Safety should always be the number one priority in industrial facilities. Well-designed lighting plays a key role in preventing accidents and injuries as well as boosting productivity. However, many factories and warehouses still rely on outdated and inadequate lighting setups that compromise visibility and create hazardous shadows and glare.
By leveraging the latest advancements in industrial lighting technology and design strategies, facility managers can optimize illumination for better visibility, safety and operational efficiency. Lighting improvements also create more comfortable and productive work environments.
This article explores the strong link between lighting quality and workplace safety, factors to consider when selecting industrial lighting, and the 5 best options available today for illuminating large manufacturing floors, task zones, transitional spaces, outdoor yards and more.
Implementing the right lighting solutions significantly improves visibility, reduces eye strain, lowers accidents and conveys a sense of security in industrial facilities - ultimately protecting the most valuable asset, the workforce.
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High quality lighting is proven to enhance productivity, comfort, safety and wellbeing in industrial workspaces. Some key benefits include:
In contrast, inadequate lighting causes eye fatigue, headaches, reduced situational awareness, dangerous shadows, errors and trips or falls. This directly translates into higher workplace accident rates, injuries, absenteeism and poor efficiency. Investing into optimized lighting is vital for heavy industrial settings.
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When evaluating and selecting the optimal lighting solutions for industrial facilities, some key considerations include:
Light Levels: Providing adequate illuminance measured in lux/lumens as per industry standards for different zones like warehouses (250 lux), assembly (500 lux), detailed tasks (1000+ lux).
Uniformity: Consistent lighting distribution without pools of dark and bright areas. High uniformity enhances visibility and safety.
Glare Control: Choosing fixtures with diffusers, louvers and optics to avoid visual discomfort and glare from harsh light sources.
Color Quality: Optimal color rendering for accurate visibility and differentiation of objects. Cool white light aids focus while warm white light reduces eye strain.
Flicker Control: Flicker-free lighting using LED technology prevents stroboscopic effects that impact safety.
ZG/Zone Lighting: Task tuning specific area lighting tailored to needs rather than uniformly bright lighting unsuitable for all applications.
Automation & Control: Occupancy and daylight responsive lighting via sensors and timers to maximize efficiency.
Energy Efficiency: Leveraging technology like LEDs to cut lighting-related electricity costs by up to 90% while boosting visibility.
Hazardous Areas: Using lighting rated for hazardous zones with explosion-proof or non-sparking construction.
Incorporating these factors into the lighting design process allows creating a comfortable, safe and productive environment for employees while optimizing energy efficiency. The ultimate goal is lighting the space, not the place.
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Here are 5 of the top lighting solutions recommended for efficiently and safely illuminating the diverse zones and tasks within manufacturing facilities:
High bay LED fixtures are ideal replacements for outdated HID high bay lighting used in warehouses, assembly lines, gymnasium-like spaces up to 40 feet tall. Benefits include:
This powerful, long-lasting LED solution illuminates expansive industrial floors consistently and energy-efficiently.
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Dedicated task lighting aimed at machines, assembly benches, inspection stations and other task locations boosts visibility and productivity. Solutions include:
Localized quality illumination tailored to the visual demands of the task reduces eyestrain and errors to keep work both efficient and safe.
Backup emergency and exit lighting activates instantly during power outages to facilitate safe evacuation and prevent mishaps. Options include:
Proper emergency lighting provides essential visibility for safe evacuation and navigation when normal lighting fails.
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Motion sensors that automatically switch on lighting when detecting movement help conserve energy in transitional spaces with intermittent foot traffic. Applications include:
This intelligence eliminates the need to light seldom-used areas permanently. Instant activation also deters crime and aids visibility.
Controlling direct glare is critical for avoiding visual discomfort. Technologies include:
Glare control promotes visual ease, safety and accuracy in performing industrial tasks over extended periods. This enhances comfort and productivity.
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With continuous advancements in lighting, it is important to periodically review and update industrial lighting to leverage the latest technology. Some best practices include:
Proactively optimizing lighting improves visibility, prevents eye fatigue, lowers accident rates and provides pleasant work environments to boost productivity.
Safety and productivity in manufacturing facilities depend directly on providing optimal lighting tailored to the diverse tasks performed. With advancements in technology like LEDs and integrated lighting controls, industrial facilities now have immense flexibility in creating comfortable, efficient and code-compliant lighting zones that reduce risks.
Beyond just illuminating spaces, lighting can make environments more enjoyable to work in. Strategic use of brighter cool light keeps workers alert during shifts while warmer hues facilitate relaxation during breaks. Smart networked systems respond automatically based on usage patterns and hazards. And modern, sleekly designed fixtures uplift the overall space visually.
The leading approach today is human-centric lighting focused on occupant needs. With ROI achievable within 1-3 years of upgrades, the incentives are strong for industrial facilities to reevaluate lighting needs frequently in balance with changing safety standards and available technology. The rewards are multi-fold - from happier, healthier employees, reduced risks and costs, to sustainable energy savings. Lighting ultimately facilitates the efficient, reliable and safe manufacturing processes fundamental to every industry.
Jaquar’s quality LED solutions are the best to upgrade your industrial lighting. These include COB downlights, LED panels, batten tubes and wall section lights which Jaquar offers in variety for industrial purposes. This technology guarantees energy efficiency, durability, and good lighting making it ideal for industries that need a high level of security and higher output. You can Visit their stores to explore further on this subject and also step up your lighting system at your facility today.
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The key initial steps are:
The focus must be on areas with the greatest safety risks first. Then progressively optimizing other zones as budgets allow over time.
Industrial lighting systems should be thoroughly inspected once every 2-3 years. Light levels should be measured to check maintained illuminance against standards. Fixtures must be upgraded proactively as they approach end-of-usable life to avoid failures. The controls system must also be periodically inspected and tuned to match evolving usage needs and patterns.
More frequent spot inspections every 6-12 months are also recommended to check for failed fixtures, lighting uniformity issues or inconsistent functioning of controls like sensors and timers. Any deficiencies must be addressed promptly.
With continuous advancements in LEDs, it is also wise to explore upgrading older lighting every 5-7 years to capitalize on greater energy savings and illumination quality. The regularity of upgrades depends on the operating hours and wear-and-tear conditions.
Yes, improved lighting visibility has a direct correlation with workplace accident reduction. Some key statistics validating this are:
By conducting regular pre-and-post analysis of accident rates, it is possible to quantify and demonstrate the safety dividends lighting improvements deliver over the long-term.
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