Rank: Forum user 
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Hi learned Friends,
I wondered if anyone had any idea if there is any legislation for the need for and compliance testing of Lightening protection rods. I know they are not everywhere and surmise they are deemed necessary by each persons own internal assessment which would dictate the need for it, is this correct ? Also
What would deem a Lightening Rod necessary in peoples experience ?
Does anyone know of any Legislation etc on this subject ?
Thanks in advance.
Alan.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user
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So disappointed this isn't a boxing-related thread.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Rank: Super forum user
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Lightning protection systems are sometimes required by insurers depending on value at risk and the propensity towards lightning strikes as per the calculations on the British Standard, e.g. surface area of building, height in relation to surrounding structures, area of UK etc.
I used to deal with this kind of thing a lot for a property insurer but less so now that I specialise in liability. Lightning is not a major killer in the UK although there is some potential there - as I'm sure Richard Branson will testify.
In respect of maintenance, I do recall it was important to ensure the farraday cage was intact, in other words, the spikes, tapes and terminals at roof level must remain connected to the earthing rod below ground. Building alterations and metal theives can cause the two to part company.
Common sense I know bu you'd be surprised how many times the two system components had parted company. The presence of spikes etc at roof level increases the chance of a strike and with no down tape or connection to the earth, the forces will be transferred through the building structure instead.
I always found Furse (as mentioned by messyshaw) to be very helpful.
Finally, not sure if they are still being actively sold but 5 years or so ago, Early Streamer Emmitter systems were being pushed. The science behind them was then debunked by various industry heavyweights and academia. Be very wary of anyone pushing such a system.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Alan
BS EN 62305 recommends annual inspection and test.
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Rank: Super forum user
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peter gotch wrote:Alan
BS EN 62305 recommends annual inspection and test. Testing a lightning rod... I now have visions of Marty McFly in a DeLorean!
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Rank: Super forum user
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I see reference to laboratory testing in the EN standard, but not annual field 'test' of the installed system.
200kA in a multi-storey residential - you wouldn't want to be out on your balcony !!!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Our previous building had lightning conductor installed when they put mobile phone aerials on the roof. It was tested on an 11 month rolling programme, which I was told (buy the tester) was because the weather and soil wetness affected the results and you wanted to get results in all seasons. However, that was all defined, controlled and arranged by someone else (I think it was the mobile phone company) so I don't know any more than that.
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Rank: New forum user
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Just putting together a book for our FM on statutory compliance and have done this on Lighting protection using the following Regs, Approved Codes and BS- HASAWA ‘74; MHSWR ’99; PUWER ’98; BS EN 62305-4:2006
BS EN 62305-4 8.2 Inspection of a lightning protection management system (LPMS) The inspection comprises checking the technical documentation, visual inspections and test measurements. The object of the inspection is to verify that: (a) The LPMS complies with the design (b) The LPMS is capable of performing its design function, (c) Any newly added protection measure is integrated correctly into the LPMS Inspections shall be made: (a) During installation of the LPMS (b) After the inspection of the LPMS (c) Periodically (d) After any alteration of components relevant to the LPMS (e) Possibly after a lightning flash to the structure ( e.g. where indicated by a lightning flash counter, or where an eyewitness account of a flash to a structure is provided, or where there is visual evidence of lightning-related damage to the structure). The frequency of the periodic inspection shall be determined with consideration to: (a) The local environment, such as corrosive soils and corrosive atmospheric conditions (b) The type of protection measures employed. 8.2.1 Inspection procedure 8.2.1.1 Checking of technical documentation After the installation of a new LPMS, the technical documentation shall be checked for compliance with the relevant standards, and for completeness. Consequently, the technical documentation shall be continuously updated, e.g. after any alteration of the LPMS. 8.2.1.2 Visual inspection Visual inspection shall be carried out to verify that: (a) There are no loose connections nor any accidental breaks in the conductor and joints’ (b) No part of the system has been weakened due to corrosion, especially at ground level’ (c) Bonding conductors and cable shields are intact’ (d) There are no additions or alterations which require further protection measures’ (e) There is no indication of damage to the SPDs and their fuses or disconnections’ (f) Appropriate line routings are maintained’ (g) Safety distances to the spatial shields are maintained.
8.2.1.3 Measurements For those parts of an earthing system and bonding network which are not visible for inspection, measurements of electrical continuity should be performed. 8.2.2 Inspection documentation An inspection guide should be prepared to facilitate the process. The guide should contain sufficient information to assist the inspector with his task, so that all aspects of the installation and its components, test methods and test data which is recorded, can be documented. The inspector shall prepare a report, which shall be attached to the technical documentation and the previous inspection reports. The inspection report shall contain information covering (a) The general status of the LPMS (b) Any deviation(s) from the technical documentation’ (c) The results of any measurements performed 8.3 Maintenance After inspection, all defects noted shall be corrected without delay. If necessary, the technical documentation shall be updated.
Hope this helps
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