LIGHTNING ACCIDENTS AT THE BUS STOP SHELTERS

Bus stop shelters discussed in paper are widely used on roads of different categories in Ukraine. They have been designed to provide weather protection to passengers, but are not able to protect people from Iightning. Ukrainian Iightning protection (LP) norms do not require LP of such structures. Case studies of two very similar Iightning accidents with plural sufferers (11 and 5) occurred in 2008 and 2009 at such shelters are presented in paper. For these shelters the risk analysis is made according to IEC 62305-2. Also the currents flowing through a human body when leader is approaching and striking tree next to shelter are simulated for different conditions (with and without shelter or tree). Discussion on results of simulation and analysis, and recommendations on safety aspects at bus stop shelters, on their LP, and on need to develop related approaches are provided.