Quartzelec, a leading independent electrical engineering service provider, is increasingly being tasked by UK companies to undertake lightning protection surveys to ensure compliance with BS EN 62305:2011.
“Over the past 12 months we’ve seen a massive leap in demand for our assessments and surveys, which help clients better understand and then fully comply with, the British Standard for Lightning Protection: BS EN 62305:2011,” explained Peter Brookman, Quartzelec’s Principal Engineer: HV Earthing and Lightning Protection Systems. “Quartzelec provides qualified and compliant surveys as well as proposing detailed recommendationquased on the risk assessments delivered. This puts us in a unique and independent position, bridging the gap between the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and clients.”
Most recently, Quartzelec has delivered a Lightning Protection survey for a leading, Northern-based, plastics manufacturer, a top tier COMAH (Control of Major Accident Hazards) site. All site buildings and structures were surveyed in line with the standards and detailed risk assessments to assess the potential level of ‘risk of loss of human life’. A detailed report, with all findings and recommendations to attain full compliance with BS EN 62305 was submitted. A follow-up visit was later scheduled to review progress in line with recommendations to attain standard and an update was provided to the HSE.
Peter continued: “There are many companies that utilise and store dangerous substances on-site. They are required to obtain and update their COMAH registration to comply with numerous BS EN and ISO standards and come from the chemical, manufacturing, defence and energy sectors. A compliance survey from Quartzelec can help to cost effectively understand and then meet the regulations.”
With many years’ experience, particularly in the areas of HV substation assessment, switchgear partial discharge and overhead lines, Peter is also a member of GEL81, the committee responsible for BS EN 62305. He has developed and delivered numerous training courses targeted specifically to the electrical engineer including the Ministry of Defence and the Health and Safety Executive.