Lightning Rod Standards

Where a lightning rod poses a recognized hazard of impalement and a there is a feasible means of protection the employer is required to provide that protection.

Lightning rod standards. In a lightning protection system a lightning rod is a single comp. Lightning rods are also called finials air terminals or strike termination devices. Reducing lightning hazards when working outdoors employers supervisors and workers should understand lightning risks characteristics and precautions to minimize workplace hazards. 1 ordinary structures 2 miscellaneous structures and special occupancies 3 heavy duty stacks 4 structures containing flammable vapors flammable gases or liquids that can give off flammable vapors br 5 structures housing explosive materials br 6 wind.

Lightning is unpredictable and can strike outside the heaviest rainfall areas or even up to 10 miles from any rainfall. 1 1 1 this document shall cover traditional lightning protection system installation requirements for the following. If lightning hits the structure it will preferentially strike the rod and be conducted to ground through a wire instead of passing through the structure where it could start a fire or cause electrocution. The recommended practices in the united states for lightning protection systems lps have been the nfpa 780 standard for the installation of lightning protection systems and ul96a installation requirements for lightning protection systems.

We examine lightning protection system components and completed installations for compliance with ul s internationally recognized standards for lightning protection systems ul 96a or other recognized national standards such as or nfpa 780. Many lightning victims are caught outside. Lightning standards our lps france design offices technicians perform all technical studies according to french and international standards in force. Note that lightning protection systems do not prevent lightning from striking the structure but rather intercept a lightning strike provide a conductive path for the harmful electrical discharge to follow the appropriate ul listed copper or aluminum cable and disperse the energy safely into the ground.

Under the general duty clause we generally consider employers to be required to protect employees exposed to the hazard of impalement on sharp objects. The bs en iec 62305 standard for lightning protection was originally published in september 2006 to supercede the previous standard bs 6651 1999. The most complex projects can be realized thanks to a deep knowledge of the different standards by our services.