Why Every Facility Needs a Lightning Risk Assessment—Before the Storm Hits

Lightning doesnt strike oftenbut when it does, it can disrupt operations, damage equipment, or even compromise safety. Weve seen this firsthand at Skytree Scientific, where we've helped facilities recover from unexpected outages that could have been avoided with one simple step: a proper lightning risk assessment.

Whether you're running a manufacturing plant, a data center, or a commercial complex, ignoring lightning risk isnt just a gambleits a blind spot. And its one thats easy to fix, if addressed early.

Lets break down what lightning risk assessment really involves, why it matters, and what we've learned from years of real-world experience.

What Is a Lightning Risk Assessment?

In practical terms, it's an evaluation that looks at how vulnerable your building or facility is to lightningand what kind of damage a strike could cause.

The assessment examines:

• The size and location of the structure

• Local lightning activity (how often storms occur in your region)

• Whats inside the buildingpeople, electronics, sensitive equipment

• Existing infrastructure, including any installed protection

• Business impact: how much a disruption would cost in real terms

At Skytree Scientific, we use these details to generate a customized report that shows exactly where your risks are and what actions are worth taking. One of our clients, a mid-sized logistics company, assumed their metal structure provided enough grounding. A single summer storm proved otherwise. Equipment damage from an indirect strike set them back nearly a week in operations. After running the risk assessment, we helped them prioritize upgrades where they mattered mostand avoid unnecessary over-spending.

Where LRA Comes In

During any lightning risk assessment, we apply LRALightning Risk Analysisto quantify exposure based on international standards like IEC 62305 or NFPA 780. Its not about selling hardware. Its about defining your actual risk using real data.

In one recent case, we supported a pharmaceutical client who had already invested in a lightning protection system, but never performed a full analysis. Using LRA, we discovered that the protection coverage was incompleteseveral rooftop structures were left unbonded. A few minor adjustments later, the system became fully effective and compliant.

Thats the value of tying risk to actual numbers, rather than assumptions.

When to Schedule a Risk Assessment

In our experience, the ideal time for lightning risk assessment is:

• Before a new facility becomes operational

• When expanding or modifying buildings

• After a lightning-related incident

• As part of regular safety and compliance audits

We also recommend reassessments every 35 yearsor sooner if site conditions change.

Final Takeaway

Lightning risk is real, but manageableif you take the time to assess it properly. A well-executed lightning risk assessment gives you the clarity to act decisively, without overdesigning or underestimating.

At Skytree Scientific, we believe in practical solutions backed by accurate analysis. If your facility hasnt had a recent risk evaluationor if youre not confident in the protection currently in placewere here to help. Well walk through the data, explain what it means, and support you with next steps tailored to your operations.

Get ahead of the storm. A little insight today can prevent a major disruption tomorrow.