Product Overview

Summary: This Lightning Protection System Safe Operating Procedure sets out clear, practical steps for safely managing, inspecting and maintaining lightning protection systems across Australian workplaces. It helps duty holders control the life‑threatening risks of lightning strikes to people, structures and critical plant, while supporting compliance with Australian WHS and electrical safety requirements.

Lightning strikes pose a serious but often overlooked risk to Australian workplaces, particularly in regions with frequent storms and in industries operating large structures, open sites or critical electronic systems. This Lightning Protection System (LPS) Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end‑to‑end framework for planning, installing, inspecting, testing, maintaining and documenting lightning protection measures. It covers both the safety of people on site and the protection of buildings, plant, IT systems and essential services from direct strikes and induced surges.

The SOP translates complex technical and standards-based requirements into clear, step‑by‑step instructions that can be followed by site personnel, contractors and management alike. It helps businesses integrate lightning risk controls into their broader WHS, electrical safety and asset management programs, ensuring that responsibilities are defined, inspections are scheduled, defects are rectified and records are maintained. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce the likelihood of catastrophic incidents, costly downtime and regulatory scrutiny, while demonstrating due diligence under Australian WHS legislation.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, standards‑aligned approach to the design, inspection and maintenance of lightning protection systems across all sites.
• Reduce the risk of injury, fatality and property damage arising from lightning strikes and associated electrical surges.
• Demonstrate due diligence and WHS compliance through clear documentation, inspection records and corrective action tracking.
• Protect critical electrical, communications and control systems from lightning‑induced overvoltages and unplanned outages.
• Streamline coordination between WHS, facilities, electrical and contractor teams with clearly defined roles and procedures.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Electrical Engineers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Site Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Asset and Property Managers
• Mining and Resources HSE Advisors
• Utilities and Infrastructure Managers
• Risk and Compliance Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Direct lightning strikes to buildings, structures, masts and plant
• Electric shock and electrocution from lightning‑induced voltages
• Fire and explosion caused by lightning energy or arcing
• Damage to electrical and electronic equipment from transient overvoltages and surges
• Structural damage from thermal and mechanical effects of lightning
• Secondary hazards such as falling objects, structural collapse, or flying debris following a strike
• Uncontrolled access to rooftops, masts or exposed areas during electrical storms
• Working at heights and near conductive components during LPS inspection and maintenance

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose, Scope and Objectives
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (including LPS components and lightning terminology)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Legislative and Standards References
• 5.0 Lightning Risk Assessment and Site Classification
• 6.0 Design and Installation Interface (coordination with designers and contractors)
• 7.0 Pre‑Work Planning and Permits (including weather monitoring and access controls)
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Precautions
• 9.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure for Routine Inspection and Testing of LPS
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Procedure for Maintenance, Repairs and Modifications
• 11.0 Controls for Working at Heights and Roof Access during LPS Activities
• 12.0 Management of Electrical and Surge Protection Devices
• 13.0 Response to Lightning Events and Post‑Storm Inspections
• 14.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Controls and Hierarchy of Control
• 15.0 Documentation, Certification and Recordkeeping Requirements
• 16.0 Contractor Management and Verification of Competency
• 17.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 18.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Reporting Related to Lightning Strikes
• 19.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement of the LPS Program

Legislation & References

• AS/NZS 1768: Lightning protection
• AS/NZS 3000: Electrical installations (Australian/New Zealand Wiring Rules)
• AS/NZS 3008: Electrical installations – Selection of cables
• AS/NZS 3017: Electrical installations – Verification guidelines
• AS/NZS ISO 31000: Risk management – Guidelines
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and mirror state/territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (and state/territory equivalents), particularly provisions relating to electrical risks and plant
• Safe Work Australia – Managing electrical risks in the workplace Code of Practice
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the work environment and facilities Code of Practice