When working on a new job, one of the first things to do is ensure the working environment is safe and comfortable. While it might not apply to every job, it helps to know where you stand when it comes to lighting, specifically how much is required and when.
Our guide below highlights some of the key questions around construction site lighting requirements. Remember, if you’re in need of any trade building supplies such as lights, you’ll find a great range here at Fastbuild.
What are the Legal Requirements for Lighting on Construction Sites?
Due to the varied nature of construction sites, there are no specific legal or minimum requirements when it comes to lighting. However, given that poor lighting can lead to issues around health and safety, it’s something that must be considered for your site.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) say that artificial light should be provided where natural light is inadequate or unavailable. They also provide specific examples of where artificial lighting may be important:
- When working outside daylight hours, artificial lighting will be required.
- Lighting should be used to illuminate shadow areas that could pose a health and safety risk.
- Secondary artificial lighting should be provided where the failure of the main source could pose a health and safety risk.
- Any emergency routes should be illuminated at all times, either through natural or emergency lighting.
HSE also state that any artificial lighting must not change the colour or visibility of any emergency signage or equipment, such as fire extinguishers.
Does My Construction Site Need Emergency Lighting?
While all construction site escape routes must be illuminated, this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to invest in emergency lighting.
This is what the HSE say on the issue:
“Emergency routes (corridors, passageways etc. that people must follow in an emergency to escape from danger) should be kept well-lit while there are workers on the site. Where daylight provides adequate lighting, no further action is required. Where emergency routes need artificial light, provide emergency lighting that comes on if the primary lighting fails e.g. battery or emergency generator-powered lighting.”
In most cases where work takes place during the day, natural light may offer enough visibility for your emergency routes. Larger sites and those that operate outside of daylight hours, however, may need to consider how their emergency routes will be illuminated in case of emergency.
What is the Minimum Lux Level for Construction Sites?
Again, due to the varied nature of construction sites and work undertaken, there are no legal requirements on lux levels (lx).
However, HSE does provide recommendations as part of Lighting at work (HG38). These recommendations can be divided into two different areas:
Lux Levels for Rough Construction Work
In this instance, rough construction work includes:
- Areas involving movement of people, vehicles or machinery.
- Construction work that doesn’t require detail, such as clearance and excavation.
Here, HSE recommends lighting provides around 50lx, and a minimum of 20lx.
Lux Levels for Precise Construction Work
Here, precise construction work includes anything where ‘perception of detail’ is required. As this range of tasks is very broad, the recommended average of 200lx and minimum of 100lx should only be considered as a rough guide.
What Lights Do I Need for My Construction Site?
The lights that you need for your construction site will vary hugely depending on many factors, including:
- The nature of your work.
- The environment where you’re working.
- The time at which you’ll be working.
Here at Fastbuild, we supply a range of popular lighting solutions for construction sites, from single LEDs to site lights and festoons. With great trade prices and next day delivery available, why not browse our range today?