METHOD STATEMENT FOR

TEST AND INSPECTION OF AN EXISTING

LIGHTNING PROTECTION/EARTHING SYSTEM
1.

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this document is to provide a realistic profile to the methods and
precautions needed for the test and inspection of existing Lightning Protection
Systems.
2.

PRE-TEST ACTIVITIES

Report your presence on site to the clients representative. Ensure area of work is
cleared from debris (as practical as possible).
3.

FIRST AID/SITE FACILITIES

A high level of regard for safety will be employed at all levels and will follow the
Omega Red Group Limited company safety policy (copy available upon request).

4.

PLANT AND TOOLS

Plant and machinery provided or hired will be appropriate for its intended use and
purposes. Check all plant and machinery before use. Ensure plant and machinery
is in good condition and serviced regularly.

5.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT NEEDED

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.

6.

Safety helmets
Goggles (if necessary)
2 part ladder (3 ft long)
Reflective vest
Safety harnesses
Fall arrester
Rubber kneeling mat / Knee Pads
Safety footwear
Oil resistant gloves
Any other equipment specifically needed for any particular
operation.

SAFE METHOD OF WORKING

Omega Red Group Limited insists that its employees perform any on site operation
using the Construction Industry Safety Handbook, The Working at Heights
Regulations 2005, and our own Safety Policy.
7.

TEST ENGINEERS

All of our Test Engineers have undertaken/undertaking training in Flat Roof

Access and Special Flat Roof Access.
All Test Engineers have undertaken/undertaking training in The Assessment for
Designing Lightning Protection Systems In Accordance With BS6651:1999 (Excluding
Appendix C).
All Test Engineers carry CSCS cards to a minimum Construction Site Operative
level.
8.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK
a) Visual inspection to determine the mechanical condition of all exposed
conductors, bonds, joints and earth electrodes including reference
electrodes, noting any inability to inspect for reasons such as buried
equipment, equipment hidden in building fabric etc.
Visual inspection to determine whether any newly installed plant has been
correctly bonded into the Lightning Protection System. We do not include
for any laddered or specialist access for inspection. All inspections will be

made from either ground level or by access to roof areas from a proprietary
hatch or the like.
b) Measure the resistance to earth of each individual, or group of, electrodes
providing test facilities are available. Where structures have utilised the
pile foundations, tests will be made to the whole System or via any
reference electrode provided.
c) Submit a Certificate of Inspection, Outline building/system layout sketch
drawing (A4) and Quotation for Repair Works (if needed). Should further
copies of this information e be required they can be supplied at a cost of
25 per building.
For buildings previously tested by our company we would not normally provide a
new sketch drawing annually unless material changes in the system had taken
place.
Provide a Quotation to carry out any necessary repair works to the existing System.
We will also identify whether or not the existing system complies with the current
edition of BS 6651.

It is recommended in BS 6651:1999 that Tests should be repeated at

fixed intervals, preferably not exceeding 12 months. NOTE: It is
advantageous to choose a period slightly shorter than 12 months in order
to vary the season in which tests are made.
9.

HAZARDS

See Omega Red Group Ltd Work Safety Plan (Incorporating Risk Assessment).
10.

TEST INSTRUMENT

The meter used is the C.A 6423 (or similar). The test frequency is 128HZ and the
maximum test voltage is 50v; with a short circuit maximum current of 10mA.
The Unit is powered by 8 no. Alkaline R6 Batteries. The instrument complies with
performance specifications of BS7430, (codes of practice for Earthing). BS7671
(IEE Wiring Regulations).
The unit is suitable for most applications.

11.

HAZARDOUS AREAS

The above unit may not be suitable for some Hazardous Areas. Please provide
information regarding any Health and Safety issues/restrictions which may
effect/impact on our works.

Method Statement 4 10.5.2005