using a minimum and maximum range of hours for each major job
function and the successful demonstration of identified competencies.
LIGHTNING PROTECTION TECHNICIAN (CONVENTIONAL SYSTEM)
United Lightning Protection Association
Work Process Content
On the Job Training
Preliminary Work
5
400
- Understanding and utilizing the equipment used in lightning protection system installation per the NFPA780, LPI 175 and UL96a standards for the installation of lightning protection systems, such as air terminals, air terminal bases, fasteners, adhesives, conductor clamps, equipotential bonding clamps and lightning protection grounding equipment, etc.
- Understanding names and uses of the various tools used in the installation of lightning protection systems. Includes utilizing proper care and maintenance of all tools, and what each tool is used for. Tools included will range from hand tools – wrenches, tape measures, screwdrivers, pliers, utility knives, socket wrenches, levels, hammers, etc. to battery powered and corded tools – demolition hammers, hammer drills, reciprocating saws, exothermic welding equipment, corded and cordless drills, etc.
- Implementing the basic lightning protection system installation methods at a commercial and residential job site safely. Including a minimum of OSHA safety training and safety training for all tools and materials.
- Selecting proper materials and how to properly load into work vehicles and what the procedures are for restocking of materials.
- Applying procedures for documenting work hours and all administrative tasks that apply.
Residential New Construction Lightning Protection System Installation
7
800
- Assisting in gathering materials from stock room.
- Loading and unloading materials and tools at the job site.
- Air terminal installation for concealed and exposed systems in compliance with LPI 175, NFPA 780 and UL96a standards for lightning protection system installation.
- Installation of lightning protection conductors and in compliance with fastening requirements and conductor routing rules set forth in LPI, UL and NFPA standards.
- Installation of grounding equipment, ground rods, plates, and radials using equipment rated for lightning protection systems and direct burial.
- Installation of equipotential utility bonds and equipotential secondary bonds. Equipotential secondary bonding at the roof level includes bonding to plumbing vents, drains, metal chimneys, vents, roof top units, antennas and any other grounded metal object located within the required bonding distance to the lightning protection system. This bonding is installed to avoid the potential for flashover in the event of a lightning strike. This bonding is required per NFPA 780 4.15 and is not a part of the electrical system.
- Working with power tools, hand tools and ladders. Utilizing proper and safe use of all types of ladders and lifts.
Commercial New Construction Lightning Protection System Installation
11
2.5K
- Assisting in gathering materials from stock room.
- Loading and unloading materials and tools at the job site.
- Selecting and using the rules of air terminal installation for commercial applications in compliance with LPI 175, NFPA 780 and UL96a standards for lightning protection system installation.
- Installation of lightning protection conductors and in compliance with fastening requirements and conductor routing rules set forth in LPI, UL and NFPA standards.
- Installation of lightning protection grounding equipment, ground rods, plates, and radials using equipment rated for lightning protection systems and direct burial.
- Installation of equipotential utility bonds and equipotential secondary bonds. Equipotential secondary bonding at the roof level includes bonding to plumbing vents, drains, metal chimneys, vents, roof top units, antennas and any other grounded metal object located within the required bonding distance to the lightning protection system. This bonding is installed to avoid the potential for flashover in the event of a lightning strike. This bonding is required per NFPA 780 4.15 and is not a part of the electrical system.
- Installation of roof and wall penetrations and bonding to structural steel. Working with roofing contractors and with lightning protection rated roof penetration hardware and components.
- Exothermic welding from conductor to steel, from conductor to conductor, and from conductor to ground rods.
- Using adhesive and mechanical fasteners compatible with roof and equipment types.
- Bonding to rebar where required with masonry construction per NFPA780 4.18.3 and 4.16.1.2. This bonding is required for intermediate level interconnection of lightning protection system components.
- Working with power tools, hand tools, and ladders.
Residential Existing Construction Lightning Protection System Installation
3
800
- Installation with safe access to pitched roofs. Use of fall protection and ladders.
- Fastening conductors in compliance with LPI, NFPA, and UL standards on building exterior.
- Installation of equipotential utility bonds and equipotential secondary bonds. Equipotential secondary bonding at the roof level includes bonding to plumbing vents, drains, metal chimneys, vents, roof top units, antennas and any other grounded metal object located within the required bonding distance to the lightning protection system. This bonding is installed to avoid the potential for flashover in the event of a lightning strike. This bonding is required per NFPA 780 4.15 and is not a part of the electrical system.
Commercial Existing Construction Lightning Protection System Installation
6
1.5K
- Conduit installation meeting bonding, fastening, and material compatibility requirements in LPI, NFPA and UL standards.
- Fastening conductors in compliance with LPI, NFPA, and UL standards on building exterior.
- Installation of equipotential secondary bonds. Equipotential secondary bonding at the roof level includes bonding to plumbing vents, drains, metal chimneys, vents, roof top units, antennas and any other grounded metal object located within the required bonding distance to the lightning protection system. This bonding is installed to avoid the potential for flashover in the event of a lightning strike. This bonding is required per NFPA 780 4.15 and is not a part of the electrical system.
- Primary bonding to commercial utilities per standards.
- Excavation and backfill to original conditions.
- Wall and roof penetrations as required for bonding.
Lightning Protection System Maintenance and Repairs
4
800
- System evaluation for compliance with LPI, NFPA, and UL standards.
- Conductor splicing, sectional repairs, and replacement as needed. Understanding of allowable lightning protection conductor sizes per NFPA, LPI and UL.
- Air terminal repair, extensions or replacement.
- Repairs to secondary and utility bonds.
Lightning Protection System Evaluation and Testing
3
600
- Continuity testing of air terminals and grounding system to verify proper installation and system continuity on new and existing lightning protection systems.
- Ground Resistance Testing. Testing of newly installed grounding, ground grids, and existing grounding to verify proper functioning of a lightning protection system or measuring resistance for compliance with project specifications.
- Visual inspection of all components of a lightning protection system; air terminals, conductors, grounding, bonding, and surge protection.
Documentation and Project Oversight
5
600
- Recording of system installation for all concealed components.
- Daily logs and proper documentation of project progress.
- Job Site Analysis. Evaluation of safety risks and hazards specifically related to the installation of lightning protection system components.
- Preparation of as-built drawings. Recognizing and understanding drawing symbols for lightning protection systems including air terminals, ground rods, roof penetrations and bonding.
- Communicating professionally with all customers, site supervisors, other sub-contractors and any other project contacts.
Related Instruction Content
Training Provider(s):
Introduction to Construction Terms
4
Introduction of Lightning Protection / Grounding Terms
4
Introduction to lightning protection material/equipment
4
Introduction to Hand Tools
1
Introduction to Power Tools
1
Introduction to Blueprints 102
1
Introduction to the lightning protection standard NFPA 780
2
Review Chapters 1-3 Chapter 1- Administration Chapter 2- Referenced Publications Chapter 3- Definitions
Introduction to the lightning protection standard UL 96A
2
Review Sections 1-5 Section 1- Scope Section 2- Components Section 3- Units of Measurement Section 4- Undated References Section 5- Glossary
Introduction to the lightning protection standards LPI - Thorough review of LPI-175
12
Introduction to the lightning protection standards LPI - Thorough review of LPI-177
12
How to read and understand lightning protection installation drawings
2
Basic Lightning Protection Installation - Performance Based Training
8
Review of workmanship Review of cable routing and bends / air terminal spacing
Basic Grounding Installation - Performance Based Training
8
Types of grounding single electrodes / counterpoises / grids Review soil conditions (mixture, rocky, sandy) for installation purposes
Safety: Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
26
Safety: Introduction to Safety & PPE
2
Safety: GHS / SDS
1
Safety: Review OSHA JJ Keller Book (optional)
4
Safety: Weather Safety
1
Safety: Exothermic Welding Certification
4
Safety: Basic Fall Protection Certification
4
Safety: Basic Ladder Safety Certification
2
Safety: Safe Digging / 811
1
Safety: Horizontal lifeline
1
Safety: Fall Rescue
2
Safety: Aerial Lift Certification
2
Safety: First Aid / CPR Certification
6
Safety: Job Site Analysis Forms
1
Safety: Onsite Safety Meetings
12
Safety: Use of PPE
1
Safety: Use of ladders / tie off
4
Safety: Use of fall protection (harness/lanyard/ropes/lifelines, etc.)
4
Use of hand tools
4
Utilize specific hand tools (wrenches, tape measures, screwdrivers, pliers, utility knives, socket wrenches, levels, hammer drilles, etc.)
Use of power tools
4
Utilize specific power tools (demolition hammers, hammer drills, reciprocating saws, exothermic welding equipment, corded and cordless drills, etc.)
Site clean-up at site based on specific work area (trash, excess material, etc.)
1
Harassment
1
Drug and alcohol abuse awareness
1
Installation Performance Based Training:
Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs) - Pitched roofs
10
Installation Performance Based Training:
Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs) - Flat roofs / Multi-level roofs
20
Installation Performance Based Training:
Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs) - Irregular roofs / Domed roofs
10
ULPA Basic Concept & Principal Test
2
Safety: Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
26
Safety: Basic Forklift Certification
1
Safety: OSHA 10 Card
10
Safety: Job Site Analysis Forms
1
Safety: Horizontal Lifeline
1
Safety: Fall Rescue
2
Safety: Use of PPE
1
Safety: Safe use of hand tools
4
Safety: Safe use of power tools
4
Safety: Onsite Safety Meetings
12
Safety: Use of ladders / tie off
4
Safety: Use of fall protection (harness / lanyard / ropes / lifelines, etc.)
4
Review of lightning protection standard NFPA 780
6
Review Chapter 4 Chapter 4- General Requirements
Review of lightning protection standard UL 96A
6
Review Sections 6-10 Section 6- General Section 7- Materials Section 8- Strike Termination Devices Section 9- Conductors Section 10- Grounding
Review of lightning protection standards LPI - Thorough review of LPI-175
6
Review of lightning protection standards LPI - Thorough review of LPI-177
6
Basics of Secondary Bonding
1
Basics of Equal potential/Common bonding (rebar, utilities, etc.)
1
Basics of Surge Protection Devices
1
Site clean-up at site based on specific work area (trash, excess material, etc.)
1
Perform continuity testing for bonding
1
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs)
25
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of ground rods/plate/radials
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Exothermic Welding
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of concealed downleads
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of exposed downleads
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of concealed roof circuit rough in
25
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of concealed air terminal
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of secondary bonding
4
Apprentice Test 1- LPI Journeyman Installer 1
2
Safety: Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
26
Safety: Repelling/Bosun Chair Certification
8
Safety: First Aid / CPR Certification
6
Safety: Use of PPE
1
Safety: Use of ladders / tie off
16
Safety: Use of fall protection (harness/lanyard/ropes/lifelines, etc.)
1
Safety: Onsite Safety Meetings
4
Safety: Excavation Training & Certification
2
How to use blueprint scales
12
How to read specifications
1
Use of hand tools
1
Utilize specific hand tools (wrenches, tape measures, screwdrivers, pliers, utility knives, socket wrenches, levels, hammer drilles, etc.)
Use of power tools
1
Utilize specific power tools (demolition hammers, hammer drills, reciprocating saws, exothermic welding equipment, corded and cordless drills, etc.)
How to read Architectural, Structural and MEP Blueprints
1
Zone of protection (formula and rules)
2
Site clean-up at site based on specific work area (trash, excess material, etc.)
1
Review of lightning protection standard NFPA 780
6
Review Chapter 5 Chapter 5- Protection for Miscellaneous Structures and Special Occupancies
Review of lightning protection standard UL 96A
6
Review Sections 11-15 Section 11- Metal Bodies Subject to Direct Strike Section 12- Connectors and Fittings Section 13- Surge Protection Section 14- Concealed Installations Section 15- Structural Steel Framing
Installation Performance Based Training: Perform continuity testing for bonding
1
Installation Performance Based Training: Marking roof for roof pads/pavers/strips/etc.
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of rebar bonding
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of ground rods/plate/radials
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Exothermic Welding
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of ground wells
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of ground counterpoise
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of concealed downleads
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of exposed downleads
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of through-roof/wall connections (all types of structures)
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs)
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of secondary bonding (all types of structures)
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Remove exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Reinstall exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Excavation for ground counterpoise
10
Apprentice Test 2- LPI Journeyman Installer 2 Test
2
Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
26
Fall Protection for Competent Person
24
Ground Resistance Testing Class
8
Onsite Safety Meetings
12
Review of lightning protection standard NFPA 780
12
Review Chapters 6-12 Chapter 6- Protection for Heavy- Duty Stacks Chapter 7-Protection for Structures Containing Flammable Vapors, Gases or Liquids Chapter 8- Protection of Structures Housing Explosive Materials Chapter 9- Protection for Wind Turbines Chapter 10- Protection for Watercraft Chapter 11- Protection for Airfield Lighting Circuits Chapter 12- Protection for Solar Arrays
Review of lightning protection standard UL 96A
12
Review Sections 16-26 Section 16- General Protection of Misc. Structures Section 17- Mechanical Execution of Work for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 18- Components for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 19- Corrosion Protection for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 20- Air Terminals for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 21- Conductors for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 22- Fasteners for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 23- Bonding for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 24- Splices for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 25- Metal Stacks for Heavy Duty Stacks Section 26- Metal Guy Wires and Cables on Heavy Duty Stacks
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of ground rods/plate/radials
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of concealed downleads
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of exposed downleads
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of concealed roof circuit rough in
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of concealed air terminals
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation on chimneys
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Marking roof for roof pads/pavers/strips/etc.
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of rebar bonding
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of ground wells
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Exothermic Welding
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of ground counterpoise
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of through-roof/wall connections (all types of structures)
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs)
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Installation of secondary bonding (all types of structures)
10
Installation Performance Based Training: Remove exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
2
Installation Performance Based Training: Reinstall exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Excavation for ground counterpoise
5
Installation Performance Based Training: Perform Ground Testing
4
Installation Performance Based Training: Grounding – (Counterpoise Tails, Bus Bars, Riser, Raised Floor, etc.)
8
Design of basic lightning protection systems
5
Job Coordination
4
Roof Coordination
2
Apprentice Test 3- LPI Master Installer 1 Test
2
OSHA 30
30
First Aid / CPR Certification
6
Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
26
Thorough review of NFPA780
8
Review of Annex A-O Annex A- Explanatory Material Annex B- Principles of Lightning Protection Annex C- Explanation of Bonding Principles Annex D- Inspection and Maintenance of Lightning Protection Systems Annex E- Ground Measurement Techniques Annex F- Protection for Trees Annex G- Protection for Picnic Grounds, Playgrounds, Ball Parks, and Other Open Places Annex H- Protection for Livestock in Fields Annex I- Protection fr Parked Aircraft Annex J- Protection of Smart Structures Annex K- Guide to International Standards Dealing with the Selection of SPDs for use on Photovoltaic Installations Annex L- Lightning Rist Assessment Annex M- Guide for Personal Safety from Lightning Annex N- Reserved for Future Annex O- Informational References
Thorough review of UL96A
8
Review of Supplement SA- Material Requirements Re-enforce Sections 1-26