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The destructive capacity

Today, lightning is still one of the natural phenomena that causes the greatest amount of material and personal damage, sometimes resulting in death. The destructive capacity of lightning is well known throughout the world, however, in many cases there is a lack of awareness and knowledge to reduce the risks.

Appropriate information, dissemination and training actions are of great social interest.

Dangerous in open spaces

Lightning is an atmospheric phenomenon that can strike us in any environment: at home, at work or outdoors. But storms are especially dangerous in open spaces, where we are more exposed. Moreover, a calm, sunny day can turn stormy in a short time.

It is therefore essential to be aware of the precautions to take in the event of lightning strikes when we are outdoors.

How lightning forms

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iRisk elements

The cloud-induced positive charge on objects on the earth’s surface is particularly evident on metallic objects, sharp-pointed items and well-grounded objects (e.g. trees). Therefore, these objects and items are more likely to become the point of lightning strike.

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01Origin of the lightning

Lightning is an electrical discharge that originates from the accumulation of electrical charges in thunderstorm clouds. In most cases, the lower part of the clouds is negatively charged, inducing a positive charge in the earth and the elements above it.

02Electric loads

When the electrical load in storm clouds is sufficiently high, the air changes from an almost perfect insulator to a conductive medium, through which the electrical load seeks the most direct path to earth.  An ionised channel is then generated in a plasma state through which the electrical load accumulated in the clouds will flow.

03Impact and dispersion

Once the lightning strikes the earth, the electric current is dispersed in the ground both at depth and at the surface. This current dissipation depends on the characteristics of the soil: its composition, its strata and its humidity. Due to these characteristics, voltage differences are generated in the ground which can be lethal.

Safety against lightning

Resources for individual protection

Everyone can reduce the risk of being struck by lightning through individual behavioural guidelines. This is what SALWO does by providing institutions with free digital resources to help educate people and save lives.

Protection solutions for the industry

To protect against lightning strikes, a whole range of professional technological solutions are available, ranging from storm detection to lightning rods of various types, surge protection devices and earthing systems. More information on the professional side of lightning protection can be found at the following link.

The joint commitment of the institutions and SALWO towards spreading individual safety rules avoids lethal accidents.