis, hazard analysis, materials testing, technical training, and precision cleaning for oxygen, hydrogen, and other hazardous fluids and pressure systems. Founded in 1987 by engineers who transitioned specialized oxygen expertise from NASA to the commercial sector, WHA International, Inc. serves clients globally across aerospace, healthcare, chemicals, energy, and industrial gas markets. Its technical experts actively contribute to and author international standards through organizations such as ASTM, CGA, EIGA, NFPA, NASA, SAE, and ISO.

Established
1987
Team
Small
Firm type
Process Safety Engineering · Forensic Engineering · Materials Testing · Combustion Engineering · Materials Engineering

People

Gwenael ChiffoleauChief Executive Officer & Principal Scientist

Barry NewtonChairman of the Board & Senior Principal Engineer

Elliot ForsythChief Strategy Officer & Principal Engineer

Danielle MurphyPrincipal Engineer & Hydrogen Services Lead

Capabilities

Failure Analysis

Service website

Provides data-driven root cause investigation of incidents involving oxygen, hydrogen, and other hazardous fluids or pressure systems. Technical teams reconstruct fire and explosion events to determine failure mechanisms and prevent future recurrences.

  • Oxygen Fire Investigation

    Analyzes oxygen system fires to trace ignition sources and propagation paths.

  • Hydrogen Fire and Explosion Reconstruction

    Investigates combustion events involving hydrogen fuel cells, storage, and infrastructure.

  • Forensic Engineering Services

    Applies scientific and engineering methods to resolve technical disputes and support legal proceedings.

Hazard Analysis

Service website

Evaluates and mitigates fire, explosion, and pressure-related risks before incidents occur. The team helps clients design and operate process systems safely using structured, risk-based methodologies.

  • Oxygen Fire Risk Analysis (OFRA)

    Assesses oxygen system compatibility and ignition hazards per international standards.

  • Hydrogen Combustion Risk Analysis (HCRA)

    Identifies potential leak paths, ignition sources, and combustion hazards in hydrogen systems.

  • Pressure Systems Hazard Assessment

    Evaluates risks associated with high-pressure toxic gases, reactive fluids, and mechanical containment.

Testing Services

Service website

Determines the compatibility, durability, and safety of materials and components operating in oxidizer and high-pressure environments. Laboratory capabilities support product qualification and safety compliance.

  • Materials Compatibility Testing

    Evaluates how polymers, metals, and lubricants react under high-pressure oxygen and hydrogen exposure.

  • Component Qualification Testing

    Verifies that valves, regulators, and pressure equipment meet industry performance and safety standards.

Technical Training

Service website

Equips industry professionals with specialized safety knowledge through virtual and in-person courses. Programs cover standard operating procedures, hazard identification, and industry best practices.

  • Oxygen Safety Training

    Delivers tiered instructional courses on safe design, handling, and maintenance of oxygen systems.

  • Hydrogen Safety Training

    Provides comprehensive curriculum covering the chemical properties, risks, and safety management of hydrogen technologies.

Precision Cleaning

Service website

Removes combustible contaminants from critical components to prevent ignition in high-purity environments. The laboratory offers full verification services and consults on cleanroom process optimization.

  • Oxygen Cleaning and Verification

    Performs cleaning and particulate analysis to meet stringent international cleanliness specifications.

Industries

Aerospace · Space · Defense · Healthcare · Oil & Gas · Chemicals · Manufacturing · Power Generation · Energy Storage · Mining · Metals · Electronics · Legal · Insurance

Projects

Steel Mill Industrial Oxygen Fire Investigation

Metals · 2013

Project details

Investigation of an industrial oxygen fire that occurred in 2013, destroying a new oxygen supply system feeding an electric arc furnace. Forensic analysis determined the root cause of the ignition to improve future system safety.