Lightning Protection System Certification / Re-Certification

Are you at risk?

As managers and owners of structures designed to house or accommodate people, and/or things of a sensitive nature (technology, critical infrastructure etc), a ‘duty of care’ for the safety and wellbeing of the building’s, structure, tenants and contents is paramount. Similarly, sudden damage or destruction of the devices and systems that enable the maintenance of this ‘duty of care’ can deliver a sharp and devastating blow to business continuity, customer satisfaction, and business reputation.

Do you know if your system is certifiable under the Australian Standard for Lightning Protection (AS1768)?

Does your building/structure have a lightning protection system on it? How do you know?

If you do have a system in place, can you be sure it meets the requirements of the Australian Standard?

Are your risks Managed?

If your system is not up to standard, and you sustain some damage, or worse, a tenant/guest is injured or killed, can you still demonstrate a duty of care, as is your obligation under Health and Safety Legislation?

QPP have the Lightning Protection expertise you may need. We have designed installed, and certified systems large and small all over Queensland and NSW.

It is recommended under the Australian Standard for Lightning Protection (AS1768) that inspections and testing is performed on a regular basis to ensure the system remains functional and effective. 

It’s not uncommon for us to find during inspections that system integrity has been compromised by other trades cutting or removing conductors (they don’t know what they are and what they are there for), build-up of corrosion or lose - broken connections impacting continuity and integrity, new structures being installed that may alter the effectiveness of the existing system …. etc, we have found this to be the case on many types of structures, large and small, old and new.

It’s purely a maintenance / risk management decision for which there will be no implications unless the risk of a direct strike is realised: for example; an insurance claim for damage, injury, or death following a lightning strike on a building with a system that is impaired and not maintained may present a problem. In the case of a serious injury or death, if a duty of care can not be demonstrated, there will likely be serious legal implications for owners and managers.

System Certification / Re-Certification consists of the following:

• Examine and test aerial termination (where possible)
• Examine down conductor/s (where possible)
• Examine and test Earth system (where possible)
• Inspect system event counter (where installed) and log results
• Make recommendations regarding state of repair of the system
• Inspect any surge protection installed
• Complete any minor repairs or adjustments to the system
• Make recommendations regarding state of repair of the system. Issue test reports
• Certify/Re-certify the LP System

Upon a successful completion, you will receive a  Certificate stating that your building’s lightning protection system complies with AS 1768:2021, for Early Stream Emission (ESE) Systems, a Certificate stating that your system meets the design intent of the manufacturer and that earth test conform to the requirements of AS1768.

Additional Offerings

• document your system by preparing an ‘AS Built’ drawing; or should one already exist, update it with alterations/additions made to attain AS1768 certification.
• perform and document continuity testing of all down conductors, and rooftop penetrations.

Should you wish to enquire about Certifying your system, or just want to have a chat about the Lightning Protection System on your building, click below.

Why Does a Lightning Protection System Need Re-Certification?

A lightning protection system is installed to provide a controlled path for lightning current and help protect a structure from the effects of a direct lightning strike. However, the condition of that system can change over time.

Weather exposure, corrosion, building alterations, roofing works, installation of new equipment and damage to conductors or connections can all affect the integrity of an existing lightning protection system.

Lightning protection re-certification provides an opportunity to inspect and test the system, identify deterioration or alterations and determine whether remedial work is required.

This is particularly important for commercial, industrial and critical infrastructure where building owners and facility managers need to understand the condition of their lightning protection system rather than simply assume that an older installation remains effective.

Lightning Protection Inspection & Testing

Lightning protection certification and re-certification involves more than a visual inspection of the equipment visible on the roof.

The lightning protection system operates as a complete path from the strike interception system through the down conductors and into the earthing system. The integrity and continuity of this path are therefore important considerations when assessing an existing installation.

During a lightning protection inspection, QPP may assess components including the:

• Air terminals and strike interception components
• Roof-level lightning protection conductors
• Down conductors
• Connections and bonding
• Earthing system
• Earth connections and test points
• Lightning event counters where installed
• Associated surge protection where applicable
• Changes to the building that may affect the existing system

The exact inspection and testing requirements will depend on the type of lightning protection system, the building, accessibility and the condition of the existing installation.

Common Problems Found During Lightning Protection Inspections

A lightning protection system may have been correctly installed when a building was constructed but subsequently be affected by building works, environmental exposure or changes to the structure.

Some of the issues QPP may identify during inspection and testing include:

• Corroded lightning protection components
• Loose, damaged or disconnected conductors
• Broken connections affecting electrical continuity
• Conductors removed or altered during other building works
• Changes to roof structures
• New rooftop plant and equipment
• New solar installations
• Alterations to the building that affect the original lightning protection design
• Damage to the earthing system
• Incomplete or outdated system documentation

Identifying these issues through inspection and testing allows building owners and facility managers to make informed decisions about maintenance and rectification before the system is re-certified.

What Happens if a Lightning Protection System Does Not Pass Inspection?

If QPP identifies faults, deterioration or alterations that prevent an existing lightning protection system from being certified, this does not necessarily mean the entire system needs to be replaced.

The inspection can identify the areas requiring attention and QPP can provide recommendations for repairs, alterations or upgrades where required.

Depending on the condition of the system, this may involve repairing connections, replacing damaged or corroded components, restoring continuity, modifying parts of the system affected by building alterations or addressing issues with the earthing system.

Once the required rectification work has been completed, the affected components can be tested again as part of the certification or re-certification process.

Building Alterations Can Affect Lightning Protection

Changes to a building can affect a lightning protection system even when the lightning protection equipment itself has not deliberately been altered.

Roof replacements, extensions, new structures, air-conditioning equipment, communications equipment, solar panels and other rooftop installations can change the physical environment that the original lightning protection system was designed to protect.

Other trades working on a building may also move, disconnect or remove lightning protection conductors without understanding their purpose.

For this reason, it can be worthwhile having the lightning protection system inspected following significant building or rooftop works.

Lightning Protection Certification & AS 1768:2021

AS 1768:2021 is the Australian Standard relating to lightning protection and provides guidance covering the assessment of lightning risk and the protection of structures and systems from lightning.

QPP can inspect and test existing lightning protection systems and assess their condition against the requirements applicable to the installation.

Where the system successfully completes the certification process, QPP can provide the appropriate certification and test documentation for the lightning protection system.

For Early Streamer Emission (ESE) systems, QPP can assess the installation against the design intent of the manufacturer and undertake the applicable earth testing as part of the certification process.

Lightning Protection Re-Certification for Commercial & Industrial Buildings

QPP provides lightning protection certification and re-certification for a wide range of commercial, industrial and infrastructure facilities.

These can include:

• Commercial buildings
• Industrial facilities
• Apartment and multi-residential buildings
• Hotels and resorts
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Government facilities
• Education facilities
• Mining and resources sites
• Warehouses and distribution facilities
• Data and communications facilities
• Water and wastewater infrastructure
• Other critical infrastructure

For organisations responsible for multiple properties or infrastructure sites, QPP can also assist with planning inspection and re-certification requirements across a broader asset portfolio.

Lightning Protection Re-Certification in Brisbane & Queensland

QPP provides lightning protection inspection, testing, certification and re-certification services throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and regional Queensland, as well as for projects elsewhere in Australia.

Our experience with lightning protection systems, earthing and surge protection allows the individual components of a building’s protection system to be considered as part of the broader electrical protection strategy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lightning Protection Re-Certification

What is lightning protection re-certification?

Lightning protection re-certification involves inspecting and testing an existing lightning protection system to assess its condition, identify faults or deterioration and determine whether the system can be certified against the applicable requirements.

Why does an existing lightning protection system need to be inspected?

Lightning protection systems can deteriorate or be altered over time. Corrosion, damaged connections, roofing works, new rooftop equipment and other building alterations can affect the integrity of the original system.

How often should a lightning protection system be inspected?

AS 1768 recommends that lightning protection systems are inspected and tested regularly. The appropriate inspection frequency can depend on the building, environment, system and applicable requirements. Additional inspection may also be appropriate following significant alterations or work affecting the building or lightning protection system.

What happens if my lightning protection system cannot be re-certified?

QPP can identify the faults or areas requiring attention and recommend appropriate rectification. Once the necessary work has been completed, the affected system components can be retested as part of the certification process.

Can building or roofing work affect lightning protection certification?

Yes. Roofing work, extensions, solar panels, air-conditioning equipment, communications equipment and other alterations can potentially affect an existing lightning protection system. An inspection can determine whether changes have affected the integrity or effectiveness of the system.

Do you test the earthing system during lightning protection certification?

Where accessible and applicable, QPP examines and tests the earth system as part of the lightning protection certification and re-certification process.

What documentation do I receive after successful certification?

Following successful completion, QPP can issue the applicable certificate and test documentation. Additional services can include preparation or updating of ‘As Built’ drawings and documented continuity testing where required.

Does QPP provide lightning protection re-certification in Brisbane and Queensland?

Yes. QPP provides lightning protection inspection, testing, certification and re-certification throughout Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast and regional Queensland, as well as for projects elsewhere in Australia.

Arrange a Lightning Protection Inspection

If you are unsure when your lightning protection system was last inspected, have recently completed building or roofing works, or need an existing system certified or re-certified, QPP can inspect the installation and advise on the appropriate next steps.

Contact QPP to discuss lightning protection certification, re-certification, inspection or testing for your building or facility.