Application of Lightning Detection and Warning Systems within the Explosives Safety Environment

摘要

Lightning has always posed a serious threat to the manufacture, transport, storage, and handling of explosives. In recent years, advancements in technology and communications systems have increased the availability of various types of lightning detection and warning systems for use within the explosives community. The use of these systems, which detect the presence of, or potential for, cloud-to-ground lightning, is exposing personnel to one of the most complex elements of atmospheric physics. Armed with this 'scientific data,' engineers and managers are expected to make the right decision all of the time, decisions that have a significant impact on personnel safety, productivity, and the material and operational readiness of a command. It is a fact of life that the data they are dealing with is not perfect, can be misinterpreted, and in many cases can case false alarms, which can undermine user confidence in the system and slow responses to future warnings. The intent of this paper is to make the reader aware of technologies in the realm of lightning detection and their application to the everyday operation of explosives manufacture, transport, storage, and handling. In addition, an objective approach to developing a generic baseline for readiness and warning procedures is offered.