A risk assessment is more than selecting a product. It considers personal safety, operational continuity and the potential effects on electrical systems together.
How is the risk assessed?
ASIVA applies the risk management principles of IEC 62305 / TS EN 62305 to project data. The process has three steps:
- Gather information: Establish the structure's location, geometry, purpose, surroundings and existing protection infrastructure.
- Review potential losses and existing measures: Assess possible effects on people, operations and internal systems; review the external lightning protection system, earthing, equipotential bonding and SPD arrangement.
- Define the protection scope: Document calculation assumptions and site findings, then identify engineering work and measures to evaluate.
Even structures with the same use can need different protection because their location, dimensions and internal systems differ.
What information is needed?
- The structure's location, dimensions and use, and other structures on site
- Areas occupied by people and operations where downtime is critical
- Power and communication lines, sensitive equipment and their locations
- Existing lightning protection, earthing and surge protection designs
Missing or changed information can affect the result. An online calculation therefore needs to be interpreted alongside a site survey and project documents.
From assessment to design
The assessment identifies which measures should be considered for each risk. Lightning prevention (PDCE), early warning (ATSTORM®), isolated lightning protection (HVC), surge protection and earthing monitoring serve different needs. An appropriate combination follows from the assessment and detailed engineering design.
Online preliminary assessment
Use the Lightning Risk Calculator to enter initial data and begin a preliminary assessment. Site conditions and project documents must still be reviewed before a final design decision.
When should the assessment be repeated?
Assess risk during the design of a new facility. Review it again when an existing facility changes its use, geometry, equipment layout or protection infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Does an online risk calculation replace a final design?
No. It helps organize initial data. Site conditions and project documents must also be reviewed to define the protection scope.
Does a risk assessment recommend a product immediately?
No. It first establishes protection needs and the affected areas. Products and systems are then selected as part of the design.
Is an assessment needed if a lightning protection system already exists?
The existence of a system does not prove that it still suits the structure's present use and equipment layout. Review the design especially after changes to the facility.