~ National Lightning Safety Institute ~

Section 2.1.4

The following Lightning Management Strategy was developed for one of NLSI's clients — a mining company — and provides sample information about NLSI's ability to provide a comprehensive lightning hazard management program.

1. Purpose

The purpose of the Lightning Management Strategy is to provide a consistent approach to management of lightning in the design, engineering, construction and operational phases of a project.

2. Scope

It is expected that the contents of this Lightning Management Strategy will be applied at all design, engineering, construction and operational phases of a project.

Projects that have completed engineering or construction, or have commenced operations, can identify the most suitable point of entry for the management of lightning hazards. The flow chart incorporated into section 7 can assist with the most suitable point of entry.

The consulting resource being utilized to assist Client in the implementation of the Lightning Management Strategy is the National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI) based in Denver Colorado USA.

At any time this Lightning Management Strategy can be reviewed, modified or added to. This is at the discretion of the regional project and operational teams.

3. Responsibility

4. Management Strategy

The National Lightning Safety Institute (NLSI) has experience in the mitigation of lightning hazards for large-scale operations. Past clients include NASA, US Dept. of Defense, US Dept. of Energy, FAA, NOAA and others. Risk management for both people safety and facility/structural safety were applied to two Peruvian mining client assignments.

The elements of people safety include: early hazard detection; notification; activity suspension; safe shelter; threat re-assessment; activity resumption; and education and training.

Facility/structural threat defenses encompass all areas of new or planned as well as existing mine operations. Examples are refueling areas; laboratories; ANFO storage; guard shacks; communications towers; administrative and IT centers; security operations; drilling/blasting/loading/hauling; dormitories; and cafeterias. Recognized engineering principles address protection methodologies here. They include air terminals; shielding; bonding; grounding; surge protection; and maintenance.

This document addresses various client mining activities where NLSI capabilities can provide value.

4.1 Regional Assessment of Risk

NLSI can provide lightning threat hazard analysis for specific global regions. Extreme weather probability generalizations also can be provided for other natural hazards, such as earthquakes, hurricanes and floods. This information addresses risk management issues for facility/structural and personnel vulnerabilities.

4.2 New Facility Design Review and Recommendations

NLSI can review engineering drawings and specifications for lightning vulnerability and for power quality considerations. A matrix has been prepared which is applicable to most any type of facility or structure. Elements of this design review include both exterior and interior considerations — for example:

• Earth Electrode Subsystem
• Service Entrance Grounding
• Surge Protection Devices
• Electrical and Electronic Grounding
• Computer (IT) Protection
• Lightning Protection System Bonding and Shielding

This study process is in accord with recognized international codes and standards. Recommendations are detailed to the extent that specific vendors and their products can be characterized as acceptable or unacceptable.

4.3 Existing Facilities Problem Resolution

NLSI can assess lightning consequences and other electrical damage and failure causes. Upgraded defenses can be recommended with details as to their application.

Case Study: Mining Company"B" employed inadequate lightning detection and notification equipment. This resulted in false alarms, false positives and poor confidence by operators. Following several lightning-induced personnel accidents, NLSI was engaged to provide technical information and field installation applications assistance. Five engineers accompanied NLSI on tours of three potential vendors. At the same time, they attended an intensive NLSI workshop (see section 5). Detection and notification equipment was selected and installed at an approximate cost of $15,000. A result of this improvement was a reduction of worker suspension time with increased productivity.

4.4 Lightning Safety Education

NLSI provides several levels of education for mine site personnel:

• Subject matter experts (SMEs). An intensive two-day seminar is designed around a course called "Lightning Protection for Engineers." We strongly recommend that each mine have one or more SMEs so as to address lightning issues at the local level. NLSI is always available via email for in-depth assistance. NLSI teaches this class 5-7 times annually, as well as on an a "on-demand" basis.
• Introductory tutorials about two hours long for both supervisory and non-supervisory workers. Employees bear partial responsibility for their safety. Education is the key to outdoor worker safety. This PowerPoint presentation typically is accompanied by a free-form question and answer session.
• Video tapes and DVDs addressing lightning safety are available from NLSI, along with a wide range of DVDs on other occupational safety topics, such as Fork Lift Truck Safety and Eye Protection. Ask for more details.
• Short, one-page graphic lightning safety information documents that can be transformed into posters, newsletters, bulletins, etc.

NLSI can also assist local mine safety managers with developing outdoor activity suspension criteria. For example:

Green Condition = No Threats Observed
Yellow Alert = Lightning at 10 Miles. Be Prepared To Suspend Activities Within 20 Minutes.
Red Alert = Lightning at 5 Miles. Take Shelter Now.

In addition, NLSI can bring public relations value to the Client through community education on lightning safety issues. National host country agencies, such as the Red Cross, the Meteorology Dept., military services, and disaster relief organizations, can be beneficiaries of lightning safety according to the wishes of NLSI's client. On a more local level, lightning safety education can be directed to fraternal organizations, recreational leagues, rural villages, etc.

5. System Development for Standards and Procedures

NLSI can assist with the adoption of cohesive, uniform codes and standards for lightning protection. Presently many protection documents are in conflict with one another. Some are known to be based upon advertising and are not scientifically validated. In addition, manufacturers and products can be qualified as to reliability.

Case Study: In good faith, engineers with mining company "N" employed lightning rods that were codified under a Spanish lightning protection code. More than 400 such rods were installed at a cost of about $2500 each, not including installation. The Spanish code, and related products, are known by NLSI to be vendor-driven and in conflict with reliable lightning protection research. Result: Considerable money wasted plus the structures believed to be protected are not protected.

6. Site Visits and Continuity of Contact

NLSI can schedule site assessments at mining locations worldwide, according to Client requirements. Once an assessment is performed, follow-up consultation is a standard NLSI procedure.

7. Implementation Flow Chart