Page 418 - 35_DS702_E_2014_Lightning_Protection_Guide

About 1.5 million lightning incidents are registered in Germany to a lack or insufficient number of lightning-proof-shelters or
each year. Lightning is fascinating to watch, but also extremely their insufficient equipment, for example in the form of a rel-
dangerous. Annually, thunderstorms kill people and animals evant notice or a written agreement on limitation of liability,
and destroy material assets. Especially people exposed in the shall be excluded.” (translation of page 7 of the 6/2010 edi-
open such as golfers and hikers are at risk. Severe lightning tion of the German “Golfmanager” magazine, author: Daniel
injuries and fatalities are reported each year from all over the Witaschek)
world, especially on golf courses. For this reason, shelters are
vital to protect golfers from lightning interference. In the fol- Shelters
lowing, general instructions on lightning protection measures Shelters should not be installed at exposed locations (on hills,
for shelters will be provided. at the edge of a forest, underneath isolated trees) and near
Shelters, for example on golf courses, must not only protect hedges and branches within a radius of about 3 m.
golfers from storm and rain, but also from lightning interfer- Shelters are only lightning-proof if
ence. For this reason, there is no question that shelters must be ¨ They are equipped with an adequate lightning protection
equipped with a lightning protection system. Golf course op- system including potential control
erators have a high duty of care towards their members / golf- ¨ Conductive systems (e.g. electrical cables) are integrated in
ers. The liability of, for example golf course operators, is based the equipotential bonding system and
on their duty to implement safety precautions. “Golf course ¨ Suitable measures are taken to prevent touch voltages
operators have a duty towards each golf course user to avoid
all impending or existing hazards unless this is impossible or Lightning protection
unreasonable for the golf course operator. This duty includes Frequently, a lightning protection system is simply called a
both organisational and structural measures. The number, lightning rod. As shown in Figure 9.28.1, the lightning pro-
equipment, size and position of lightning-proof shelters heav- tection system of a shelter consists of a rooftop air-termination
ily depend on the size, location and design of the relevant golf system (air-termination conductor and / or rod), wall-mounted
course. Lightning-proof shelters must comply with the latest down conductor (down conductor wire) and earth-termination
applicable technical requirements. Limitation of liability due system (commonly an earth rod). The function of a lightning

air-termination system

down conductor
touch voltage

earth rod

voltage curve

step voltage

Figure 9.28.1 Risk due to touch and step voltage

www.dehn-international.com LIGHTNING PROTECTION GUIDE 417