Proper lighting on jobsites is a must for more productive operations. However, not all lights and lighting fixtures are the same. Lights come in different illumination, temperature levels and effects. So, how do you choose the right lighting for your requirements? Let’s find out;
Consider The Right Lighting for Your Application
Create an appropriate lighting plan by specifying the types of activity that’ll require illumination. Each job should have an illumination target. Lamps are measured in lumens (lm), referring to the total amount of visible light emitted, in which one lux is equivalent to one lumen per square meter.
Jobsites can be construction, demolition, or mining sites, among others. Using a light tower configuration app or photometric charts is a good idea to visualise and determine the number of light towers required in your jobsite.
Here are some examples of applications and lighting plan recommended:
- Construction Sites: Construction work should be effective and safe in insufficient natural light periods using suitable artificial lighting. Walkways are usually illuminated by die-cast aluminum bulkhead lamps with a translucent polycarbonate diffuser.
- Mining Sites: For mining sites, using mining lighting towers is highly recommended because they are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. LED lighting towers have superior super bright light, perfect for mining operations.
Consider Jobsite Safety
Poor jobsite lighting can lead to headaches, eye strain, fatigue, stress and accidents. Hence, proper lighting is crucial for workers’ health and safety. So, how do you ensure a safe jobsite in terms of lighting?
Installing task lights and pedestrian lights is crucial in ensuring safety in jobsites. Pedestrian lights come in blue and red lights. Blue lights are often mounted on the rear of trucks because forklifts are in reverse most of the time when most accidents happen.
Blue lights, when mounted in front of trucks, can block the light beam in forward travel. But this can be avoided by adding a one direction blue light and a red light in another, informing other forklifts and pedestrians that they’re approaching.
Engine And Generator Size
The lighting in your jobsite can affect the requirements for the engine and generator size of the light tower. Consider the power and amount of light required for the application. For instance, light tower manufacturers provide six to 20-killowatt generators.
The power required to operate lights and the engine or generator capability should provide additional power to run a water pump, trailer, or other equipment. For example, if a light tower takes 6 kilowatts to run, choosing a 20-kilowatt generator is a good idea to run power tools.
Environmental Impact
The construction industry generates 39% of global carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions, so experts are trying to create environmentally friendly and energy-efficient construction projects. Choose an LED lighting in your jobsite can help you achieve these goals.
Light bulbs using LED technology reduce your energy bills are more environmentally friendly than other types of lights such as compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), High-Intensity Discharge (HID), and incandescent bulbs.
Here are the reasons why LED lights are environmentally friendly:
- LED bulbs use less lumen or power per unit of light emitted. Hence, reducing power plant greenhouse emissions.
- LED bulbs don’t contain mercury, unlike High-Intensity Discharge or HID lamps.
- LED lights comply with the Restriction of Hazardous Substances.
Choose A Reliable Lighting Supplier
There are many companies manufacturing industrial lights, so it’s important to choose the right supplier that offers high-quality products. Take a look at the following tips when choosing a lighting supplier for your jobsite:
- Check The Lighting Company’s Track Record: Review the company’s website for testimonials and review sites and the supplier’s social media page for comments. By doing so, you’ll be able to gauge the credibility and expertise of the lighting supplier.
- Check Their Products: Make sure that the lighting supplier manufactures or distributes high-quality lighting products. Does the company offer some sort of warranty for their lighting products?
- Customer Service: Choose a lighting vendor that you can easily reach whenever issues arise. Try to contact the company’s customer service number, chat, or email to determine response time.
Conclusion
Considering the right industrial lighting impacts the health and well-being of workers and promotes productivity. When choosing a light for your jobsite, determine for lumen output. Know how much light is required to illuminate your jobsite. Determine additional efficiency and safety features of the light tower. These lighting features can save money and time, improving jobsite safety.