Terms of Reference (ToR): Conducting a feasibility study on the Lightning Early Warning System (LEWS)

Terms of Reference (ToR)

Conducting a feasibility study on the Lightning Early Warning System (LEWS)

(Identifying high-risk areas prone to lightning strikes and selecting appropriate technologies and equipment for detection and warning)

Organizational Context

Established in 2001, ISET-Nepal is a catalytic Think Tank specializing in interdisciplinary policy research and piloting initiatives at the local level. It conducts interdisciplinary studies, pilots activities, implements programs and facilitates policy dialogues addressing social and environmental challenges. ISET generates empirical evidence to inform policies across five key themes: Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, the Changing Rural-Urban Continuum, Climate, Water, Ecosystem, Food and Livelihood Interdependence, Energy System and Management, and Public-Sector Governance. By enhancing knowledge and capacities, ISET-Nepal strives to foster a society capable of effectively managing these challenges.

Project Overview

ISET Nepal, with support from DCA Nepal, is implementing an urban Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) project called "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions–Making Cities Resilient (NEXUS-Plus)" in the Changunarayan Municipality. This initiative aims to promote resilient and sustainable urban growth in an area prone to multiple disasters due to rapid urbanization, hilly terrain, fragile geology, and climate change impacts. Changunarayan Municipality has been advancing in disaster preparedness and management but requires external support in terms of knowledge and resources.

The project targets vulnerable populations, including low-and middle-income groups, women, marginalized communities, and the elderly, who are disproportionately affected by disasters. It aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which focuses on making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Implemented between 2021 and 2022, the project "Risk to Resilience through Collective Local Actions" aims to reduce vulnerability to recurrent disasters in Changunarayan Municipality. The initiative has garnered interest from the municipality and its residents due to the tangible benefits observed. It has supported green enterprises in enhancing resilience amidst challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and other disasters, promoting sustainable livelihood practices. Moreover, the project has influenced local policies to strengthen disaster resilience within the city.

Lightning Risk Assessment Activity

Hazards in the form of lightning and electrical shocks cause huge yearly losses in Nepal. Lightning took the lives of 160 people in the year 2017/18, becoming the third greatest killer among major disasters in Nepal. Electrical hazards due to lack of proper precautions and awareness are rampant.

Lightning strikes cause tremendous losses each year and pose a threat to property. It can cause severe damage to physical structures and can claim lives. A comprehensive structural protection system is required to protect a building and its occupants from possible lightning-related damage. With foremost importance, it should be understood that the purpose of a lightning protection system designed for a structure is to intercept a lightning-stepped leader approaching the building and pass the lightning current safely into the ground without creating any dangerous potential rise.

Requirement for Risk Assessment

A risk assessment IEC 62305-2 is required before installing or upgrading a lightning protection system. It will help identify the type of Lightning Protection System to be installed if needed. To conduct a risk assessment, the following information would be required:

• Dimensions and use of the structure.
• Types and characteristics of the equipment to be protected.
• Construction details such as floor surfaces, roof types, and wall materials.
• Relative location of the structure to its neighbors' buildings and services such as gas, water, and electrical power. 
• Details and characteristics of all incoming services, such as gas, water, and electrical power. 
• Types of cable used for power, telecommunications, and data
• Earthing Systems (Earthing Arrangement)
• Details of any listings or Conservation area restrictions
• Details of any communication masts installed on the building

A lightning protection risk assessment evaluates whether a building and its surrounding environment are at risk of a lightning strike. This study also determines whether the structure requires a lightning protection system to mitigate the risk of damage and injury. It can be used to determine which structures on a site would likely benefit from the addition of lightning protection systems, and which structures do not need additional protection measures. 

Objectives

The main objective of the lightning risk assessment is to investigate, study, and identify the risk of lightning strikes to the archeological structure, its visitors & staff and provide recommendations for appropriate protective measures. The specific objectives are as follows: 

1. To ensure safety: Assess the risks associated with lightning strikes and ensure the safety of visitors, staff, and the structural integrity of monuments.
2. Compliance with IEC 62305: Evaluate lightning protection requirements and implement measures in compliance with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 62305 standards.
3. Preservation of cultural heritage: Protect the historical and artistic value of the structure from potential lightning damage.
4. Risk identification and mitigation: Identify vulnerabilities and recommend solutions to minimize the risk to life, infrastructure, and electrical systems.
5. Resilience enhancement: Provide solutions for appropriate protective measures (level of protection) to improve the structure's resilience against lightning through sustainable protection measures.

Scope of the work

1. Make a field survey of UNESCO World Heritage monuments at Changunarayan, including potential hotels in the municipality.
2. Study the landscape, topography and the environment of the structure.
3. Obtain the lightning density map and its value to be incorporated in the risk assessment.
4. Make a detailed risk assessment survey of the structure and electrical system, and measure the soil resistivity.
5. Compute the detailed risk assessment considering the factors given in the IEC 62305-2.
6. Recommend the most appropriate protective measure against lightning complying with the IEC 62305-3.
7. Prepare a design for a lightning protection system based on the required level.
8. Prepare the Bill of Quantity (BoQ) based on the recommended level of protection.

Deliverables

A detailed risk assessment report incorporating:

• Identification of lightning-related risks.
• Evaluation of the probability of lightning strikes based on a lightning flash density map.
• Analysis of potential damage (human safety, cultural loss, structural harm, and electrical failure).
• Recommendations for lightning protection systems (LPS), including air terminals, down-conductors, and grounding systems.
• Surge protection measures for electrical and electronic equipment.
• Design and drawing of lightning protection system as per the required level of protection.
• Budget estimation for implementing mitigation measures.
• Bill of Quantity for the protective measures complying with IEC 62305-3

Reporting

• Establish clear communication channels for disseminating research findings to stakeholders.
• Develop targeted communication materials for the public on Lightning risks and mitigation strategies in Nepali and English version.
• Support the reporting documents on the decision-making of urban disaster sustainability and resilience of the city

Qualifications

The expected qualifications and competencies required for the consultant/consultancy agency include: 

• The consultant should have a PhD/Master's degree in Lightning research and other atmospheric phenomena, including Climate change issues.
• Minimum of ten years' experience in lightning research.
• Experience in conducting risk assessment research.
• Having good knowledge of Data analysis and GIS.
• Ability to communicate fluently in Nepali and English both verbally and in writing.
• Skill in information management.
• Computer skills and experience.

Consultancy Budgeting

The consultant/consultancy agency will be paid based on the agreed per project/activities (under Global Price), without additional coverage for travel, accommodation, and other relevant expenses.

Application Process

Interested individuals/Agencies are invited to submit their application, including a detailed CV, a cover letter describing their proposed approach to lightning risk assessment, references, and their expected amount for lightning risk assessment activity.

Submissions should be sent to procurement@isetnepal.org.np by February 10, 2025.

Contact Information: For inquiries and submissions, please contact procurement@isetnepal.org.np or +977 01 5910910