"EFFECTIVE and proper lightning protection of a modern plant or other sensitive infrastructure such as communications, IT and electrical systems, is a complex engineering challenge. The blind use of a ‘cook-book' approach is no longer likely to result in improvements in lightning protection system performance and plant resilience," says Ian McKechnie, MD of Innopro, consultants and solution providers in earthing and lightning protection.
"A holistic safety strategy is also important to ensure human safety. Effective application of sound engineering techniques can however reduce and manage these risks associated with lightning."
He warns that the application of effective lightning protection and earthing solutions for infrastructure and industry through a systematic and holistic engineering approach is therefore of critical importance.
With this in mind, Innopro, in association with the School of Electrical and Information Engineering at Wits University, will again present their popular one-day industry-briefing seminars on ‘Best Practices in Lightning Protection and Earthing of Structures and Systems' in Centurion (Gauteng) on Friday 21 May 2010.
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 Head of the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, at the University of the Witwatersrand. Ian McKechnie is also an Honorary Research Fellow in the same School.
These seminars are accredited for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) by Wits University, 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 all persons involved in the design, management, 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 a formal technical qualification is not a prerequisite for attendance or for gaining benefit from the seminar.
He said that limited space was available at the seminars and that pre-booking was essential. Interested persons should contact Innopro at 012-6675151, or by email at training@gafrica.com, as soon as possible to obtain a registration form and to secure their place.
Enquiries: (012) 667-5151
