Why lightning risk is higher than you think (and what to do about it!)
Lightning is often seen as a low-probability event – something that happens ‘elsewhere’ or too infrequently to justify action. But strikes occur more often than many organisations realise and they don’t just threaten tall or isolated structures. From data centres, hospitals and warehouses to schools, retail sites and offices, any building can be exposed. When lightning does strike, the consequences extend well beyond the […]
Safety spotlight: Small roof changes can introduce significant safety risk
Roof environments naturally evolve over a building’s lifespan. Equipment is upgraded, layouts shift and access patterns change – often gradually and without a formal reassessment of the original safety design. While these adjustments may appear minor in isolation, they can unintentionally alter risk profiles.
Exposing lightning safety myths: ‘I don’t need to worry about surge protection.’
When people think about lightning protection, they often picture air rods and conductors on the roof. Surge protection rarely gets the same attention. That’s a dangerous mistake.
Exposing lightning safety myths: ‘Lightning protection systems are outdated technology.’
Lightning protection may look traditional, but appearances can be deceiving. While some older systems are now outdated, many modern installations use advanced engineering, contemporary materials and up-to-date risk assessment standards. Understanding the difference is essential to ensuring buildings stay properly protected.
Exposing lightning safety myths: ‘There’s nothing you can do about lightning strikes.’
When it comes to lightning, many people assume the damage it causes is simply unavoidable. After all, we can’t stop lightning from striking – and that’s true. But here’s the dangerous misunderstanding: While we can’t prevent lightning strikes, we absolutely can prevent most of the damage they cause.
Exposing lightning safety myths: Lightning never strikes the same place twice
We’ve all heard the expression, ‘lightning never strikes the same place twice’, but what’s the truth behind this phrase?
Case study: Lightning protection and earthing systems for SeAH Wind Monopile Factory
Project overview Built between 2022 and 2025, SeAH Wind Monopile Factory marks a significant milestone, not only as the first major development on Teesworks, but also as a critical component in the UK’s ambitious plan to fully decarbonise electricity generation by 2035. Teesworks is one of Europe’s largest regeneration zones in northeast England. A monopile […]
Case study: Lightning protection for anaerobic digesters
Omega Red was contracted by a company that specialises in anaerobic biodigesters across the UK, to fit a lightning protection system at its anaerobic digestion facility.
Lightning | Are you truly protected?
After more than ten years, the British Standard (BS) for protection against the effects of lightning, BS EN 62305, has undergone a technical revision, becoming BS EN IEC 62305, which acknowledges the international standard upon which it is based.
Omega Red announces new partnership with OTTE Fassadenaufzuge
The UK market leader in height safety protection, earthing and lightning protection becomes an approved UK provider of OTTE’s façade access systems.