Industrial risks

Lightning studies

SME Environment has built up recognized expertise in preventing lightning risks, as well as drawing up the regulatory application mandated by the decree of January 15, 2008: Lightning Risk Analysis and Technical Study, defining prevention measures and devices. SME Environnement is an organization recognised as competent by the order dated 15 January 2008 as a qualified company according to INERIS's QUALIFOUDRE reference system.

The Lightning Risk Analysis is an integral part of the hazards study, and is largely based on the risk analysis in this study. It includes:

    • Identifying the source of damage (direct and indirect impact) and types of damage
       (physical, network failure, etc.).
    • Listing the current, approved methods for lightning prevention and protection.
    • Identifying the prevention and protection devices required by building, system
      or function, and assessing the level of protection needed.
    • Identifying any specific operating procedures that may be needed to control
      lightning-related risks.

The technical study comprises four sections:

    • Protection against direct effects of lightning. For each installation where the risk
      analysis has identified a need for protection, the technical study indicates the type
      (shielded cage, etc.), characteristics and positioning of the protection system in
      compliance with NF EN 61305-3.
    • Protection against indirect effects of lightning. Depending on the level of protection set
      by the risk analysis, and characteristics of the lines to be protected, the technical
      study specifies the type, characteristics and location of lightning rods to be installed,
      as well as any additional protection required (shielding, cable routing, etc.).
    • Definition of additional resources (storm warning, etc.).
    • Writing the maintenance manual and verification sheet.

SME Environnement, with a strong industrial culture, has acquired recognized expertise in the field of protecting of complex industrial facilities from the effects of lightning. Our strong points are:

• long experience in lightning protection of buildings with an explosion hazard, containing pyrotechnic or highly inflammable substances,

• an in-depth knowledge of safety assessments, as an organization recognised as an independant expert in this field, allowing us to optimally use the results of such assessments to adapt lightning protection to hazardous facilities,

• our active participation in the interprofessional "Lightning studies" commission recognized on the nationnal level.

In order to respect regulatory requirements for a "competent organization", in 2008 SME Environnement obtained the "Qualifoudre" qualification issued by INERIS for "assessment" activity and level C (complex facilities).


Qualifoudre certificate No.: 082397906044
Complex level (C) assessment missions (ARF and ETF)