Lightning is a dangerous weather phenomenon that can strike at any moment during a thunderstorm, posing a significant threat to mine sites and workers. We caught up with Justin Harris, General Manager from Power Protections Industries who shared some advice on how important it is for mines to be proactive about managing the risks of lightning strikes.
Justin and his team have nearly three decades of experience in the field, working with mines all across Australia and the Pacific Islands to perform lightning and surge protection audits and earthing audits, as well as providing designs and product training to protect both assets and personnel.
The Australian mining industry is unique in that it is the only industry to be singled out with its own appendix in the Australian Standard AS1768:2021 Lightning Protection. Appendix M – Lightning Risk in Mines is a guidance on the risks and the obligations of mining companies to mitigate them.
In 2021 the standard was revised and updated to reflect the latest approaches to lightning protection and safety. It has recommendations such as improving communication regarding personal safety, the application of lightning detection and warning systems, Lightning Management Plans (LMP), and updating protections to prevent building fires and equipment damage caused by direct strikes. However, Justin explained that it’s really comes down to each individual mine to act on the recommendations.
“Depending on the area, a mine may average a direct strike every 1 to 2 years. While strikes can occur at any time of the year, most strikes occur during September and March,” Justin said.
“As we have entered this period, I urge mines to review their severe weather or lightning TARPS and make sure they have the most up to date safe procedures and systems in place to mitigate the risks associated with lightning.”
Justin said when evaluating existing lightning protection measures in place there’s lots to consider such as existing lightning protection, earthing systems, surge protection devices and other critical components.
“Every site is different, requiring specific protection levels and applications. An audit will identify potential vulnerabilities and recommend necessary improvements to enhance the overall lightning protection system, safeguarding not only infrastructure but also people.”
It’s been common practice for mines to cease operations when lightning is a specific distance away, though again, each mine has a different plan in place. Justin shared how they’ve seen a growing interest in recent years from mines wanting to continue operations during lightning storms.
“Lightning majorly impacts productivity and false alarms can cause unnecessary shutdowns. Being able to mitigate the risks and keep mines operating is now something that more and more mines are considering,” he said.
“While we can’t stop lightning, we can safeguard against it. When you consider the costs of introducing or improving your systems against the risk to not only assets but to people, it’s a small price to pay.”
