OISD GDN 180 - Draft

Page No.
OISD - GDN - 180
JULY, 1999
Draft - II
FOR RESTRICTED
CIRCULATION
LIGHTNING PROTECTION
Prepared by:
COMMITTEE ON LIGHTNING PROTECTION
Oil Industry Safety Directorate

Government of India
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
8th Floor, OIDB Bhavan, Plot No. 2, Sector – 73, Noida – 201301 (U.P.)
Website: www.oisd.gov.in
Tele: 0120-2593800, Fax: 0120-2593802
Page No. II
PREAMBLE
Indian petroleum industry is the energy lifeline of the nation and its continuous
performance is essential for sovereignty and prosperity of the country. As the industry
essentially deals with inherently inflammable substances throughout its value chain –
upstream, midstream and downstream – Safety is of paramount importance to this industry
as only safe performance at all times can ensure optimum ROI of these national assets and
resources including sustainability.
While statutory organizations were in place all along to oversee safety aspects of Indian
petroleum industry, Oil Industry Safety Directorate (OISD) was set up in 1986 by
Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Government of India as a knowledge centre for
formulation of constantly updated world-scale standards for design, layout and operation of
various equipment, facility and activities involved in this industry. Moreover, OISD was
also given responsibility of monitoring implementation status of these standards through
safety audits.
In more than three decades of its existence, OISD has developed a rigorous, multi-layer,
iterative and participative process of development of standards – starting with research by
in-house experts and iterating through seeking & validating inputs from all stake-holders –
operators, designers, national level knowledge authorities and public at large – with a
feedback loop of constant updation based on ground level experience obtained through
audits, incident analysis and environment scanning.
The participative process followed in standard formulation has resulted in excellent

level of compliance by the industry culminating in a safer environment in the industry.
OISD – except in the Upstream Petroleum Sector – is still a regulatory (and not a statutory)
body but that has not affected implementation of the OISD standards. It also goes to
prove the old adage that self- regulation is the best regulation. The quality and relevance
of OISD standards had been further endorsed by their adoption in various statutory rules of
the land.
Petroleum industry in India is significantly globalized at present in terms of technology

content requiring its operation to keep pace with the relevant world scale standards &
practices. This matches the OISD philosophy of continuous improvement keeping pace
with the global developments in its target environment. To this end, OISD keeps track
of changes through participation as member in large number of International and national
level Knowledge Organizations – both in the field of standard development and
implementation & monitoring in addition to updation of internal knowledge base through
continuous research and application surveillance, thereby ensuring that this OISD
Standard, along with all other extant ones, remains relevant, updated and effective on a real
time basis in the applicable areas.
Together we strive to achieve NIL incidents in the entire Hydrocarbon Value Chain. This,
besides other issues, calls for total engagement from all levels of the stake holder
organizations, which we, at OISD, fervently look forward to.
Jai Hind!!!
Executive Director
Oil Industry Safety Directorate
Page No. I
FOREWORD
The Oil Industry in India is nearly 100 years old. Due to various collaboration
agreements a variety of international codes, standards and practices are in
vogue. Standardisation in design philosophies, operating and maintenance
practices at a national level was hardly in existence. This lack of uniformity
coupled with feedback from some serious accidents that occurred in the recent
past in India and abroad, emphasised the need for the industry to review the
existing state of art in designing, operating and maintaining oil and gas
installations.
With this in view, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas in 1986
constituted a Safety Council assisted by the Oil Industry Safety Directorate
(OISD) staffed from within the industry in formulating and implementing a
series of self-regulatory measures aimed at removing obsolescence,
standardising and upgrading the existing standards to ensure safer operations.
Accordingly OISD constituted a number of functional committees comprising of
experts nominated from the industry to draw up standards and guidelines on
various subjects.
The present document on “Lightning Protection” was prepared by the

Functional Committee on “Lightning Protection”. This document is based on
the accumulated knowledge and experience of industry members and the
various national and international codes and practices.
It is hoped that provisions of this document if implemented objectively, may go

a long way to improve the safety to reduce accidents in Oil and Gas Industry.
Users are cautioned that no document can be substitute for the judgment of
responsible and experienced engineer.
Suggestions are invited from the users after it is put into practice to improve
the document further. Suggestions for amendments, if any, to this standard
should be addressed to:
The Co-ordinator
Committee on “Lightning Protection”
OIL INDUSTRY SAFETY DIRECTORATE
8th Floor, OIDB Bhavan, Plot No. 2, Sector – 73, Noida – 201301 (U.P.)
This document in no way supersedes the statutory regulations of Chief

Controller of Explosives (CCE), Factory Inspectorate or any other statutory
body, which must be followed as applicable.
Page No. II
NOTE
OISD (Oil Industry Safety Directorate) publications are prepared for use in the
Oil and Gas Industry under Ministry of Petroleum & natural Gas. These are the
property of Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and shall not be reproduced or
copied and loaned or exhibited to others without written consent from OISD.
Though every effort has been made to assure the accuracy and reliability of
the data contained in these documents. OISD hereby expressly disclaims any
liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting from their use.
These documents are intended to supplement rather than replace the

prevailing statutory requirements.
This document supersedes the lightning protection provisions stipulated in

other OISD standards in case of conflict/ contradiction.
Page No. III
COMMITTEE
ON
“LIGHTNING PROTECTION”
LIST OF MEMBERS
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sl.No. Name Organisation Position in
the Committee
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S/Shri
01. V.P. Sharma Engineers India Limited Leader
02. A.K. Roy Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Member

(Refineries Division)
03. S.C. Tyagi Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., Member
04. H. Prusty Gas Authority of India Ltd., Member
05. P.Kamalasekharan Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Member

(Marketing Division)
06. R. Raghupathy Engineers India Limited Member
07. P.N. Deka Bongaigaon Refinery &

Petrochemicals Limited Member
08. J.K. Jha Oil Industry Safety Directorate Member Co-ordinator.
In addition to the above, various other experts in the industry contributed in the preparation,
review, and finalisation of this document.
Page No. IV
COMMITTEE
ON
“LIGHTNING PROTECTION”
LIST OF MEMBERS
(2017)
S. Name Organisation Position in the

No. Committee
1 Shri Mahesh Kotasthane RIL Leader

2 Ms. Meenaxee P Medhi GAIL Member
3 Shri Jayanta Bordoloi OIL Member
4 Shri Atul Koranne ESSAR Member
5 Ms Rashmi Singh EIL Member
6 Shri G S Siva Kumar BPCL Member
7 Shri M Punnia Murthy HPCL Member
8 Shri GL Naidu HPCL Member
9 Shri A Ramachandran CAIRN Member
10 Shri P R Das IOCL Member
11 Shri Mukul Singh IOCL Member
12 Shri Ramesh Kumar Roy IOCL Member
13 Shri MS Parvej IOCL Member
14 Shri Amit Kumar ONGC Member
15 Shri TK Nagaraja Rao MRPL Member
16 Shri M. Vamshi Krishna OISD Member
17 Shri Parmod kumar OISD Member Co-ordinator
In addition to the above, various other experts in the industry contributed in the preparation, review,
and finalisation of this document.
Page No. V
CONTENTS
SL. NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE NO.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 SCOPE 1
3.0 DEFINITIONS 1
4.0 LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM 3
5.0 PROTECTION OF PLANT BUILDING AND 8

STRUCTURES
6.0 CONTROL OF FUGITIVE EMISSIONS 15
7.0 PROTECTION OF STORAGE TANKS 16
8.0 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF LPS 19
9.0 REFERENCES 21
10.0 APPENDIX- I 22
LIGHTNING PHENOMENON
APPENDIX- II 25
LIGHTNING PROTECTION CONCEPTS OF
STORAGE TANKS AND VESSELS
APPENDIX- III 30
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OISD – GDN – 180 Page No. 1
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Lightning Protection is becoming a necessity, especially for hydrocarbon industry, across

the world. Lightning-related petroleum storage tanks fires are not uncommon. Lightning
strikes are characterized by very high stroke currents arriving in a very brief amount of time
causing enormous loss to life and property. The purpose of this guideline is to provide
safeguard to plant structure, storage tanks, columns etc. in oil & gas industry against
hazards arising from exposure to lightning.
2.0 SCOPE
This document covers the lightning protection systems requirements for the following in Oil
and Gas industry with special references to safety aspects:
 Human life
 Plant buildings and structures
 Chimneys and other heavy duty stacks
 Storage tanks / structures used in Oil/Gas installation containing flammable

vapor/gases or flammable liquids that give off flammable vapours
This standard, however, does not include guidelines for protection of electric equipment
within or on structures against lightning.
3.0 DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this standard, the following definitions shall apply.
i) Air Terminal
An air terminal is that component of a lightning protection system that is intended to

intercept lightning flashes.
ii) Bonding
An electrical connection between an electrically conductive object and a component of a

lightning protection system that is intended to significantly reduce potential differences
created by lightning current.
iii) Down Conductors
The conductors which connects air terminals to earth terminations are called Down
Conductors
iv) Earth Terminations
Earthing conductors embedded in the soil and designed for the Safe discharge of lightning
currents into the soil are called Earth Terminations
v) Flame Protection
Self-closing gauge hatches, vapour seals, pressure vacuum breather valves, flame
“OISD hereby expressly disclaims any liability or responsibility for loss or damage resulting
from the use of OISD Standards/Guidelines.”
arrestors or other reasonably effective means to minimise the possibility of flame entering
the vapour space of a tank.
vi) Grounded Terminal:
The portion of a lightning protection system such as ground rod, ground plate, or ground
conductor that is installed for the purpose of providing electrical contact with the earth.
vii) Grounded:
A structure is supposed to be adequately grounded if it is connected to earth or to some

conducting body that is connected to earth.
viii) Hazardous Area
In accordance with the Petroleum Rules, an area shall be deemed to be a hazardous area,
where:
a) Petroleum having flash point below 65o C or any flammable gas or vapour in a
concentration capable of ignition is likely to be present.
o
b) Petroleum or any flammable liquid having flash point above 65 C is likely to be
refined, blended, handled or stored at or above its flash point .
For details, refer OISD Standard 113 on Electrical Area Classification.
ix) Shall
“Shall” indicates a mandatory requirement.
x) Should
“Should” indicates a requirement which is recommendatory in nature.
xi) Side Flash:
An electric spark, caused by differences of potential, occurring between conductive metal

bodies or between such metal bodies and a component of the lightning protection system
or ground.
xii) Spark Gap:
As used in this code, the term spark gap means any short air space between two
conductors electrically insulated from or remotely electrically connected to each other.
xiii) Striking Distance:
The distance over which the final breakdown of the initial stroke occurs.
xiv) Surge Arrestor:
A protective device for limiting surge voltages by discharging or bypassing surge current. It
also prevents continued flow of follow current while remaining capable of repeating these
functions.
xv) Vapour Openings:
Openings through a tank shell or roof above the surface of the stored hydrocarbon. Such
openings may be provided for tank breathing, tank gauging, fire fighting, or other operating
purpose.
xvi) Zone of Protection:
Zone of Protection is the space around a lightning conductor in which the probability of
lightning stroke is small.
xvii) Bypass conductor
A conductive cable that provides a direct electrical connection between the tank shell and
the tank floating roof.
xviii) Surge Protective Device (SPD)
Device intended to limit transient over voltages and divert surge currents; contains at least
one non-linear component
xix) Lightning electromagnetic impulse (LEMP)
All electromagnetic effects of lightning current via resistive, inductive and capacitive
coupling that create surges and radiated electromagnetic fields
xx) Surge Protection Measure (SPM)
Measures taken to protect internal systems against the effects of LEMP
xxi) Lightning protection system (LPS)
Complete system used to reduce physical damage due to lightning flashes to a structure
xxii) Lightning protection zone (LPZ)
Zone where the lightning electromagnetic environment is defined
xiii) Lightning protection level (LPL)
Number related to a set of lightning current parameters values relevant to the probability
that the associated maximum and minimum design values will not be exceeded in naturally
occurring lightning
4.0 LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM
4.1 Need for Protection
4.1.1 The necessity of providing lightning protection for structures located in non-hazardous areas
shall be assessed by calculating overall risk factor. However, for hazardous areas lightning
protection is essential considering the serious consequences of fire/damage due to lightning
strokes and shall be provided irrespective of the value of risk factor. As mentioned in IS/IEC
62305-2, at least class II LPS should be adopted for the structure with a risk of explosion,
though exception may be allowed when technically justified. Further, lightning protection level
III may be adopted where the infrequency of lightning activity and/ or the insensitivity of the
contents of the structure warrants it. Lightning protection shall be provided, as applicable, in
line with the guidelines given in the subsequent sections of this Guideline. IS/IEC 62305-1
should be referred for general principles of LPS.
4.1.2 IS/ IEC 62305-2 should be referred to calculate the overall risk factor for assessing the
requirement of lightning protection
Values of tolerable risk RT, where lightning flashes involve loss of human life or loss of social
or cultural values, are given below:
Type of Loss RƬ
-5
L1 Loss of human life or permanent injuries 10
-3
L2 Loss of service to the public 10
L3 Loss of cultural heritage 10-4
If R ≤ RT, lightning protection is not necessary.
If R > RT, protection measures shall be adopted in order to reduce R ≤ RT for all risks to
which the structure is subjected.
4.2 Zone of Protection
Lightning protection system shall be designed to protect the structures. The path between air
termination and earth shall be such that the lightning current is discharged to earth without
passing through non-conducting parts of the building and also without causing fire, flashover
and dangerous potential difference in and around the structure.
Providing the required protection along building, around the perimeter of flat or sloping roofs,
protecting vents, chimneys etc. will place these main roof areas under a protective zone of
the strike termination devices. The protected zone extends from these main protected roof
levels and can cover horizontal projections from lower walls and lower roof areas. Fig. 1
below depicts the geometric method for structure of selected heights up to 30 m. Based on
the air terminal on a fully protected roof level of 7.5m, 15m, 22.5 m or 30m, references of the
appropriate curve shows the anticipated zone of protection of a higher roof (horizontal
distance) on the lower elevation.
Fig. 1
Rolling sphere concept is generally followed to determine the zone of protection of lightning
conductor. In this concept, the zone of protection includes the space not intruded by a rolling
sphere having radius equal to the striking distance when tangent to earth and resting against
a lightning protection air termination, all space between the two points of contact and under
the sphere are in the zone of protection. A zone of protection is also formed when such a
sphere is resting on two or more air terminals and includes the space under the sphere
between those terminals. Fig. 2 provides a graphic representation of rolling sphere concepts
of zone of protection.
Class of LPS Rolling Sphere radius

(m)
I 20
II 30
III 45
IV 60
Fig. 2 : Rolling Sphere Concept
Striking distance of 30 Meters may be considered for the protection of structures containing
flammable materials and striking distance of 60 meters may be considered for other
structures.
Zone of protection for a single mast using 30 meters striking distance is shown in Fig.3 and
that for Overhead Ground Wire (Suspended Air Terminals) is shown in Fig 4.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
4.3 Lightning Protection Zone (LPZ)
As a general rule for protection, the structure to be protected shall be in an LPZ whose
electromagnetic characteristics are compatible with the capability of the structure to withstand
stress causing the damage to be reduced (physical damage, failure of electrical and
electronic systems due to over voltages).
4.4 Non-Isolated and Isolated LPS
„Non-isolated' lightning protection system (LPS) is conductor arrangements attached directly

to the structure or asset being protected with little or no separation. Whereas, the „Isolated‟
LPS design pro-actively goes out of its way to maintain geometric and/or electrical
separation. This can be achieved with free-standing masts (or poles) which stand someway
off the item being covered.
In most cases, Non-isolated LPS are provided for the structure to be protected.
4.5 Lightning Protection Level (LPL) and Class of Lightning Protection System (LPS)
Four protection levels have been defined and shown in table below. Each level has a fixed
set of maximum and minimum lightning currents parameters.
Relation between lightning protection levels (LPL) and class of LPS are as under:
LPL Class of LPS
I I
II II
III III
IV IV
Table: Relationship between LPL and LPS

4.5 Lightning Protection concepts of Storage Tanks and Vessels
Protection Concept of storage tanks and vessels have been dealt in detail in attached
Appendix- II for guidance in designing lightning protection system.
5.0 PROTECTION OF PLANT BUILDING AND STRUCTURES
The need for the protection of plant buildings such as substation, control room office
buildings, work shop, warehouse, cooling tower, stack, chimney etc., shall be assessed
taking into consideration the exposure risk and the following factors:
a) Use to which structure is put.
b) Nature of its construction.
c) Value of its contents or consequential effects.
d) The location of the structure and
e) The height and the effective collection area of the structure.
The overall risk factor shall be established as per IS/IEC 62305-2 to decide the need for
protection.
Structures of exceptional vulnerability by reason of explosive or highly flammable contents

need special consideration and lightning protection need to be provided even against the
rare occurrence of a lightning discharge.
5.1 General Design Requirements.
A lightning protection system consists of the following three basic components:
a) Air terminal
b) Down conductor
c) Earth connection
5.1.1 Air Terminal
The air terminal shall be capable of safely discharging the lightning current to earth in
preference to vulnerable parts of the protected structure. The probability of structure
penetration by a lightning current is considerably decreased by the presence of a properly

designed air-termination system.
Air-termination systems can be composed of any combination of the following elements:
a) Rods (including free-standing masts);
b) Catenary wires;
c) Meshed conductors.
Radioactive air terminals shall not be provided.
Conductors shall be interconnected to form a closed loop.
Vertical air terminations shall be used for very high structures with small base areas e.g.
non-conducting chimneys etc. Minimum 2 nos. vertical terminations shall be provided for
chimneys.
Vertical air terminations shall project at least 300 mm above the protected structure.
All the vertical air terminations provided on the same structure shall be interconnected.
Where a structure has two elevations; out of which lower is projecting outside and the
higher elevation does not protect the lower elevation, separate network shall be provided
for lower elevation. Both networks shall be interconnected by connecting the higher
elevation down conductor to the lower network.
All the metal piping, railing etc., on the roof shall be bonded to the protective network.
5.1.1.1 Positioning of Air Termination System:
Air-termination components installed on a structure shall be located at corners, exposed

points and edges (especially on the upper level of any facades) in accordance with one or
more of the following methods.
Acceptable methods to be used in determining the position of the air-termination system

include:
 the protection angle method – suitable for simple shaped buildings
 the rolling sphere method - suitable for all type of structures
 the mesh method - suitable where plane surfaces are to be protected
5.1.1.2 Natural components
The following parts of a structure should be considered and may be used as natural air
termination components and part of an LPS
Metal sheets covering the structure to be protected provided that the:
- electrical continuity between the various parts is made durable (e.g. by means of
brazing, welding, crimping, seaming, screwing or bolting),
- the thickness of the metal sheet is not less than the value t given in Table below if it is
necessary to take precautions against puncture or to consider hot spot problems,
5.1.2 Down Conductors
External down-conductors should be installed between the air-termination system and

theearth-termination system. Wherever natural components are available they can be used
as down-conductor. Air-termination systems, down-conductor systems and earth-termination
systems should be harmonized to produce the shortest possible path for the lightning
current.
Down-conductors should preferably be connected to junctions of the air-termination system

network and routed vertically to the junctions of the earth-termination system network.
 The positioning for an isolated LPS shall be as follows:
a) If the air-termination consists of rods on separate masts (or one mast) not made of
metal or interconnected reinforcing steel, at least one down-conductor is needed for
each mast. No additional down-conductors are required for masts made of metal or
interconnected reinforcing steel.
b) If the air-termination consists of catenary wires (or one wire), at least one down-
conductor is needed at each supporting structure.
c) If the air-termination forms a network of conductors, one down-conductor is needed at

least at each supporting wire end.
 Positioning for a non-isolated LPS shall be as follows:
For each non-isolated LPS the number of down-conductors shall be not less than two and
should be distributed around the perimeter of the structure to be protected, subject to
architectural and practical constraints.
An equal spacing of the down-conductors is preferred around the perimeter. Typical

preferred values of the distance between down-conductors according to the class of LPS are
as under:
Class of LPS Typical distances
I 10
II 10
III 15
IV 20
5.1.3 Earth Termination
Each down conductor shall be provided with an earth electrode, and all earth electrodes
shall be interconnected.
Lightning protection earthing system may be bonded to electrical safety earthing system.
The use of rod/pipe/strip electrodes is permissible. Their choice will depend upon site
conditions, soil resistivity and economic considerations.
The material of earth electrodes should be galvanised iron.
Resistance values of lightning protection system and earth electrodes shall be maintained in
line with OISD-STD-137.
5.2 Size and Material of Air Terminal, Down Conductors & Earth Electrode
For material, configuration and minimum cross-sectional area of air-termination conductors,

air-termination rods, earth lead-in rods, down-conductors and earth electrodes, please refer
Tables provided at Appendix - III
5.3 Protection of Sub-station, Control Room, Pump Houses, Communication Tower and
similar functional buildings and Structures.
These structures are generally made of insulating materials such as concrete and brick.
Protection against direct stroke of lightning is made by properly designed air termination
network which may consist of vertical, horizontal conductors or combination of both.
Depending upon the type of the building, required number of down conductors shall be
provided as per the guidelines given in IS/IEC 62305. Down conductor system shall be routed
directly (where practicable) from the air termination to the earth termination network and be
symmetrically placed around the outside walls of the structure starting from the corners.
The rolling sphere concept of protection shall be adopted to determine the area/ zone of the
protection taking into account the possibility of side strikes to the structures.
Any metal in or forming part of the structure on any building services having metallic parts
which by design or by chance are in contact with the general mass of the earth should be either
isolated from or bonded to the down conductor.
The same general recommendation applies to all exposed large metal items whether connected
to earth or not. (In this context a large item is considered as one having any single dimension
greater than 2 m.) Minor items such as door hinges, metal gutter brackets, reinforcement of
small isolated beams may be disregarded.
If portions of a structure vary considerably in height, any necessary air terminations or air
termination networks for the lower portions should be bonded to the down conductors of the
taller portions in addition to their own down conductors.
Typical examples of air terminations for flat roof, large area roof of various profiles are
illustrated in Fig.5 and 6. Appendix-III to be referred for minimum cross sectional area of LPS
components
Steel structure of communication tower can function as down conductor provided all structural
members are firmly connected with each other through bolt/nut properly tightened at more than
one point and whole structure is electrically continuous and earthed.
LPS air termination on a flat roof structure
LPS air termination on a sloped roof structure
W m = mesh size
Fig. 5
Wm
Protection method
Class of LPS Rolling Sphere radius Mess Size Wm
r (m) (m)
I 20 5X5
II 30 10 X 10
III 45 15 X 15
IV 60 20 X 20
Fig. 6
Relationship of protection angle corresponding to the class of LPS is mentioned below:
5.4 Protection of Steel framed Compressor House, Truck Loading, Wagon Loading
Structures, Plant operating sheds
These are, in general, steel framed building structures; the frame work itself provides efficient
natural networks of many paths to earth provided the requirements with regards to natural/
mesh air terminal and min cross sectional area of LPS components, referred in this guideline,
are met. The structural steel columns shall be connected to the plant earth grid and as such
down conductors are not required. A network of horizontal conductors (air termination
system) should be fixed to the roof of structure as per the guidelines of IS/IEC 62305.
The resistance of the total structure to the general mass of earth shall be as per OISD-STD-
137
Ventilators and other roof projections of non-metallic construction shall be protected by

means of air terminal system and connected to the steel frame of structure.
Major metal forming part of the structure, including continuous metal reinforcement and
services, should be bonded together and connected to the lightning protective system. Such
connections should be made in at least two places and should, wherever possible, be equally
spaced around the perimeter of the structure as per IS/ IEC 62305-3.
Metal inside the structure should be bonded to the lightning protective system.
Vents and exhaust stacks from process plants emitting flammable vapours or dusts should be
fitted with flame traps.
5.5 Protection of Stacks.
Non-conducting chimneys whose overall width or diameter at top is up to 1.5m shall be

provided with one down conductor, and chimneys with overall width or diameter at top more
than 1.5m shall be provided with 2 no. down conductors as shown in Fig. 7
Metal stacks shall be properly earthed at the bottom. No air terminal/down conductors are
required if the thickness of sheet steel is more than 4.8 mm.
Fig. 7
6.0 Control of Fugitive Emission
For any fire to take place, three basic conditions i.e. presence of oxygen, flammable material
and source of ignition must simultaneously exist. The lightning stroke i.e. the return stroke
may involve temperatures as high as 30,000o K in the discharge channel. Therefore, if a
direct strike of lightning or sparking due to a side flash takes place on a vent of a cone roof
tank while a flammable mixture is present, fire is bound to take place. It is therefore,
essential that measures to control of fugitive emission from storage tanks are given special
consideration.
The design, operating and maintenance practices for a hydrocarbon installation should be
given due attention to the need of minimising the possibility of presence of flammable
atmospheres. Control of fugitive emissions from vents, proper design and maintenance of
seals of floating roof tanks etc. are essential for avoiding damage to petroleum installations
due to lightning strokes.
Control of fugitive emissions is important from the view point of prevention of fire, in addition
to the benefits of environmental protection and product loss.
7.0 Protection of Storage Tanks
7.1 Following fundamental principles of lightning protection of the structures and their contents
shall be adhered to:-
a) Flammable liquids shall be stored in essentially gastight structures.
b) Openings where flammable concentrations of vapour or gas can escape to the

atmosphere shall be closed or otherwise protected against the entrance of flame.
c) Structures and all accessories e.g. dip-gauge hatches, vent valves shall be maintained
in good and sound operating conditions.
d) Flammable air-vapour mixtures shall be prevented to the greatest possible extent from
accumulating outside such structures.
e) Potential spark-gaps between metallic conductors shall be avoided at points where

flammable vapours may escape or accumulate.
A properly designed & constructed gas tight, electrically continuous metallic storage tanks
made of minimum 4.8mm thickness sheet steel shall be considered to be self-protected
against lightning, provided it is properly earthed and bonded.
7.2 Normally in hydrocarbon industry two types of above ground storage tanks are in use for
storage of flammable liquids at atmospheric pressure:
1) Fixed roof type tanks
2) Floating roof type tanks
Protection against lightning for these two types of storage tanks are illustrated below:
Fixed roof type tanks:
Metallic tanks with steel roofs of riveted, bolted or welded construction, with or without
supporting members that are used for the storage of liquids that give off flammable vapours at
atmospheric pressure shall be considered to be inherently self-protecting against lightning if
the following requirements are met:
a) All joints between metallic plates shall be fully riveted, bolted or welded.
b) All pipes entering or connected with the tank shall be metallically connected and properly
bonded with the tank at the point of entrance.
c) All vapour or gas openings shall be closed or provided with flame protection devices when
the stored stock may produce a flammable air-vapour mixture under storage conditions.
d) The roof shall have a minimum thickness of 3/16 in. (4.8mm).
e) The roof shall be welded, fully bolted or riveted to the tank shell.
Tanks shall be grounded to conduct away the current of direct strokes and to avoid the build-
up of potential that may cause sparks to ground. A metal tank shall be grounded by the
following methods:
a) A vertical cylindrical tank rests on earth or concrete and is at least 6m in diameter or rests
on bituminous pavements and is at least 15 M in diameter.
b) By bonding the tank to ground through a minimum of two ground terminals as shown in Fig.
8 at maximum 30 M intervals along the perimeter of tank. This also applies to tanks with
an insulting membrane beneath the tank.
d) Storage tanks having cathodic protection system require special consideration while
designing the grounding system.
Fig. 8
Floating Roof Tanks:
In addition to the concepts followed in case of fixed roof type tanks, following measures are
essential in case of floating roof type tanks used for storage of flammable liquids:
a) Metallic straps (Shunts) at intervals of not over 3 meter length on the circumference of the roof
between the floating roof and the metallic shoe that slides on the inside of the shell will permit
the charge to drain off without igniting vapour under the seal (Fig. 9) Refer API-RP-545 for
Cross-sectional Area - minimum width and material of the Shunts, During M&I of storage tanks,
the above deck shunts (if any) should be replaced with submerged shunts.
b) Tanks without a vapour space at the seal or with non-conductive seals do not generally require
shunts at the seal. However, if shunts are not provided a tight seal must be maintained to
prevent accumulation of vapours. Where metallic weather shields cover the seals they shall
maintain contact with the shell.
c) Where a floating roof tank is equipped with both primary and secondary seals in compliance
with environmental regulations, shunts shall be installed so that they directly contact the tank
shell above the secondary seal as in case of primary seals explained in “a” above.
d) All conductive parts of internal floating covers or the floating portions of covered floating roof
tanks, ladders should be electrically interconnected and bonded to the tank roof/shell.
e) The tank floating roof shall be bonded to the tank shell by direct electrical connection through
bypass conductors in line with API-RP-545. The bypass conductors shall be of the minimum
length necessary to permit full movement of the floating roof. Bypass conductors should be
evenly spaced not more than every 30 m (100 ft) around the tank circumference with a
minimum of two.
f) All gauge & guide pole assemblies, pertaining to floating roof should be electrically insulated
from floating roof. This is to prevent jumping of lightning current across it. The insulation level
should be rated greater than 1 KV.
Fig. 9
8.0 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF LPS
Necessary documentation of the LPS such as design criteria, design description and technical
drawings shall be available along with maintenance and inspection records. Frequency of
inspection of lightning system shall be ensured as per OISD-STD-137. In addition, an LPS should
be inspected whenever any significant alteration or repairs are made to a protected structure and
also following any known lightning discharge to the LPS.
A good maintenance program should contain provisions for inspection of all conductors and system
components, tightening of all clamps and splicers, measurements of lightning protection system
resistance, resistance of earth electrodes etc.
Inspections of LPS should be made to ascertain that:
 the LPS confirms to original design,
 the LPS is in good condition and capable of performing design functions
 there are no loose connections and no accidental breaks in the LPS conductors and joints,
 no part of the system has been weakened by corrosion, especially at ground level,
 all visible earth connections are intact (functionally operational),
 all visible conductors and system components are fastened to the mounting surfaces and
components which provide mechanical protection are intact (functionally operational) and in
the right place,
 there have not been any additions or alterations to the protected structure which would
require additional LPS,
 correct equipotential bonding has been established for any new services or additions which
have been made to the interior of the structure since the last inspection, and that continuity
tests have been performed for these new additions,
 bonding conductors and connections inside the structure are present and intact (functionally
operational),
 separation distances are maintained,
 Bonding conductors, joints, shielding devices, cable routing and SPDs have been checked
and tested.
Note: Inspections, testing and maintenance shall not be conducted during threat of thunderstorms
9.0 REFERENCES:
The following codes, standards and publications have either been referred to or used in the
preparation of this document and the same shall be read in conjunction with this document:
1. OISD Standards/ Recommended Practices such as:
a) OISD- 149; Design Aspects for Safety in Electrical System.
b) OISD- 137 Inspection of Electrical Equipment.
2. BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Publication.
a) IS/IEC 62305-1: Protection against lightning - General Principles

b) IS/ IEC 62305-2; Protection against lightning – Risk Management
c) IS/ IEC 62305-3; Protection against lightning – Physical damage to structures and life
hazard
d) IS/ IEC 62305-4; Protection against lightning – Electrical and Electronic systems within
structures
3. International Code of Practice / guidelines
a) API Recommended Practice 2003: Protection against ignition arising out of Static,
Lightning and Stray Currents -
b) NFPA 780: Standard for the installation of Lightning Protection Systems.
c) BS 6651 Code of Practice for Protection of Structures against Lightning.
e) Electrical Safety Code - Institute of Petroleum, U.K.
f) API-545 : Recommended Practice for Lightning Protection of Aboveground Storage Tanks

for Flammable or Combustible Liquids
4. Lightning, Vol.1 & 2 by R.H. Golde.
APPENDIX- I
LIGHTNING PHENOMENON
A1 LIGHTNING PHENOMENON
Lightning is a natural phenomenon which is said to be formed as a result of a natural build

up of electrical charge separation in thunder clouds. In thunder clouds, normally, ice-
crystals become positively charged while water droplets become negatively charged. In
most of the cases, these particles are so distributed as to give rise to a negative charge
build-up at the base of the cloud.
The negative charge at the cloud-base gives rise to a positive build-up of charge on the
earth. The build-up continues till the potential difference between the earth and the cloud
base becomes so large that it causes a breakdown of the resistance of air medium, thereby
creating a lightning discharge.
Fig. 1A
The majority of lightning strokes are known to occur with the generation of a negative
leader from the cloud to the ground. This leader propagates as a stepped leader with a
speed of around 300 km/h in steps of a few 10 m. The interval between the jerks amounts
to a few 10 μs. When the leader has drawn close to the earth (a few 100 m to a few 10 m),
it causes the strength of the electric field of objects on the surface of the earth in the
vicinity of the leader (e.g. trees, buildings) to increase. The increase is great enough to
exceed the dielectric strength of the air. These objects involved reach out to the leader by
growing positive streamers which then meet up with the leader, initiating the main
discharge. Lightning discharge phenomenon is shown in Fig 1A above.
A1.1 The current in a typical negative cloud-to-ground stroke has several components, as listed
below and as illustrated in Fig. 2A.
Component A – First return stroke.
Component B – Intermediate current.
Component C – Continuing current.
Component D – Subsequent return stroke, if present, followed by additional B and C
components, etc., until the completion of the discharge.
Fig. 2A
A1.2 Sources and types of damage to a structure due to lightning
Lightning affecting a structure can cause damage to the structure itself and to its occupants
and contents, including failure of internal systems. The scale of this extension depends on
the characteristics of the structure and on the characteristics of the lightning flash.
Relationship between source of damage, type of damage and loss is tabulated as under
# Source: IS/ IEC 62305-1
Source of damage:
S1: flashes to the structure; S2: flashes near the structure; S3: flashes to the lines
connected to the structure; S4: flashes near the lines connected to the structure.
Type of Damage:
D1: injury to living beings by electric shock; D2: physical damage (fire, explosion,
mechanical destruction, chemical release);D3: failure of internal systems due to LEMP.
Type of loss:
L1: loss of human life (including permanent injury); L2: loss of service to the public; L3: loss
of cultural heritage; L4: loss of economic value (structure, its content, and loss of activity).
A2 Protection measures to reduce failure of electrical and electronic systems
Possible protection measures (SPM) include:

 Earthing and bonding measures,
 Magnetic shielding,
 Line routing,
 Isolating interfaces,
 Coordinated SPD system.
# These measures may be used alone or in combination.
For details on „Protection of Electrical & Electronic System within Structure’, IS/IEC 62305
– 4 may be referred.
APPENDIX- II
B1. LIGHTENING PROTECTION CONCEPTS OF STORAGE TANKS AND VESSELS
The need for the Protection against Lightning for Storage Tanks, Spheres, Bullets containing
flammable materials is self evident.
A properly bonded and earthed metallic storage tank of adequate shell/roof thickness is self
protected against lightning, provided these are tightly sealed to prevent the escape of liquid,
vapour, or gas.
It is to be noted that, pressure vessels such as spheres and bullets are gas tight by the design
of its construction. Hence, properly earthed spheres and bullets are self protected and do
not need additional measures against lightning protection.
Where the probability of flammable atmosphere around the rim of a floating roof tank and
around the vent of a fixed roof tank is relatively high as compared to other locations around
the tankages, augmentation of lightning protection system may be considered. It may
however be borne in mind that the only effective defence against ignition by a direct strike is
a tight seal.
Lightning conductor as part of lightning protection system is incapable of discharging a

thunder cloud without a lightning flash. It is thus obvious that in case of a lightning strike, the
source of ignition is present due to temperatures of around 30,000o K in the discharge
channel of a return stroke or the secondary arc in case of a indirect strike
The underlying principle for augmenting lightning protection to hydrocarbon storage tanks, is
therefore based on shifting the point of strike of lightning stroke to a safe area above the
vapour space (or above the classified zones for hazardous atmosphere) so that ignition of
vapours probably present above the roof does not take place.
B1.1 Where the tank shell and roof are of thickness more than or equal to 4.8 mm, separate
down conductors and air terminals are not required. Wherever, the tank roof
thickness is less than 4.8 mm, the following may be adopted:
I) Use of lightning Air Terminals
ii) Use of lightning protection masts around the storage tanks.
iii) Use of overhead shield wire.
B1.2 Air Terminals installed on Tank Shell:
Protection zone provided by air terminals installed on the tank shall depend upon the tank
dia, height of air terminal and spacing of air terminals around the tank perimeter. A
conventional 6 m high air terminal, spaced about 20 m around the periphery protects an
area upto 15 to 18 m from the tank shell. This implies that lightning protection using air
terminals installed on the tank walls can completely protect a storage tank upto 30 M dia
whereas the center portion of the roof remains unprotected for tank diameters more than
30m as shown in Fig. 1B
The use of air terminals can be applied to floating roof tanks for reducing the probability of
rim fires due to lightning strikes since the space around the rim has relatively higher
possibility of flammable atmosphere being present due to leakage from improper sealing.
Number of 6 m high air terminals (spaced about 20 m around the perimeter) required for
various tank diameters are tabulated below:
TANK DIA NUMBER OF

AIR TERMINALS
Upto12M 3
13 - 21M 4
22 - 32M 5
33 - 38M 6
39 - 45M 7
46 - 51M 8
52 - 57M 9
58 - 63M 10
64 - 71M 11
72 - 79M 12
Fig. 1B
B1.3 Lightning Masts around Storage Tanks
For a lightning mast to prevent fires due to lightning, following basic factors need to be kept
in mind:
a) Lightning mast located more than 30m away from the tank irrespective of the height of
the mast does not provide any improvement to the self protected storage tank.
b) Lightning mast should be located close to the tank and the minimum distance is
dictated by the side flash distance and the practical considerations for mast installation.
In view of above, lightning mast is required to be located at around 5 to 6 m from the tank
shell.
Protection zone of a system of lightning masts with mast height equal to 15 m more than
the tank height and spacing of about 24 m around the tank is almost same as that provided
with the use of lightning conductors installed on the tank shell, the number of lightning
masts and the lightening conductors on shell being the same. Protection zone for a 50 m
dia tank using lightning masts is illustrated in Fig. 2B.
Fig. 2B
It is thus obvious that both a system of lightning masts around the tank or lightning
conductors provided on the tank wall provide similar protection to the tank for preventing
fires due to lightning. Lightning masts are much more expensive as compared to the air
terminals on the shell while the lightning masts would be easier to install as a retrofit in an
operating plant in comparison to the air terminals, since the latter would require welding
work on the tank wall.
Lightning mast can be of tubular design or a lattice structure of angle irons. Earthing
system of the lightning mast shall have to be bonded to the earthing system of the
associated storage tank.
B1.4 Use of Overhead Shield Wire

A system of overhead earth wires can be designed to provide complete protection to a

storage tank within the realm of rolling sphere concept based on a striking distance of 30 m.
A single earth wire with a minimum clearance of about 8 m above the highest point of the
tank can protect a tank of about 6 to 8 m diameter. For tank diameters between 8 to 30 m
two parallel earth wires shall be required while for tank diameters between 30 to 80 m three
parallel overhead earth wires shall be needed as a minimum.
Protection zones using a system overhead earth wires are shown in Fig. 3B.
Fig. 3B
Supporting structures for the overhead earth wires can be either of tubular design or a
lattice structure. Height of the structure shall be decided based on the height of the
topmost point on the tank roof and the side flash distance. The supporting structure shall
also have to be located sufficiently away from the tank so as to prevent any side flash. The
earth-wire shall be bonded to the steel supporting structure which can serve as a down
conductor. Earthing system of the supporting structure shall be bonded with the tank
earthing system.
Appendix –III

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OISD - GDN - 180

Oil Industry Safety Directorate

The participative process followed in standard formulation has resulted in excellent

Petroleum industry in India is significantly globalized at present in terms of technology

The present document on “Lightning Protection” was prepared by the

It is hoped that provisions of this document if implemented objectively, may go

This document in no way supersedes the statutory regulations of Chief

These documents are intended to supplement rather than replace the

This document supersedes the lightning protection provisions stipulated in

01. V.P. Sharma Engineers India Limited Leader

02. A.K. Roy Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Member

04. H. Prusty Gas Authority of India Ltd., Member

05. P.Kamalasekharan Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., Member

06. R. Raghupathy Engineers India Limited Member

07. P.N. Deka Bongaigaon Refinery &

08. J.K. Jha Oil Industry Safety Directorate Member Co-ordinator.

S. Name Organisation Position in the

1 Shri Mahesh Kotasthane RIL Leader

4.0 LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM 3

5.0 PROTECTION OF PLANT BUILDING AND 8

6.0 CONTROL OF FUGITIVE EMISSIONS 15

7.0 PROTECTION OF STORAGE TANKS 16

8.0 MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION OF LPS 19

Lightning Protection is becoming a necessity, especially for hydrocarbon industry, across

 Plant buildings and structures

 Chimneys and other heavy duty stacks

 Storage tanks / structures used in Oil/Gas installation containing flammable

An air terminal is that component of a lightning protection system that is intended to

An electrical connection between an electrically conductive object and a component of a

iii) Down Conductors

iv) Earth Terminations

A structure is supposed to be adequately grounded if it is connected to earth or to some

viii) Hazardous Area

For details, refer OISD Standard 113 on Electrical Area Classification.

“Shall” indicates a mandatory requirement.

“Should” indicates a requirement which is recommendatory in nature.

xi) Side Flash:

An electric spark, caused by differences of potential, occurring between conductive metal

xii) Spark Gap:

xiii) Striking Distance:

xiv) Surge Arrestor:

xv) Vapour Openings:

xvi) Zone of Protection:

xvii) Bypass conductor

xviii) Surge Protective Device (SPD)

xix) Lightning electromagnetic impulse (LEMP)

xx) Surge Protection Measure (SPM)

Measures taken to protect internal systems against the effects of LEMP

xxi) Lightning protection system (LPS)

xxii) Lightning protection zone (LPZ)

Zone where the lightning electromagnetic environment is defined

xiii) Lightning protection level (LPL)

4.0 LIGHTNING PROTECTION SYSTEM

4.1 Need for Protection

should be referred for general principles of LPS.

L3 Loss of cultural heritage 10-4

If R ≤ RT, lightning protection is not necessary.

which the structure is subjected.

4.2 Zone of Protection

Class of LPS Rolling Sphere radius

Fig. 2 : Rolling Sphere Concept

4.3 Lightning Protection Zone (LPZ)