“We don’t get enough lightning strikes in the UK to bother about.” This is a common misconception we at Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) hear that costs businesses millions of pounds a year in damage to their buildings and assets.
A lightning strike is seen when the electric discharge takes place between the atmosphere and the ground. The British Isles see 300,000 to 400,000 strikes per year. Between 30-60 people are struck by lightning each year in the UK, with 5-10% of those resulting in a fatality according to ROSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).
Lightning is always looking for the shortest path to earth. The key is to ensure that it doesn’t make its path through your property.
Some of the effects of lightning that we have seen at PTSG include serious injuries, fire, loss of data, computer systems and equipment, structural damage, phone lines and alarms cut off and damage to plumbing systems. They are all avoidable with the correct lightning protection.
Lightning protection systems intercept, conduct and disperse lightning strikes safely to earth. They should be designed, installed and tested in accordance with BS EN 62305.
Our teams are highly qualified and experienced in delivering all aspects of lightning protection, from design, installation and commissioning of new systems to testing and inspection, maintenance, repairs and upgrades.
We will work with you to establish which class and type of lightning protection system is needed for your structure. We take into consideration the area and your surroundings, the height of your structure, ground type, and the kind of contents in your building.
Keeping your lightning protection system working perfectly
Like any working system, it is crucial to ensure a lightning protection system is regularly inspected and maintained to ensure it remains fully able to protect your building and people.
Our specialists carry out routine testing and inspection of systems to ensure compliance with regulations. Through meticulous record-keeping, we ensure our customers remain compliant year-round. Our capability in delivering any necessary repairs and upgrades has helped us to achieve an extremely high level of repeat business, with customers enjoying the peace of mind we provide.
We have completed successful lightning protection projects at a number of Amazon fulfilment centres, many universities including Bristol, Newcastle and Sheffield Hallam and public buildings such as Wolverhampton Civic Hall – to name just a few from our vast portfolio.
To work in lightning protection requires a reasonable level of physical fitness and a head for heights. Skilled engineers hold qualifications up to NVQ level 2 or 3. We ensure every member of our team reaches their potential through personalised training and development programmes.
