Question 1

Lightning Conductors

Accepted Answer

Q: Our Fire Risk Assessment suggested we should consider a lightning conductor. Of course, we have never been struck by lightning, but there is always a first time! And of course, any risk assessor would put in anything possible, even if unlikely, to protect themselves. We are six stories high and next to the sea, so are probably at a greater risk than some others. After a little investigation, it seems that the ‘British Standard’ requires a lattice work of metal all over the roof. This is clearly impractical on a felt on timber construction roof, which may need maintenance, etc. even simply when we flush clear the waste pipes from above, or replace felt after a number of years. The ‘French Standard’ requires a high pole with two conductors earthed to the ground. So where does that leave us? Is it not needed? Is simply best to do the best system we can to fit our building design? What have others done? I have not broached the subject with our insurance company yet. They obviously know that we have not got any form of conductor in place. Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. A: FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: I don’t claim to be an expert on this issue, but as a principle if this has been identified as being required in your Fire Risk Assessment then to ignore this would almost certainly invalid the insurance in the event of a claim as well as having far reaching human implications. In terms of specification I would also recommend seeking quotes from three specialist companies. Your building control departments from the Council will be able to assist with an impartial view on the standards required to meet the requirements of the Fire Risk Assessment. Question submitted February 2018

Question 2

Lightning Conductors

Accepted Answer

Q: Our Fire Risk Assessment suggested we should consider a lightning conductor. Of course, we have never been struck by lightning, but there is always a first time! And of course, any risk assessor would put in anything possible, even if unlikely, to protect themselves. We are six stories high and next to the sea, so are probably at a greater risk than some others. After a little investigation, it seems that the ‘British Standard’ requires a lattice work of metal all over the roof. This is clearly impractical on a felt on timber construction roof, which may need maintenance, etc. even simply when we flush clear the waste pipes from above, or replace felt after a number of years. The ‘French Standard’ requires a high pole with two conductors earthed to the ground. So where does that leave us? Is it not needed? Is simply best to do the best system we can to fit our building design? What have others done? I have not broached the subject with our insurance company yet. They obviously know that we have not got any form of conductor in place. Any thoughts on this subject would be appreciated. A: FPRA Chairman Bob Smytherman replies: I don’t claim to be an expert on this issue, but as a principle if this has been identified as being required in your Fire Risk Assessment then to ignore this would almost certainly invalid the insurance in the event of a claim as well as having far reaching human implications. In terms of specification I would also recommend seeking quotes from three specialist companies. Your building control departments from the Council will be able to assist with an impartial view on the standards required to meet the requirements of the Fire Risk Assessment. Question submitted February 2018

Lightning Conductors

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