What is a major risk of inadequate lightning protection?

Inadequate lightning protection presents a significant risk of detonation of explosives due to the intense energy generated by a lightning strike. When lightning strikes a facility or a storage area where explosives are present, the resultant surge can generate electrical currents and voltages that exceed safe thresholds. This sudden influx of electrical energy can ignite sensitive materials or cause electrical components within detonators or other explosive devices to malfunction, ultimately leading to unintentional detonation.

This risk is particularly critical in settings where explosives are stored or handled, as safety protocols are designed to minimize the chances of accidental ignition. Effective lightning protection systems, including appropriate grounding and bonding practices, significantly reduce this hazard by safely directing lightning strikes away from sensitive materials and minimizing the potential for explosive reactions.