Nearly 3 million Us personnel are hurt on the job each year, and poor lights are responsible for the most frequent accidents, including slips, trips, falls, and contact with objects and equipment. Despite the risks related to poor lighting, a lot more than 90% of industrial facilities still count on conventional fixtures2, namely high-pressure sodium (HPS), which are notorious for unnatural orange glow, insufficient light output, short lifespan, and potential danger from mercury exposure. (Download a full-size picture of the infographic snipped below.)
Research shows that only improving workplace lighting is effective in reducing accidents as much as 60% percent3; in industrial facilities, this might mean the difference between life and death for workers who work in these harsh conditions. Modern, long-lasting led strip lights is the ideal solution which will help to dramatically reduce the chance of industrial accidents by providing a safer, well-lit environment. Listed here are five ways upgrading to industrial-grade LED lighting can improve plant safety.
Improved color rendering – A typical HPS bulb produces illumination having a color rendering index (CRI) of under 30, which results in that unnatural orange glow that distorts colors. This makes it difficult for workers to discern between colors on hazmat placards, wiring, and labels, all of these rely on color-coding for effectiveness and safety. By comparison, industrial LEDs boast a CRI of 70 or over, for a much more natural color that mimics natural daylight. This provides optimal illumination to boost workers’ color perception.
Increased alertness – Fatigue and drowsiness are contributors to accidents and injuries4, which could become even more problematic in overnight shift work. Compared to the low CRI of antiquated HPS fixtures, which may lower mood as well as levels among workers4, the white light of modern LEDs actually reduces fatigue and makes workers feel 5 times more alert.5 One CDC study even found that quad row led tape lights helped people detect trip hazards 94% faster6, which alone could lessen a large number of accidents annually.
Instant on – In the event of a power outage, normally it takes HPS fixtures approximately 20 minutes to return to full output. During that time, visibility is severely limited through the low light conditions, which can be a whole lot worse than usual. In contrast, LEDs come on instantly, as soon as power is restored, which means full visibility the split second the backup generators kick on.
Less maintenance – Besides their poor lighting, simply maintaining HPS fixtures can also be dangerous because of the chance of electrocution and falls from ladders or lifts. And, due to their short lifespan, bulbs must be changed out frequently, which puts workers in danger each and every time. Industrial LEDs, on the other hand, last three times longer than HPS – even up to and including decade or even more. That means significantly less lighting maintenance and fewer maintenance staff at risk.
Zero mercury exposure – One particular HPS bulb contains enough mercury vapor to poison a complete classroom full of children.7 That means just one broken bulb can put workers at risk of mercury exposure that can cause severe toxicity symptoms, some that may have lifelong implications. LED fixtures contain zero mercury or some other harmful chemicals, making them a much safer fqzzjr in industrial applications.
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, LED fixtures can “significantly decrease the frequency of accidents related to the constant maintenance, operation and repair of flexible led strip lights.”8 By virtue of the long-life performance, reduced maintenance, and improved visibility, LEDs are an essential consideration with regards to the short-term safety and long-term health of industrial workers.
Comprehensive Industrial Lighting – Lighting for manufacturing and industry spans through the inside to the outside – from retail showrooms to warehouses. Fortunately, we have products for all your needs. Our range includes warehouse for rent and retail lighting and lights for high ceiling manufacturing areas. LEDified’s automated product range includes motion sensor technology, daylight harvesting and outdoor flood lights, which can even be utilized in sporting arenas.
