For DOD Internal Use ONLY: AS/NZS 1768:2007 14

The document discusses factors that influence the number of lightning strikes a structure receives and the types of damage lightning can cause. These include the structure's dimensions, surrounding environment, incoming service lines, construction type, contents, and measures taken. Damage can be limited to part of a structure or extend to the whole structure and environment. Three basic types of damage are identified: injury to people, fire/explosion/mechanical destruction, and failure of electrical systems.

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For DOD Internal Use ONLY: AS/NZS 1768:2007 14

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azrinoordin

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AS/NZS 1768:2007

The number of lightning strikes influencing the structure depends on (i) (ii) the dimensions and the characteristics of the structure; the dimensions and characteristics of the incoming conductive electrical service lines;

(iii) the environment around the structure; and (iv) the density of lightning strikes in the region where the structure is located.

The greater the height and collection area, the more lightning strikes will influence the structure. Tall trees and surrounding buildings may shield a structure from lightning strikes. Incoming conductive electrical service lines add to the lightning collection area as they can conduct lightning current into the building. 2.4.2 Types of damage The type of damage that a lightning strike may cause depends on structure or facility characteristics such as (a) (b) (c) (d) type of construction; contents and application; incoming conductive electrical service lines; and measures taken for limiting the risk.

The damage may be limited to a part of the structure or may extend to the whole structure. Damage may also extend to the surrounding environment (e.g. contamination caused by consequential chemical spills or radioactive emissions). Direct strikes to the structure or to incoming conductive electrical service lines may cause mechanical damage, injury to people and animals and may cause fire and/or explosion. Indirect strikes as well as direct strikes may cause failure of electrical and electronic equipment due to overvoltages resulting from coupling of the lightning current. For practical applications of risk assessment, it is useful to distinguish between three basic types of damage that can appear as the consequence of a lightning strike. They are as follows: (i) (ii) D1 Injury to people (shock of living beings) due to step and touch voltages and side-flash contact. D2 Fire, explosion, mechanical destruction, chemical release due to physical effects of the lightning channel (including dangerous sparking).

(iii) D3 Failure of electrical and electronic systems due to overvoltages. 2.4.3 Consequences of damage (types of loss) The value amount of damage caused by the consequential effects of lightning depends on factors such as (a) (b) (c) the number of people and the time they are in the facility; the type and importance of the service provided to the public; and the value of goods and/or services affected by the damage.

Some special hazard factors also need to be considered. For example, in theatres and halls there can be a significant risk of panic if a lightning strike causes loss of electricity supply or other mechanical or fire-related damage. As a result, people may be injured in the panic to evacuate the building. Museums and heritage listed buildings have a cultural value. There may be significant loss of revenue (economic loss) associated with damage to computer centres and communication nodes.
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