Industrial coatings project specifications cite a number of criteria and inspection checkpoints that require visual acceptance. The importance of properly lighting the work area cannot be overemphasized when determining an acceptable product. If there is not enough light, a workmanship quality check is less likely. But requires too much light and may not be practical in the field. Using the wrong light can cause safety concerns. Workplace lighting can be difficult to manage because workers need to be able to see what they are doing without the light source getting in the way. How is this balance achieved and what guidance is available?
SSPC-Guide 12, "Guidelines for Lighting for Industrial Paint Projects," provides specifiers and contractors with information on the quantity and quality of lighting for industrial paint projects that contribute to a safe and productive industrial workplace. While there are other lighting standards, Guideline 12 is a guide for the coatings industry and contains instructions for the various types of lighting required when specific hazards and operating conditions exist, and recommends lighting levels for specific tasks, including: surface preparation, painting Layer application and inspection.
What is lighting and why is it needed?
Illuminance, measured in lux or foot candle (fc), is a measure of the amount of light falling on a surface (1fc = 1 lumen/ft2). The required lighting level depends on the task being performed as well as the location and environment. Adequate lighting increases productivity, while poor lighting increases the risk of accidents and hinders production. But more light isn't always better. Unnecessarily high levels of lighting increase job costs due to installation, power requirements and maintenance, and can negatively impact safety by increasing glare.
The suggested lighting levels provided in Guideline 12 are derived from objective and subjective inspections of various industrial coating workspaces. It is believed that the recommendations in Guideline 12 are considered comfortable for workers by providing a distortion-free work surface with sufficient lighting levels to perform their work safely and effectively.
How much lighting is needed?
OSHA 1926.56(a) requires at least 5 fc for general building area lighting and 10 fc for general building stores. Guideline 12 provides similar guidance.
When evaluating lighting in the workplace, consider:
Procedure for Measuring Illuminance
Adequacy of natural and artificial lighting for work in progress
Reduced visibility due to glare/dust
light color
Safety of Lighting Equipment
Tips for implementing lighting:
Check lighting levels regularly to confirm adequate lighting. To measure light, position or hold the light meter with the light sensor perpendicular to the surface representing your work area and at least 6 feet from the nearest light source. Take at least five readings in the area and record the average of the measurements. Do this for each task in their respective locations.
Some natural light is present in most work areas during the day, but it is not consistent and needs to be assessed prior to work and monitored based on weather conditions and time of year. Artificial lighting will need to be maintained and adjusted as work progresses. It is recommended to protect the lighting system from direct spraying of paints and abrasives. If overspray or abrasive buildup occurs, the lighting fixture may not dissipate heat properly, resulting in overheating. Due to the harsh environment, the lights require regular cleaning and possibly replacement.
Glare is the effect of light that causes discomfort and impaired vision. This is usually experienced when an area is too bright than the general environment. The table below provides the maximum brightness ratios.
The effect of dust in the air can also reduce visibility and limit the amount of lighting in the workplace. This needs to be considered during blast cleaning operations.
The color of the light should be as close as possible to natural light. White light is recommended as it does not visually distort the surface.
Before commencing work, the location needs to be assessed to determine if a hazardous atmosphere exists. Atmospheric conditions during work also need to be considered. All lighting fixtures need to be designed for the intended work environment. Due to the environment created by industrial coatings, it is preferred to enclose the luminaire in a non-conductive, shatterproof enclosure to protect against electrical shock and to protect against wear and corrosion.
Proper lighting can increase productivity and provide a safe working environment. When workers can see what they are doing, the amount of rework required can be reduced. In addition, the quality of work can be better assessed under proper lighting. You can't check what you can't see...so, if you can't see, you can't check!
