Rank: Forum user 
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Hi All,
Our site was struck be lightening yesterday. Thankfully nobody was injured and no fire etc. However, I am wondering whether it is reportable under RIDDOR, as a dangerous occurance? I have checked the HSE website but can't find anything on this but don't want to assume that I shouldn't do anything. It obviously did cause damage on site - dispupting our fire alarm systems and electronic security system along with knocking out some of our medical equipment.
Any advice gratefully received.
Thanks,
Den
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Rank: Super forum user 
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If it doesn't fit any of the listed definitions of a dangerous occurrence, then it's not a reportable dangerous occurrence, even if it was an occurrence that was dangerous.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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A quick glance at RIDDOR indicates to me that your event is not reportable. Dangerous Occurences are specified in Schedule 2 of the Regs: http://www.legislation.g...995/3163/schedule/2/madeand lightning does not feature (unless it caused a fire or explosion resulting in a 24 hour stoppage with the potential for death).
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks Both, this was my feeling but I just wanted to check with the experts :-)
Thanks You
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Rank: Super forum user
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Den,
Not sure if you are in a hospital setting but there may be lessons learnt regarding risk management and business continuity following this incident and if this should be looked at regarding preventative actions?
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Rank: Guest
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Is this not force majeur (commonly known as an "act of god").
I would have thought that at a minimum you would need to call in a competent person to check out your lightening conductors/rods or are they called earth rods these days.
They have obviously failed thus knocking out your systems.
Rich
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks - this type of event is certainly something that puts business continuity into perspective.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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The word is "lightning". Lightening means making things lighter. If you've had an outbreak of that then the people at CERN might want to hear from you towards their Higgs Boson particle research.
(I'm only being light-hearted).
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Rank: Guest
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I have just noticed that I jumped the gun at hash 6. I have presumed that earth rods have been installed in the building struck.
This may not be the case therefore a risk assessment would need to be carried out to determine if you need to.
Rich
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Rank: Super forum user
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rich777 wrote:Is this not force majeur (commonly known as an "act of god").
I would have thought that at a minimum you would need to call in a competent person to check out your lightening conductors/rods or are they called earth rods these days.
They have obviously failed thus knocking out your systems.
Rich Not necessarily. Air terminals, down tapes and earthing rods form part of the structural lightning protection system, designed to protect the building from damage. They should still be maintained though as you suggest. Electronic systems require additional protection from transient overvoltages. These are caused by direct strikes and ground strikes in the neighbourhood. Transient OV's occur from switching operations (air con, generators kicking in, fridges etc) as well as lightning strikes. Protection of business critical equipment is layered so that the building is protected, the ring circuit and then the item itself. Not something you would do for every toaster and kettle but certainly worth it for MRI scanners, ICU wards etc. Speak to Furse - they are the biggest firm in this field. If any other firm tries to sell you an Early Streamer Emitter system - run. Tis unproven technology and widely rubbished by academics and past performance case studies. PS: I have no connection with Furse.
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Rank: Guest
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Thanks Stevie40 - I have learnt something new today.
Some but not all my buildings have lightning rods so how often should they be inspected and by whom?
Rich
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Rank: Super forum user
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rich777 wrote:Thanks Stevie40 - I have learnt something new today.
Some but not all my buildings have lightning rods so how often should they be inspected and by whom?
Rich The system needs to be examined and tested by a competent specialist firm of lightning engineers at least every five years. The method of testing should be in accordance with BS7430: 1991 Code of Practice for Earthing. PS: I've not checked to see if the 1991 BS has been updated, I just lifted this from one of my old reports to a client with a defective system.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks Ron - I noticed my typo but it was too late to change it. I could do with some pre-festive "lightening"
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Rank: Guest
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Thanks again Stevie40 - for the prompt reply
Merry Xmas
Rich
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Rank: Forum user
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stevie40 wrote:rich777 wrote:Thanks Stevie40 - I have learnt something new today.
Some but not all my buildings have lightning rods so how often should they be inspected and by whom?
Rich The system needs to be examined and tested by a competent specialist firm of lightning engineers at least every five years. The method of testing should be in accordance with BS7430: 1991 Code of Practice for Earthing. PS: I've not checked to see if the 1991 BS has been updated, I just lifted this from one of my old reports to a client with a defective system. There's a lot more to lightning protection than just earthing. Have a look at BS EN 62305-1:2011 "Protection against lightning. General principles" for a start.
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