TAKO SINCE 1979: When Do You Need Lightning Protection on a Building?

Introduction

Did you know that, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM), 1.7 million lightning strikes occur each year, resulting in an average of RM250 million in insured losses in Malaysia alone? The total cost, including delay, lost production, and potential injury, might be much higher. As a business owner in Malaysia, which has some of the highest lightning activity in Southeast Asia, according to the Malaysia Meteorological Department (2023), you must secure your property and ensure business continuity. But when do you need lightning protection on a building?

This blog post, presented to you by TAKO, a trusted producer of lightning protection systems since 1979, will look at the key elements that influence this decision and how we can help you keep your business safe from the unpredictable power of lightning.

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When do you need lightning protection on a building?

Factors Influencing the Need for Lightning Protection

Building Type:

In terms of lightning risk, not all buildings are created equal. Here’s how different commercial structures vary in their vulnerabilities:

High-rise structures: Lightning strikes typically target the tallest point, making skyscrapers and other tall constructions more vulnerable to direct attacks. Furthermore, the metal cladding or frames frequently seen in high-rises can act as conductors, increasing the danger of damage.

Buildings with metal roofs or cladding are good candidates for lightning strikes because metal conducts electricity effectively. The resultant electrical surge can spread throughout the structure, damaging electrical equipment and potentially starting fires.

Buildings Housing Sensitive Electronic Equipment: Modern organisations rely extensively on sensitive electronic equipment to run their operations. A direct lightning strike or even an indirect surge can severely damage servers, computers, and other electronic devices, resulting in costly repairs, data loss, and operational disruptions.

Local Lightning Frequency:

In Malaysia, lightning activity varies significantly by region.  Buildings are naturally more vulnerable in areas with higher lightning frequencies. The Department of Meteorology website provides information on Malaysia’s lightning risk zones.  Businesses in high-risk areas with a documented history of frequent lightning strikes should seriously consider installing lightning protection equipment.

Building Codes and Regulations:

Certain structures in Malaysia are required to have lightning protection under certain building standards and regulations.  The Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM) issues guidelines and standards for lightning protection systems (MS IEC 62305: Protection against Lightning – Part 1: General Principles). Familiarising yourself with these requirements might help you assess whether your building falls into the category that necessitates a lightning protection system.

Information Beyond the Basics:

While numerous websites cover these factors, let’s dig deeper into two sometimes disregarded considerations:

A full risk assessment performed by a competent lightning protection professional can give a more extensive appraisal of your building’s susceptibility to lightning strikes. This rating takes into account your building’s location, kind, construction materials, and neighbouring items. It can help you make informed judgements regarding the kind of protection your company need.

Maintenance and Upkeep: Lightning protection systems, like all other safety measures, require regular maintenance and upkeep to ensure peak effectiveness. Neglecting maintenance might reduce the efficacy of the system and leave your building susceptible. TAKO provides comprehensive maintenance programmes to ensure that your lightning protection equipment works correctly.

Beyond the Basics: When do you need lightning protection on a building?

While the parameters described above provide a good starting point, here are some additional considerations to decide when lightning protection becomes an essential requirement for your building:

Business Continuity: Lightning strikes can create significant downtime for enterprises. If your activities rely largely on sensitive electronic equipment or require a constant power supply, even a modest spike might result in considerable losses. Investing in lightning protection is critical to ensuring business continuity and reducing downtime risks.

Building Occupancy: Buildings having a high occupant density, such as schools, hospitals, or public gathering areas, necessitate greater safety precautions. Lightning strikes can endanger human life, hence effective lightning protection systems are critical in keeping residents safe during a storm.

Insurance Requirements: Some insurance companies may provide discounts or mandate lightning protection systems for structures in high-risk areas or for specific uses. Familiarising yourself with your insurance policy and any lightning protection needs can help you make more educated decisions.

By carefully weighing these extra criteria with the conventional considerations, you may determine when lightning protection is a must-have safety measure for your building’s occupants and business activities.

Solutions and Expertise

TAKO provides a complete range of lightning protection systems tailored to the different demands of Malaysian enterprises.  From air terminals and conductors to grounding systems, we know how to deliver a tailored solution for your building. With over four decades of experience in the lightning protection industry, TAKO is a name you can count on.  Our dedication to quality and safety is at the heart of all we do. Our skilled personnel are dedicated to providing outstanding service and ensuring that your organisation is adequately protected from lightning strikes.

Conclusion

Understanding when do you need lightning protection on a building. Don’t put your company’s and employees’ safety at risk.  Contact TAKO today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your lightning protection needs.  Our experts can guide you through the complexities of lightning protection rules, do a risk assessment, and offer the best option to protect your building and provide peace of mind.

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Remember that investing in lightning protection is an investment in the future of your company.

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