Industry specialist recommends people to seek appropriate help from qualified professionals

Dubai, March 26, 2009: With the recent bout of rains and thunderstorms across UAE it is apparent that climate change is obvious. Safety is a major concern and protection against lightning is crucial. Casualties due to lightning is not just a warning but a reminder that anything can happen and its time that people are made aware about protection during these times. Duval Messien issued a statement today with regards to the cause of the recent fires in UAE may be linked to poor adherence of basic protocol for electrical fault prevention including earthing, such as those applicable in the EU which stringently enforces maintenance protocols. 

Refer to the latest lightning strike that hit Burj Dubai Tower on January 16th 2009 and the bolt injuring two people at a construction site in Jazirat Al Hamra area on 15th January 2009; pictures of lightning strike across the UAE published in newspapers and internet highlights the vulnerability of structures of different shape and size against lightning strikes.  Among construction workers, laborers, machine operators, engineers, roofers and pipefitters have been struck by lightning most often on the job. These evidences confirm the need for advanced lightning protection measures for existing and upcoming structures.

"There is a longstanding myth that Middle East is not exposed to the risk of lightning, driven by the notion that the region receives scanty rainfall and has low incidence of thunderstorm," said Mr. Sonjib Banerjee, . Moreover, there is dearth of adequate codes in the region for long-term electrical safety. In such a situation, the large scale construction of high-rises may prove to be a ticking time bomb if enough is not done quickly to enforce globally recognized electrical safety standards. Banerjee stated, "one lightning strike can take a toll to our life and assets".

Quick tips to stay safe when lightning strikes:

While Indoors

- Stand clear from windows, doors, and electrical appliances.

- Avoid contact with piping, including sinks, baths and faucets.

- Don't use the telephone, except for emergencies

While Outdoors

- Never use a tree for shelter.

- Go to an area of lower elevation.

- Keep away from metal objects, including bikes, golf carts, fencing and machinery.

- Immediately move away from solitary trees, open areas, hilltops, pools, lakes and other wet areas.

- Look for the nearest shelter. A car, with the windows rolled up, is an excellent shelter. If lightning strikes the car, it will travel along the outside surface and into the ground.

- If you feel a tingling sensation, your hair stands on end or you smell sulfur, lightning might be about to strike. Immediately crouch down and cover your ears. Don't lie down or place your hands on the ground because a lightning strike might momentarily electrify the ground beneath you.

- Do not use mobile phone, radio communication devices and satellite communication systems during occurrence of thunderstorms. Though there are no scientific evidences; a hypothesis has been drawn based on repeated observations.

The thunderstorm days in UAE are about ten (10) per year as mentioned in BS 6651, page 14, figure 3. With tall structures coming up in Dubai, the probability of a lightning strike is much higher. A 100 meter high building (30 floors) is 5 times more at risk in comparison to 50 meters high building (15 floors). This risk factor goes up, as the height of the building goes up.  This probability of lightning strike is calculated based on utility, type of construction, consequence, isolation and location of the structure. It thus seems mandatory to have lightning protection which is pro-active, intelligent, synchronizable according to lightning polarity and remotely monitored lightning protection systems for tall structures.

Dubai's fast-paced growth is being fuelled by rapid influx of residents and this has a directly proportional effect on the nation's infrastructure. Flouting safety measures by contractors and poor maintenance can lead to unwanted repercussions.

-Ends-

About DUVAL MESSIEN:
Manav Enterprises FZC is the sole distributors of Duval Messien's Lightning Protection & Earthing systems for the Arabian Gulf. Satelit 3 Lightning Protection System & TEREC+ Earthing Compound are state-of-the-art products introduced by them to the region. The multi-national team boasts specially trained sales and engineering specialists with valid experience in various terrains and a diverse variety of project types including Refineries, Defense, Telecom, Airports, Industries, Shopping malls, Commercial/residential towers, Palaces & villas. The company has recently been awarded contracts with The Burj Tower, DEWA Head Office, International City and Raffles Hotel in Dubai; royal palaces in Oman; and other prestigious projects across the GCC region. The company is located in Freezone in UAE with distribution offices conveniently dotted across all emirates, expanding soon to the rest of the region. 

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© Press Release 2009