

Mon - Sat 9:00 - 17:30
Did you know that lightning is one of the leading natural causes of fires at hydrocarbon storage facilities?
Over the last 10 years, industry and safety reports estimate over 150 lightning-related fires globally in tank farms and refineries. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) and API studies confirm that over 30% of tank farm fires are initiated by direct or indirect lightning strikes. One major example includes the Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) fire in Texas, 2019, where multiple tanks burned for days, costing millions in damages and environmental losses. Closer to Asia, India and the Middle East have reported multiple lightning-triggered incidents due to monsoon activity and inadequate bonding/grounding systems.
Lightning can cause fires due to:
When hydrocarbons like petrol, naphtha, or crude oil are stored in large quantities, even a small ignition source can escalate into massive fires or explosions.
Here are industry-recommended best practices (based on NFPA 780, API 545, and IS codes):
β 1. Lightning Protection System (LPS)
β 2. Floating Roof Tanks – Shunts and Seals
β 3. Equipotential Bonding & Grounding
β 4. Surge Protection Devices (SPD)
β 5. Fire Detection & Suppression
β 6. Regular Testing & Audits
The risk is real, but completely preventable with the right design, equipment, and maintenance.
π Contact us at agnirakshaniti@gmail.com
To validate your existing tank farm design, check grounding integrity, or design lightning protection systems for future expansion projects.
Let’s work together to safeguard your critical assets.
#FireSafety #LightningProtection #TankFarm #OilAndGas #NFPA780 #API545 #AgnirakshaNiti #ProcessSafety #EmergencyPreparedness #IndustrialSafety #RiskManagement #RefinerySafety