Final answer:
All areas and facilities that store or handle ammunition typically need a lightning protection system to ensure safety and compliance with military and industry standards. These systems include lightning rods, grounding systems, and are designed based on specific criteria such as the type of munitions and local lightning data.
Step-by-step explanation:
Yes, areas and facilities storing or handling ammo generally require a lightning protection system (LPS) to ensure safety. The purpose of an LPS is to protect personnel, structures, and munitions from lightning strikes, which can ignite the ammunition and lead to catastrophic explosions. In accordance with military and industrial standards, such as the U.S. Department of Defense Explosives Safety Board (DDESB) guidelines and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, lightning protection systems are a vital part of ammo storage and handling facilities' safety measures.
These LPS systems are carefully designed to control the path of lightning strikes and dissipate the electrical energy safely into the ground. They commonly include lightning rods or air terminals, down conductors, and grounding systems. Factors like the structure's size and location, the type of munitions stored, and local lightning strike data are considered during the design and installation of an efficient LPS. Regular maintenance and inspections are also critical to ensure the continuing effectiveness of the LPS.