Table of Contents
3.1 Natural Sunlight (Effects on Daytime Dysfunction)
3.2 Traditional Lighting Systems and LEDs
3.3 Optimizing Illumination with Lighting Accessories
4.2 Circadian Rhythms in Shift/Night Work
4.3 Manufacturing and Industrials
4.5 Windowless Work Environments
5.2 Glare, Light Trespass and Avoiding Accidents
6.0 Best Practices and Lighting Implementation
1.0 Executive Summary
This white paper examines the effects of lighting systems in work-related environments. As lighting technologies available on the market today vary greatly from a cost and performance perspective, an overview comparison of light sources serves as an introduction to the topic. Natural sunlight and its impact on indoor and outdoor sites are also thoroughly covered in the paper. Moreover, this report takes a closer look at benefits of lighting for business owners and workers in dangerous work environments.
These days, devices, such as sensors, can be leveraged to optimize illumination, reduce energy consumption and automate basic functions of lights. When deployed in busy or demanding work sites, lighting accessories may further improve the efficiency of lamps. Next, lighting characteristics are capable of influencing the habits, output and health of professionals exposed to lamps on a regular basis. Such factors include the following: color temperature, over illumination, glare, flickering and blue/red light levels.
Larson Electronics, is a leading manufacturer of industrial lighting systems, explosion proof equipment, portable light towers and power distribution stations. Based in Texas, the company leverages 40 years of experience in the highly competitive lighting industry. Fueling its success, the establishment is a leader in promoting the latest lighting trends, providing durable lighting products and understanding the illuminative needs of businesses operating in industrial and commercial sectors.
2.0 Introduction
In industrial sectors and for operators working in dangerous environments, lights are crucial to promoting safety. The use of lights in such sites, which include elevated locations, hazardous locations and confined spaces, is governed by various government organizations and regulators. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces lighting standards to reduce injuries and unforeseen accidents. Recommendations from OSHA provide specific light intensities, depending on the type of work and facility. For instance, OSHA suggests 5 foot candles of illumination for general underground areas (1926.56[a] Construction) and at least 3 lumens for general areas in vessels (1915.82[a][2] Shipyard Employment).
I order to maximize the benefits of lighting in the workplace, lamps must be optimized to suit the needs of the location. An example of optimized illumination is the use of LED lights with high color temperature ratings inside buildings that cater to night-shift workers. This practice is backed by a ground-breaking study published in the journal US National Library of Medicine
National Institutes of Health (Effects of Color Temperature and Brightness on Electroencephalogram Alpha Activity in a Polychromatic Light-emitting Diode), which suggests that individuals exposed to color temperature ratings above 5918K may benefit from increased attention span and cognitive function.
It is important to highlight that optimized illumination can be facilitated by lighting accessories, such as day/night photocells and motion sensors. Through quick reaction to changing activities and environmental conditions, such practices may help reduce the unwanted effects of over illumination, glare and light trespass. To effectively cater to the needs of busy facilities, balanced illumination is preferred as too much lighting can negatively affect the performance of workers. Exposure to extremely bright or direct light sources can contribute to blind spots, headaches, visual fatigue, anxiety and erroneous actions. Thus, lighting systems in the workplace must be carefully assessed and implemented to ensure such unwanted effects are avoided.
3.0 Types of Light Sources
Before artificial light, people relied solely on natural sunlight for illumination. Many artificial lighting standards today are based on characteristics of sunlight, such as color temperature ratings and spectrum charts. Furthermore, the primary objective of artificial lamps is to provide illumination in low-light areas by mimicking natural sunlight. This correlation suggests that light – both artificial and natural – are vital to productivity.
However, there are some benefits that come with natural sunlight that artificial lighting simply cannot provide. The sun emits UV rays, which are essential to the synthesis of Vitamin D (specifically UVB bands). Individuals who suffer from Vitamin D deficiency are prone to hypertension, depression, cardiac abnormalities and daytime dysfunction. According to a review published in JBI Library of Systematic Reviews (The effects of exposure to natural light in the workplace on the health and productivity of office workers: a systematic review protocol), a few minutes of direct exposure to sunlight in the morning is sufficient for maintaining Vitamin D levels.
Alternatively, exposure to sunlight through glass windows for long periods of time in the morning is also recommended for general well-being (although not as effective). This recommendation stems from the fact that people spend an estimated 80-90 percent of their lives indoors or inside buildings. It is important to highlight that glass blocks roughly 95 percent of UVB rays.
In relation to daytime dysfunction, lack of natural sunlight has the following effects on workers:
- Increased visual strain
- Increased headaches
- Frequent feelings of drowsiness
- Disrupted sleeping patterns
- Disorganization
- Isolation
A survey by Future Workplace, a US-based HR advisory firm, suggests that 33 percent of employees working in offices feel they do not receive enough natural sunlight at work. Almost half (47 percent) of survey participants cited they feel tired when natural sunlight is lacking; while 43 percent reported feeling sad due to below-average lighting conditions. These findings indicate that human beings are naturally drawn to sunlight and require some form of exposure to it to maintain a balanced, positive lifestyle.
Perhaps the biggest issue with the findings above is that natural sunlight is not always available – especially in far-flung regions that experience long, dark winter seasons. Because of this, natural sunlight must be supplemented with artificial lighting systems. In some cases, such as in underground work sites or night-shift work schedules, the ratio of light exposure individuals receive (natural sunlight vs artificial light) heavily favors artificial lights.
Practically speaking, it is not always possible to leverage natural sunlight to the fullest extent for illuminating workspaces. Compliance with building codes, equipment layouts, unforeseen bad weather and the natural movement of the sun makes it very difficult for businesses to optimize exposure to natural sunlight. With this in mind, the use of artificial lighting systems is needed to fill this gap.
In the past century, lighting technology has come a long way. Traditionally, incandescent lights were widely used in workspaces. The characteristics of this type of light are known to be inefficient, compared to other lights on the market today. Roughly 10 percent of energy generated by an incandescent lamp is converted to visible light, while the rest is wasted as heat/infrared. Incandescent lights are dimmable and are associated with above-average CRI ratings – typically over 95 CRI. Color temperature is generally in the low range (roughly 2700K), which decreases as the light is dimmed.
Additionally, incandescent lamps are prone to breakage and premature failure (estimated lamp life ranges between 1,200 hours – 3,000+ hours), due to its filament-based, loose architecture. These limiting characteristics discourage businesses to fully leverage incandescent-based lighting systems in the workplace, as it would be too costly and meticulous to keep them in an “always on” state (prone to maintenance, frequent replacement and increased monthly bills).
Fluorescent lamps, usually in the form linear (tube-style), are common artificial light sources found in commercial offices, paint spray booths, schools and government buildings. Like incandescent units, this type of light also offers accurate CRI ratings. Fluorescent light sources are offered in cool white – with a nominal color temperature rating of 6000K – or warm white – with a nominal color temperature rating of 3000K. This allows building operators to optimize illumination in the location by carefully selecting a lamp with an appropriate color temperature rating (the effects of color temperature on workers and productivity are elaborated in section 4.1 Color Temperature).
A limitation with using fluorescent lights is its reliance on mercury and other harmful substances during illumination, as well as its fragile characteristics. Furthermore, the units are prone to flickering in the latter stages of their lifespan. The presence of a ballast may also serve as a point of failure. Because of such risks, fluorescent lamps are not suitable for dangerous work environments, wherein operators frequently come in close contact with the light. This type of light is also not recommended for portable applications at the “front lines” where rough contact is often experienced, such as confined spaces, pits, tanks and more. On the other hand, fluorescent units are highly useful for general lighting applications and spaces requiring elevated illumination. In rugged workspaces requiring fluorescent illumination, it is possible to protect the units with cages, meshes or shields.
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were introduced to the market to address the drawbacks of traditional lighting systems. Compared to its predecessors, LEDs operate cooler, can efficiently convert energy to light with minimal wastage, come with extended lifespans up to 50,000+ hours before maintenance and provide more powerful illumination. Solid-state builds allow it to withstand rough contact and fluctuating temperatures.
LEDs are highly recommended for businesses looking to improve lighting conditions at the workplace. Below are some advantages of installing LED units at work sites:
- Wide range of color temperature ratings (3,000K to 10,000+K) for catering to various activities and tasks
- Accurate CRI ratings for special, meticulous work
- Compact form factor for installation in tight spaces, hazardous areas
- Low maintenance/repair requirements and operating costs
- Bright and reliable
- Seamless integration with networks, smart systems, control switches, etc. (see section 3 Optimizing Illumination with Lighting Accessories for more information)
From a compliance perspective, LEDs can be used to meet the latest illumination and energy guidelines set by government organizations and safety regulators. One of the quickest and most cost-effective ways to transition to LED lighting systems is through retro-fit solutions.
In order to get the most out of lights at the workplace, the systems should be equipped with accessories. Examples of such components include: switches, wireless networks, motion sensors, photocells, cages, guards, etc. Lighting accessories are designed to promote illumination when it is needed the most; and reduce (or completely turn off) illumination during periods of low activity.
A simple example is the integration of motion sensors with LED high-bay lights at a manufacturing site. Upon detecting movement at the facility, the lights automatically turn on. This action can help keep workers motivated by decreasing exposure to low-light conditions, which could minimize negative effects on mood, natural sleeping patterns (depends on type of shift) and overall tiredness.
Lighting accessories may also help decrease delays experienced during manual activation of lamps. In some cases, the switch is out of reach or no one is available to perform the task. As a solution, timers or network-based controls can be utilized to streamline activation without reliance on human operators. Other types of accessories are designed to improve accuracy and beam placement. For instance, light shields or guards can be used to deter light trespass or glare. When used at busy work sites, such optimized lighting conditions reduce headaches and eye strain associated with light glare. As a result, individuals are less agitated, more focused and are less prone to making errors. Moreover, with less visual stress, operators are more comfortable and could work for extended periods of time.
4.0 Productivity
Lighting systems – specifically color temperature ratings – can affect the productivity rates of workers inside the facility. The general principle surrounding color temperature and lights is exposure to low color temperature rated lamps (between 1,500K and 3,200K) causes individuals to feel unmotivated and tired, while exposure to high color temperature rated fixtures (3,800K or higher) is related to increased productivity and positive moods. Lights with low color temperature ratings mimic sunset and nighttime conditions, which tell the body, “it is almost time to go to sleep.” This results in the production of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland responsible for regulating sleep. When this happens at work, individuals must fight feelings of sleepiness, leading to stress, decreased focus; and in some long-term cases, depression.
On the other hand, exposure to lamps with high color temperature ratings can bring forth increased motivation, resiliency and productivity. This range resembles daytime conditions or active periods of the day. When exposed to such lighting conditions, melatonin production is lessened, causing individuals to feel more alert.
Below are recommendations for applying color temperature ratings at work sites:
- 1,500K to 3,500K (warm-low color temperature range): break rooms, rest areas, hallways, low-activity rooms and storage
- 4,100K to 5,600K (mid color temperature range): conference facilities, general working areas, manufacturing floors and lobbies
- 5,800K to 8,000K+ (high color temperature range): labs, detailed tasks, quality assurance, portable lighting and windowless rooms
The effects of optimized color temperature ratings in the workplace can be felt almost instantaneously. In sites where it is not possible to implement complex lighting strategies, it is advisable to aim for balanced illumination that closely resembles natural lighting conditions (using artificial lighting systems).
By nature, humans are “blue light seekers.” Exposure to blue light helps regulate the Circadian Rhythm of humans, which is a built-in master clock that affects hormones, moods and other essential body functions, such as sleep. The Circadian Rhythm is based on a natural 24-hour cycle. When individuals are exposed to blue light, specifically 480 nm, melanopsin (a pigment found in eyes) signals the suppression of melatonin (hormone responsible for regulating sleep). This results in increased attentiveness/wakefulness, heightened mood and a boost in energy. Long-term or persistent exposure to blue light can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression, as the human body requires rest.
On the other end of the spectrum, red light has an opposite effect on people, causing the body to produce melatonin in preparation for sleep. Over or long-term exposure to red light may also cause individuals to feel tired, moody and unproductive. The main takeaway from this is that humans require balanced exposure to natural sunlight, blue light and red light. Too much of one creates an imbalance, which allows certain traits to dominate.
For individuals taking on shift or night work, regulating the body’s Circadian Rhythm can be difficult because it forcefully reverses the natural sleeping cycle. Moreover, and in most cases, the city or one’s surroundings is still functioning on the natural day/night cycle. To help night-shift operators stay productive, businesses may consider mimicking day-time conditions inside facilities at night using lights with high color temperature ratings. Preferably, the lobby, hallway leading to exits and parking-lot lights should utilize lights with mid-to-low color temperature ratings. This would help night-shift workers adjust to their natural environment, ensuring a smooth transition to a restful state in the morning (after the night shift).
Factories, refineries and industrial buildings that specialize in manufacturing or large-scale production can directly benefit from optimized lighting. In such operations, productivity rates are closely linked to quotas and long-term profitability. Lighting around heavy machinery and busy sections of the facility should have a color temperature rating of 5000K or greater. This color temperature range actively suppresses melatonin production, while providing robust clarity of the surrounding area and accurate depiction of colors. Operators exposed to this color temperature range would feel more energetic, productive, alert and reliable.
Consistent illumination is key to creating a productive work environment in industrial buildings. With this in mind, linear LED lamps, daisy-chain LED lighting systems, circular high bay lights and overhead table lamps are recommended for promoting illumination in general areas of the workplace. Proper spacing between the target area and the luminary should be observed to prevent glare and uneven illumination.
Outdoor work sites, which includes remote areas, road construction, open-mining sites, aviation and agricultural operations, require flexible lighting strategies to ensure adequate illumination. During the day, natural sunlight is available, making illumination abundant. At night, as well as during cloudy weather, businesses must equip outdoor operators and workers with portable lighting systems.
General illumination over the area can be achieved using portable LED light towers. These deployable structures mimic overhead lighting inside industrial buildings using lamps mounted on poles for elevated illumination. Portable lamps, in the form of LED lantern lights, flashlights, drop lights, vehicle lights and handheld spotlights, may also be leveraged for increasing productivity during intricate tasks in such workplaces.
Illuminating windowless work environments can be problematic, as natural sunlight is never available. This type of workspace includes the following:
- Underground/closed mining sites
- Labs
- Automotive pits
- Agricultural grow rooms
- Research facilities
- Silos/storage sites
- Tunnels
- Basement parking lots
- Underground power distribution sites
- Military bunkers
This list suggests that windowless environments are more common than most people view them to be. Lighting systems for such locations must be “always-on” or persistently on. Unlike illumination in buildings with windows, operators fully rely on artificial lamps during work. A combination of overhead lights, indirect illumination and task lamps can be used to create a productive work environment. Setting up work equipment with contrasting colors may also help improve detection and ease overly bright lamps in compact, windowless rooms. Furthermore, it is important to make sure the corners are illuminated properly to allow the entire space to be utilized (reduces crowding under light sources).
5.0 Safety
For streamlined performance, lighting systems should be operated within their respective operating temperatures. Exposure to too much heat can strain lamps, causing the units to flicker, dim or break. Such effects could hurt the output of businesses and individuals exposed to inconsistent lighting conditions. In some cases, heat could come from the actual light source. Both natural sunlight and artificial lamps are capable of generating large amounts of heat, in amounts that can make workers feel uncomfortable or tired.
There are two ways to address hot-running lights in workplaces. Firstly, traditional lighting systems, such as HID units, are prone to excessive heat generation. Replacing the lights with energy efficient LEDs can decrease heat. Next, if the lights are too close to the target or are not installed with proper spacing, the units must be moved so that air can cool the lamps and the light’s surroundings are not affected by generated heat.
If left unaddressed, lamps exposed to heat may produce dull or color-shifting light. For instance, low quality LEDs that emit white light may produce hints of blue, as the units degrade under high temperatures. If the lamps are located in a break room, where restful conditions should be maintained, the degraded lamps could cause individuals to feel anxious or active. In such cases, the luminaries would need to be replaced to restore the original lighting characteristics of the units.
The previous sections of the report focused on workplaces not receiving the right type and amount of light, in relation to specific environments. On the flip side, this section takes a closer look at the dangers of too much light, the presence of glare and solutions for decreasing light trespass. By definition, light glare refers to the production of direct or reflected intense light that causes visual impairment. This is associated with high contrast of the target object/area and the light source. In the US, OSHA has made several references to light glare and its crippling impact on safety at the workplace.
These days, the increased use of reflective coatings, computer screens, shiny glass-like finishes and powerful lamps have made issues related to glare and light trespass more widespread. Such conditions can cause individuals to feel discomfort and distracted. In industrial sites, such as manufacturing facilities and warehouses, visual distractions arising from glare may lead to unsafe practices. For instance, a worker suddenly and temporary blinded by glare while carrying a large box could be inclined to cover his or her eyes, resulting in dropping the object on the ground. In another scenario, an operator in charge of monitoring unfinished materials passing through a conveyor belt could be affected by glare via reflected light from a digital screen or panel connected to the machine. Long-term exposure to such lighting conditions could contribute to stress, forcing the operator to take more frequent breaks.
Businesses can reduce the creation of glare by incorporating certain lighting techniques and lamps. Below are some effective solutions for combating glare at the workplace:
- Reduce the number of direct-light fixtures
- Incorporate indirect lighting or shielded lamps
- Install parabolic louvres or baffles
- Diffuse or filter lights using fabric or shades
- Wear protective eye gear
- Install dimmable or adjustable lights
- Consider changing the layout of the workspace
- For glare stemming from sunlight, setup adjustable blinds or window covers
6.0 Best Practices and Lighting Implementation
A report published by Carbon Trust suggests that roughly 75 percent of buildings still use outdated lights during operations. Like other equipment in work sites, the implementation of lighting systems should include periodic inspections, maintenance/upkeep and upgrades or transitions to energy-efficient technologies (over 40 percent of electricity consumption by establishment comes from lights). Luminaries are sometimes viewed as passive equipment, because they are utilized indirectly to support various tasks. The units are so passive that they are frequently left on for extended periods of time – even in unoccupied spaces. However, because they are continuously operating for hours or days at a time, the units must be properly maintained and accounted for.
Streamlining the meticulous aspects of lighting implementation can be achieved using connected networks and monitoring devices, such as sensors and cameras. These solutions are designed to make detection of lighting malfunctions or failures faster, so that damage to the system is minimized and proper lighting conditions are restored quickly in the area. If the space is prone to accumulating dirt, debris, dust, oil or sticky materials, the exterior of lamps should be cleaned to prevent ingress and blocked illumination. For lights installed in hard-to-reach areas, such as ceilings, top of poles, walls and stairways, lamps may incorporate protective covers, shields or mesh-type nets to deter such elements.
When implementing lighting systems in buildings, it is recommended to assess lighting conditions during major changes in activities, tasks and layouts. For example, a business that is considering replacing a series of cubicles (where computer-related work is conducted) with wide tables for quick meetings and briefings may also need to update lighting to accommodate the new layout. A “one-size-fits-all” approach to lighting is useful for luminaries in general areas of the building, as the units must cater to a wide range of activities. This approach is ineffective for addressing lighting conditions pertaining to specific tasks at the work site.
Why go through all this trouble to implement lighting systems in the workplace? In addition to the benefits of adequate illumination mentioned previously, ensuring proper utilization of lamps can help companies save money on daily operating costs and increase productivity rates. Furthermore, with support from optimized lamps, morale at the workplace is boosted and discomfort (headaches, visual stress, etc.) is greatly minimized. From a long-term perspective, such benefits can lead to less burnouts and a positive working environment – ultimately, a more profitable business.
7.0 Larson Electronics Lights
Larson Electronics is a leader in the industrial lighting sector. The Texas-based company’s products extend to power distribution stations, outdoor light towers, explosion proof cameras, automotive parts and more. As a one-stop shop, Larson Electronics also offers supporting accessories to go with its flagship products and offerings on the website, which includes cords, light guards, replacement lamps, retrofit kits, enclosures and control-station components.
In order to cater to the unique requirements of businesses and operators in the industrial sector, Larson Electronics provides customized builds and solutions upon request. Such services can help companies ensure specific lighting and safety standards are properly met, which also guarantees equipment is truly made for and fully compatible with work-site or project requirements.
Examples of custom features include the following:
- Specific voltages, such as three-phase 208V; 110-240V AC, 600V AC or 24V DC
- Length and type of cord
- Type of cord cap or plug
- Mounting styles, components and mechanisms
- Length of pole or mast (light towers)
- Light head and equipment configurations (light towers)
- Portable mounting features (portable power distribution stations/panels)
- Materials
- Beam configuration/angle
- Housing color/finish (powder coat, galvanized, paint, etc.)
- Light color, color temperature
- Explosion proof, ATEX/IECEx ratings
- Protective ratings (NEMA, IP, waterproof, corrosion resistant, etc.)
- And more…
Industrial products offered by Larson Electronics are heavily utilized by a myriad of businesses, organizations and projects. Explosion proof lights, light towers, portable lamps, power distribution systems and flameproof equipment are found in offshore/onshore oil rigs, refineries, laboratories, butane extraction facilities, chemical processing, metal production sites, construction, MRO, mining, military camp sites and confined spaces.
Commercial lights made available by Larson Electronics can be found in offices, government buildings, public locations, lobbies, warehouses, schools, large-scale events, manufacturing sites and outdoor spaces. The industrial lighting firm also offers a plethora of heavy-duty lights for outdoor-related activities, such as hunting, fishing, off-roading, automotive shows and more.
8.0 Conclusion
Light, both from natural and artificial sources, is essential to maintaining productive environments and promoting the well-being of workers present every day at work sites. New studies have linked specific lighting characteristics, from color temperature and intensity to duration of exposure, with human health. As people are the backbone of businesses, it can be concluded that companies today are either benefiting or suffering from their existing lighting system or layout at their respective establishments.
Solutions for improving illumination practices and techniques start with understanding how light affects individuals at the workplace. A comprehensive approach must be taken to ensure illumination is properly enhanced for extended periods of time. Such methods include matching the building layout and tasks with specific types of work lamps, optimizing color temperature levels, using automation (sensors) to streamline changes to lighting conditions and incorporating natural sunlight inside workspaces.