Alan Dransfield's Blog

Email sent March 16, 2014 8:46 AM
Lightning Protection Dangers at the Exeter Chief Rugby Stadium

Dear Mr Bradshaw

As you are aware, I am on record with you ref my fears and concerns for public safety at both the Rugby Stadium and the Rugby Pedestrian Bridge. In particular, I refer to the Lightning Protection Systems (LPS).

It is a proven fact the Rugby Pedestrian Bridge has been operating in a legal void for 7/8 since it was commissioned owing to the LPS failures, which are well- documented in the As Built Health and Safety Files, which you have a copy and this matter is now before the Court of Appeal.

I now turn to the LPS safety or the lack of safety related to the Exeter Chief Rugby Stadium itself.

The Rugby Stadium owners and the DCC are on record that the stadium is compliant with the Lightning Protection Regulation and they have a certificate from Redpath Buchanan claiming full compliance…..

…..I note the extension works at the Exeter Chiefs has just started and it would appear to me the new stadium works will exacerbate the current LPS dangers.

I am deeply concerned that dozens/hundreds of people could be seriously injured or killed at the Rugby Stadium and the Bridge, and I call upon my MP to write to the appropriate oversight for sports stadium safety authority to inspect the LPS on both structures, bridge and stadium.

I am more than willing to accompany you and other authorities around the stadium to discuss my fears and allegations.

I reiterate that the Stadium and the Pedestrian Bridge are non-compliant to the BS/EN 62305/2008 regulations.

No person applying a right and proper mind can say the Bridge or the Stadium is compliant to the aforementioned standards.

I look forward to your response.

With thanks

Yours sincerely

Alan M Dransfield

http://files.devon.gov.uk/foi/Operation%20Maintenance%20Manual%20-%20Full%20(redacted).pdf

The recent release of the Operation Maintenance Manual for the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Bridge (ECRB) is the “smoking gun” that proves shenanigans with the DCC/ICO and Upper Tribunal because the OMM clearly proves the ECRB DID NOT have any Lightning Protection Systems or Lightning Risk Assessment, as reported by the them.

I believe the the GIA/3037/2011 decision is therefore unsafe and should be withdrawn from HM Statute Book. This case is currently before the Court of Appeal.

Dear Sir

I would be most grateful if you would forward a copy of this correspondence to your CEO. There is compelling prima facie evidence in the public domain that the pedestrian bridge adjacent to your rugby stadium has not been provisioned with adequate Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) or Lightning Risk Assessment (LRA).

In particular, I refer to the Operation Maintenance Manual (OMM) for the Rugby Bridge, which was published last week by Devon County Council.

The worst case scenario is that lightning strikes the bridge during a home game whilst the bridge is loaded with 400 – 500 spectators. It would surely result in multiple injuries or deaths because the Bridge has not (repeat NOT) been provisioned with adequate Lightning Protection Systems, as clearly confirmed in the OMM.

Moreover and more importantly, I do believe the same applies to the Rugby Stadium but because the Rugby Club is a PLC, I am unable to serve you with a FOIA request.

In the interest of Public Safety, I would urge the Exeter Chiefs to undertake an independent LPS Survey of your stadium with particular emphasis drawn to the floodlights stanchions and the stadium LPS.

I will gladly visit your ground to point out the numerous LPS Failures.

With thanks

Yours sincerely

Alan M Dransfield