26 June 2025

Introduction

Lightning is a naturally occurring but often underestimated hazard that poses serious risks to human life, critical infrastructure, and ongoing construction activities. Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia lie within the “Lightning Belt,” where thunderstorm days exceed 180 per year. The Tokai ALRAS Lightning Warning System (LWS) offers a timely and accurate method of mitigating this risk, particularly for construction sites and open areas, in full compliance with international and local safety frameworks. This paper outlines the technical justification, compliance support, and incident references for adopting the Tokai ALRAS LWS, especially within Southeast Asia.

Global and Regional Compliance Frameworks

International Safety Frameworks 

• OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act – Section 5(a)(1)): The General Duty Clause mandates employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards, including lightning. The Tokai ALRAS fulfills this obligation by pre-emptively alerting site personnel before lightning strikes occur.
• ISO 14001: Emphasizes environmental protection and risk preparedness. ALRAS contributes to environmental safety.
• ISO 31000: Provides a structured framework for risk identification, evaluation, and mitigation.
• MS IEC 62305:2024: Malaysia Standard adapted from IEC 62305, covering comprehensive lightning protection including early warning protocols for construction sites and open areas.

Government Endorsements in SEA

• Malaysia: MS IEC 62305 adopted as a national standard. Energy Commission (ST) mandates compliance under Akta 447.
• Singapore: IEC 62305 adapted and reclassified as Singapore Standard SS555. HDB has adopted LWS since 2018.
• Indonesia: Encouragement from private sector to use LWS despite absence in national building codes.

Tokai ALRAS Lightning Warning System Overview

The Tokai ALRAS (Automatic Lightning Risk Alert System) issues preemptive alerts based on real-time atmospheric electric field monitoring.

Main features: 

• Real-time lightning threat detection
• Automatic siren and strobe alerts
• Multi-tiered warnings
• Remote alert and cloud reporting
• Compact version (ALRAS Mini) for smaller sites
• Provides 20–30 minutes’ warning to enable structured safety responses

Case Studies of Lightning Incidents in Southeast Asia

Malaysia – Construction Site Fatality (2019) 

In May 2019, a 34-year-old construction worker in Shah Alam was killed by lightning while working on scaffolding. The site lacked any early warning system. This tragedy emphasizes the need for LWS protocols. 

Singapore – Construction Worker Fatality (December 2023) 

In December 2023, a 41-year-old Bangladeshi worker was struck and killed by lightning at a Tengah construction site. Although standard safety measures were in place, no LWS had been deployed. The incident prompted authorities to call for the implementation of dedicated early-warning systems.

Singapore – HDB Worker Struck (2018)

A HDB maintenance worker was struck while doing rooftop repairs. This led to HDB mandating LWS in high-rise projects. Since 2018, no related fatalities reported in HDB-managed sites with LWS.

Indonesia – Football Team Lightning Tragedy (2022)

In Ciamis province, West Java, a 21-year-old footballer died from a lightning strike during a match. The BMKG called for improved public alert systems like lightning detectors.

Importance of Early Warning for Construction Sites

Construction sites are vulnerable due to:

• Tall cranes, scaffolding, and metal structures
• Workers exposed in open/elevated areas
• Evacuation delays due to logistics

Tokai ALRAS LWS addresses this by:

• Providing 30 minutes’ warning
• Assisting safety officers with alert protocols
• Enabling compliance and reporting

Benefits of Tokai ALRAS Lightning Warning System:

• Real-time detection for proactive evacuation
• Fully compliant with MS IEC 62305
• Scalable standalone/cloud-linked options
• Clear siren/strobe integration
• Proven use by Singapore HDB and others