Millions of lightning strikes take place worldwide, including the UAE, every single year. Therefore, it is a must to take necessary precautions to prevent the disastrous effects of lightning strikes. One of the best precautions is to install a lightning protection system in your building. 

A lightning protection system is effective but only if it is installed properly. An important step in the installation process is the risk assessment.

Today, you will learn how performing risk assessment before lightning protection system installation can be useful for your building. 

Risk Assessment Conducted Before Lightning Protection System

The effect of lightning strikes is different in every building because of geographical variability. You will find some sites that are more prone to lightning activity, while others have special structural characteristics that make them vulnerable. With risk assessment, your contractor can recognize potential threats and install the lightning protection system while meeting your site’s unique requirements.

What Is Evaluated During Risk Assessment Before Installing a Lightning Protection System?

• Property Vulnerability: A risk assessment examines the building’s susceptibility to lightning strikes. How often and how severe lightning damage your building is exposed to depend on different factors such as the building’s height, material composition, and the presence of metal reinforcements. Identifying the vulnerable points will allow you to implement suitable steps, reducing potential dangers.

• Critical Assets: A lightning strike is disastrous for buildings that have assets such as data centers, medical facilities, or communication equipment. A risk assessment identifies these essential assets and guarantees that they are adequately protected by a lightning protection system.

• Geographical Location: Many regions experience a high frequency of lightning strikes. Buildings in these areas are more vulnerable to lightning and require a more robust lightning protection system. A risk assessment considers the geographical location to build a system that is compatible with regional lightning activity.

To Design a Tailored Lightning Protection System:

A risk assessment enables a customized system design that is tailored to your property’s specific requirements.

This customized strategy comes with the following advantages:

• Cost Efficiency:

Risk assessment avoids over-engineering costs. It guarantees that resources are directed to the areas where they are most required, maximizing cost efficiency without compromising safety.

• Optimal Protection:

Risk assessment helps in developing a lightning protection system that provides the best possible protection by recognizing specific hazards and vulnerabilities. Air terminals, conductors, and grounding systems are all strategically placed for maximum efficiency.

To Meet Regulatory Requirements:

For lightning protection system installation, many areas and buildings have strict regulations. A risk assessment ensures that the system design meets these specifications. When failed to do so, it may lead to legal problems and the loss of insurance coverage.

To Ensure Utmost Safety from Lightning:

A lightning protection system assures safety. A thorough risk assessment ensures that property owners and occupants are taking the appropriate precautions to mitigate lightning-related dangers. To protect your building against unpredictable lightning strikes, a lightning protection system is a necessary investment. But, before beginning the installation, it is important to conduct a risk assessment. This will help you to stand strong against nature’s unpredictable forces and create a safer future for all.