Trends in … lighting

A domino effect on occupational injuries. That’s what a lack of adequate lighting in the workplace can have, a safety expert from Grainger says.

An example?

“Poor lighting can cause an increase in ergonomic injuries (head, neck and back injuries) as workers contort their bodies to increase their vision.” This and other scenarios make lighting “an often overlooked yet critical aspect of safe operations.” 

But it’s not just the lighting itself. “Managers and their employees [need to] take more time to review how new lights operate,” said Aaron Freund, director of sales – industrial for Streamlight.

That includes familiarizing themselves with new features and safety enhancements. “Every new feature in today’s lights has been carefully designed and engineered to safely support workers,” Freund said. Because of this, it benefits managers to “pay close attention to rapidly changing technology and enhancements so they are better equipped to train personnel on specifics, which in turn leads to a safer working environment.”

And, of course, workers need to be using the right lighting tool. “Workers need to understand which flashlight, lantern or headlamp carries the proper approval ratings for the environment in which they will use it,” Freund said. “In the United States, many lights now have safety rating approval based on the requirements of the ANSI/UL 783 standard, the specific standard for flashlights used in hazardous locations, or ANSI/UL 913, the intrinsically safe standard for general electronic equipment.

“While either standard can direct certification to Division 1 level, workers must understand the importance of class, group and temperature code requirements when selecting the correct flashlight for specific applications.”

Compiled with the assistance of the International Safety Equipment Association

Coming next month:

• Respiratory protection
• Safety signs/labels