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Lightning Protection Technician
Published
Hybrid Apprenticeship
Industries
O*Net Code
47-2111.00
Rapids Code
2096HY
Req. Hours
4800
State
DC
Created
Jul 16, 2021
Updated
Jul 16, 2021
Time-Based Skills
7 skill sets | 39 total skills
Preliminary Work - 100 req. hrs
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 - 500 req. hrs
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 - 2000 req. hrs
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.
Exothermic welding from conductor to steel, from conductor to conductor, and from conductor to ground rods.
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 - 500 req. hrs
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 - 1000 req. hrs
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 - 500 req. hrs
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 - 200 req. hrs
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.
Technical Instruction
Safety: Year One - 78 req. hrs
Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
Introduction to Safety & PPE
GHS/SDS
Review OSHA JJ Keller Book (optional)
Weather Safety
Exothermic Welding Certification
Basic Fall Protection Certification
Basic Ladder Safety Certification
Safe Digging/811
Horizontal lifeline
Fall Rescue
Aerial Lift Certification
First Aid/CPR Certification
Job Site Analysis Forms
Onsite Safety Meetings
Use of PPE
Use of ladders/tie off
Use of fall protection (harness/lanyard/ropes/lifelines, etc.)
Installation Performance Based Training: Year One - 40 req. hrs
Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs)
Pitched roofs
Flat roofs/Multi-level roofs
Irregular roofs/Domed roofs
Safety: Year Two - 70 req. hrs
Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
Basic Forklift Certification
OSHA 10 Card
Job Site Analysis Forms
Horizontal Lifeline
Fall Rescue
Use of PPE
Safe use of hand tools
Safe use of power tools
Onsite Safety Meetings
Use of ladders/tie off
Use of fall protection (harness/lanyard/ropes/lifelines, etc.)
Installation Performance Based Training: Year Two - 92 req. hrs
Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs)
Installation of ground rods/plate/radials
Exothermic Welding
Installation of concealed downleads
Installation of exposed downleads
Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
Installation of concealed roof circuit rough in
Installation of concealed air terminal
Installation of secondary bonding
Safety: Year Three - 64 req. hrs
Company Safety Training/Testing (Toolbox Topics, etc.)
Repelling/Bosun Chair Certification
First Aid / CPR Certification
Use of PPE
Use of ladders / tie off
Use of fall protection (harness/lanyard/ropes/lifelines, etc.)
Onsite Safety Meetings
Excavation Training & Certification
Installation Performance Based Training: Year Three - 64 req. hrs
Perform continuity testing for bonding
Marking roof for roof pads/pavers/strips/etc.
Installation of rebar bonding
Installation of ground rods/plate/radials
Exothermic Welding
Installation of ground wells
Installation of ground counterpoise
Installation of concealed downleads
Installation of exposed downleads
Installation of through-roof/wall connections (all types of structures)
Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs)
Installation of secondary bonding (all types of structures)
Remove exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
Reinstall exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
Excavation for ground counterpoise
Installation Performance Based Training: Year Four - 119 req. hrs
Installation of ground rods/plate/radials
Installation of concealed downleads
Installation of exposed downleads
Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
Installation of concealed roof circuit rough in
Installation of concealed air terminals
Installation on chimneys
Marking roof for roof pads/pavers/strips/etc.
Installation of rebar bonding
Installation of ground wells
Exothermic Welding
Installation of ground counterpoise
Installation of through-roof/wall connections (all types of structures)
Installation of common bonding (gas/water/electric/etc.)
Installation of roof circuit (all types of structures/roofs)
Installation of secondary bonding (all types of structures)
Remove exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
Reinstall exposed lightning protection (reroof scope of work)
Excavation for ground counterpoise
Perform Ground Testing
Grounding – (Counterpoise Tails, Bus Bars, Riser, Raised Floor, etc.)
