Temporary Lighting on Job Sites
Good light prevents falls, cuts, vehicle strikes and mistakes. But temporary lights bring their own hazards: bare bulbs, hot lamps, cords across walkways and shock in wet conditions.
- Construction
- Electricians
- Supervisors
Light levels
OSHA's construction standard (29 CFR 1926.56) sets minimum illumination in foot-candles during work:
| Area or work | Minimum |
|---|---|
| General construction area lighting | 5 foot-candles |
| General construction areas, concrete placement, excavation, waste areas, access ways, active storage, loading platforms, refueling and field maintenance areas | 3 to 5 foot-candles |
| Indoors: warehouses, corridors, hallways, exitways | 5 foot-candles |
| Tunnels, shafts, general underground work areas | 5 foot-candles (10 where mucking) |
| Shops and offices, first aid stations, infirmaries | 30 foot-candles |
Check the standard for the exact table. Light meters are cheap. See Night Work Lighting.
Electrical safety
- Use GFCI protection on temporary lighting circuits. See GFCI and Temporary Power.
- Use guards or shields on lamps to prevent contact and breakage, unless the lamp is designed without them. Use cages on portable work lights.
- Do not hang lights or fixtures by the cord unless it is designed for it.
- Use heavy-duty cords rated for outdoor use and keep them off the ground, out of water and out of walkways. See Extension Cords.
- Keep connections out of puddles. See Wet Locations.
- Use LED lamps where possible; they run cooler and use less power.
- Keep hot lamps away from combustibles and do not cover them.
Placement
- Light stairs, ladders, exits, work areas and equipment paths first
- Avoid glare and shadows: use several lamps instead of one very bright light
- Put tower lights on stable ground, anchored against wind, with guards against equipment
- Keep lights away from power lines and out of vehicle paths
- Provide backup or emergency lighting for exits
- Check lights daily and replace broken lamps promptly
Standards & references
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