“Lightning safety and lightning protection is a topic that is often misunderstood, with inappropriate management, strategies, techniques and methodologies being applied as a result. The consequential effects can be severe, both in terms of direct effects and injuries, and in respect of indirect and consequential impacts (including on lost production and other effects).”

“The appropriate application of effective lightning safety and lightning protection strategies and solutions for infrastructure, industry and other sectors is therefore of critical importance”. This was noted by Ian McKechnie, MD of specialist consultants and forensic engineers INNOPRO. With this in mind, speciality leaders INNOPRO are presenting their updated one-day industry-briefing seminar on “Best Practices in Lightning Safety and Lightning Protection of Structures and Systems” in Centurion and Durban in October 2014.Seminars will be held in Centurion (Gauteng) on 2 October 2014 and in Durban on 30 October 2014.

The seminars will be presented by Ian Jandrell and Ian McKechnie, both directors of Innopro. Ian Jandrell is also a Personal Professor, CBI-electric Professor of Lightning, and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, at the University of the Witwatersrand. Ian McKechnie is also an Honorary Research Fellow in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand.

These seminars are validated for Continuing Professional Development with the Engineering Council of South Africa by the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers and attendees will earn one credit in the compulsory Category 1. McKechnie noted that the briefing seminars are aimed at industry practitioners at all levels and will be beneficial to persons involved in the design/engineering, management, operation, insurance, risk assessment and/or maintenance of infrastructure and systems that can be affected or influenced by lightning and related electromagnetic interference. He added that health and safety practitioners and other persons responsible for safety at facilities and activities will also find the seminar beneficial. 

He noted that limited space was available at the seminars and that pre-booking was essential. Interested persons should contact Innopro at 012-6634804, or by email at learning@gafrica.com as soon as possible to obtain a registration form and to secure their place. Further information and registration forms are also available on the Innopro website at www.innopro.co.za