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Lost When Power is Lost |
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Would you be ready if your building’s occupants had to suddenly
evacuate your facility in total darkness? In the event of a total power blackout or other crisis where even your facility’s emergency back-up generator may fail, portable flashlights may be the only way for evacuees to light their way to safety in pitch-dark or smoke-filled conditions. As such, no evacuation plan should be considered complete without adequate provisions for emergency portable lighting. Typically, no light works well in every situation. And with recent advances in lighting technology, industrial professionals have a wide range of high-performance flashlights available to them, from lightweight hand-held rechargeable lights that deliver bright light wherever it’s needed, to highly specialized lights designed for specific tasks. The following are several tips for selecting lights for use under the most extreme low-light and/or potentially hazardous conditions: Rechargeables vs. Battery-Powered Lights The first step in selecting flashlight is to understand the latest trends in battery technology. Innovations such as the lithium ion battery have established new benchmarks in rechargeability, substantially reducing a flashlight’s size and weight. Flashlights with lithium ion batteries are as much as 50 percent lighter than their rechargeable nickel-cadmium predecessors. Rechargeable lights also tend to burn brighter than those that use disposable batteries. Safety managers may want to consider furnishing each floor in their facility with “smart” power failure rechargeable lights or lanterns that can be easily located by evacuees. Equipped with special circuitry that automatically goes on when the power goes off, these wall-mounted lights can be quickly removed from their charging unit to provide up to nine hours of continuous lighting. Rechargeable lights offer an additional benefit — savings. While their initial cost is generally greater than lights powered by disposable batteries, the lifetime savings for rechargeables is significant because they can be recharged up to 1,000 times. Studies have found that rechargeable flashlights provide an average savings of $240 in battery cost over a four-year period. As popular as rechargeable flashlights are, however, disposable battery flashlights also are widely used by professionals. When selecting non-rechargeable lights, pick those that use long-lasting batteries to ensure flawless operation even after long periods of non-use. Lights equipped with lithium batteries, for example, have a shelf life of nearly 10 years, providing assurance that they will work even after long-term storage. Nonrechargeables also offer generally longer run times than rechargeable models. Understanding how frequently a flashlight will be used is thus the key when selecting between a rechargeable or disposable battery flashlights. The Power of Light The amount of power a light delivers, determined by its candlepower and run time, is also a major consideration when purchasing a flashlight. Portable lights are capable of generating enormous amounts of power, from relatively low-intensity beams to blinding streams of light. A flashlight’s run time, the period of time a light can run continuously without replacing or recharging the batteries, also varies depending on the light and battery type used. Taking the time to analyze the unique requirements of your building will greatly assist you in the selection of the right portable lights for use in emergencies. Xenon, krypton and halogen bulbs are among the most popular incandescent varieties used in flashlights. The alternative to these filament-based bulbs are LEDs (light emitting diodes), which have elevated flashlights to a new level; LED bulbs shine longer, are more durable and are virtually unbreakable. Battery-saving light emitting diodes (LEDs) have an almost infinite life – up to 100,000 hours — ensuring continuous illumination during long periods of extended use, without sacrificing brightness. While LEDs do not project as strong a beam over a long distance, Super High Flux LEDs offer the long life and reliability of an LED with the brightness and range of a conventional bulb – up to 10 times brighter than a standard high-intensity LED. Safety and Reliability Under Various Conditions Another consideration is the flashlight casing itself. Bodies fabricated from polymer engineering resin materials are virtually indestructible, shock resistant and non-conductive, potentially important considerations in emergency situations. Polymers also do not retain heat, making them ideal for use where fire may be present. Because flashlights can act as a source of ignition in the presence of fire or ignitable gases or liquids, choosing the correct light requires a thorough understanding of your work environment and how the light will be used in both normal and emergency conditions. When selecting any portable light, facilities managers should make sure it carries the proper approval ratings by leading independent laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and Factory Mutual Research Corporation. Ratings are based on the conditions of specified hazardous locations, as defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) using the following four terms: Class, Division, Group and Temperature Code. The Class of a hazardous location is defined by the possibility of an explosive atmosphere. Class I indicates a situation where flammable gases, vapors or liquids could possibly be present, such as in a propane tank. Class II indicates a situation where combustible dusts are possibly present. Class III indicates a situation where there is the possibility of ignitable fibers and flyings, such as a manufacturing facility where metal shavings are air-borne. The division of a hazardous location is defined by the likelihood that an explosive atmosphere is present when equipment is operating. Division 1 is an environment where an explosive atmosphere is likely to exist under normal operating conditions such as inside an oil or gasoline tank, or in certain confined spaces. Division 2 designates an environment where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to exist under normal operating conditions, such as at a manufacturing facility where a flammable substance like gasoline is flowing through pipes. In this instance, the explosive material is only present if something goes wrong — such as bursting pipes. Training and Maintenance Once procured, be sure to inform all personnel of the location of emergency portable lights in their work areas, and reinforce this information through regular training. Consider posting signs to identify power failure lighting units and the location of other emergency lighting. It’s also essential to inspect and test emergency lights routinely. Add portable flashlights to your facility’s scheduled preventative maintenance program. In the best of all worlds, your building’s occupants will never need to rely on emergency lighting. But, if and when the lights go out, you will be glad your building is equipped with state-of-the-art, dependable emergency lighting that facilitates safe evacuations.FSM Allen Lance is the market manager –Fire/EMS for Streamlight, Inc., a manufacturer of flashlights for industrial uses. The company is headquartered in Eagleville, PA. |
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