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What Are the Risks of Neglecting Lightning Protection Inspections?
A lightning protection system is designed to provide a controlled path for lightning current and help protect a building and its occupants from the effects of a lightning strike. However, installing a lightning protection system is only part of maintaining effective protection.
Regular lightning protection inspections and testing are important because components can deteriorate, become damaged or be affected by changes to a building over time. Without appropriate inspection and maintenance, problems may go unnoticed until the system is needed.
The IET states that lightning protection systems require specialist knowledge, access and test equipment to maintain. Typical maintenance checks include the condition of system components, compliance with the relevant design standard and earthing continuity.
Corrosion can go unnoticed
Lightning protection systems are often installed externally and are exposed to weather and environmental conditions.
Over time, corrosion can affect conductors, clamps, bonds, fixings and other components. If corrosion is not identified and addressed, it may affect the condition and continuity of the system.
During a professional inspection, components can be checked for visible corrosion, deterioration and damage.
Damaged components may not be identified
Lightning protection components can be damaged by building maintenance, construction work, weather, accidental impact or other activities around the building.
For example, down conductors, roof-level components, fixings and connections can become damaged without being immediately obvious to building occupants.
A visual inspection provides an opportunity to identify physical damage and missing components.
Electrical continuity problems can remain hidden
A lightning protection system relies on electrical continuity between its components.
A system may appear to be physically intact while still having problems with connections or continuity that require further investigation.
Lightning protection testing can include continuity testing and earth resistance measurements, depending on the system and applicable requirements.
The IET identifies earthing continuity as one of the typical checks carried out when maintaining lightning protection systems.
Building alterations can affect the original system
Buildings change over time.
Extensions, roof replacement, new plant, solar panels, antennas, ventilation equipment, signage and other rooftop installations can alter the building or introduce new metallic components.
These changes may need to be considered in relation to the existing lightning protection system.
Regular inspection can identify changes that were not present when the system was originally designed or installed.
Damage following a lightning strike may go unnoticed
A lightning protection system can require inspection following a known or suspected lightning strike.
Components may need to be checked for physical damage, damage to connections or other defects.
If a building has experienced a suspected lightning strike, an additional inspection and testing may be appropriate rather than waiting until the next scheduled inspection.
Can neglecting inspections affect lightning protection compliance?
A lightning protection system should be maintained and inspected in accordance with the requirements applicable to the installation.
BS EN 62305 provides the main framework for lightning protection in the UK, including requirements and guidance relating to protection against physical damage and life hazards. HSE guidance also refers to periodic inspection and maintenance of lightning protection systems to help ensure that safety measures remain effective.
It is therefore important not to assume that a system remains compliant simply because it was correctly installed.
The condition of the installation, any changes to the building and the results of inspection and testing should all be considered.
How often should a lightning protection system be inspected?
The appropriate inspection and testing frequency depends on the installation, building, environment, risk and applicable requirements.
The IET explains that lightning protection systems are commonly inspected annually, while higher-risk sites may require more frequent planned preventive maintenance.
For more information, see our guide:
How Often Should a Lightning Protection System Be Inspected?
This article explains inspection frequency in more detail and looks at when additional inspection or testing may be appropriate.
Regular maintenance does not prevent lightning strikes, but it helps ensure that the installed protection system is maintained and that deterioration or defects can be identified.
Professional Lightning Protection Inspection and Testing
Professional lightning protection inspection and testing can help building owners and facilities managers understand the current condition of their lightning protection system.
Eurosafe UK provides lightning protection inspection, testing and maintenance services for commercial and other buildings. Our specialists can assess lightning protection systems, identify defects and provide inspection and testing documentation with recommendations where remedial work is required.
If you are unsure when your lightning protection system was last inspected or whether changes to your building have affected the installation, professional inspection and testing can help establish its current condition.
Contact Eurosafe UK to discuss your lightning protection inspection and testing requirements.
