Safety Tips in Operating Tower Lights
What are the safety tips in operating tower lights?
- Follow the manual for operational instructions
- Observe electric and battery precautions
- Wear properly fitted protective wear
- Survey the environment for any hazards
- Follow the guidelines for setup and pack up
- Refuel in an open and well-ventilated area
- Leave the maintenance to professionals
A lighting tower is used by many companies because of its beneficial features. Whether it is utilized in oilfields, pipeline works, mining sites, or events, it has solved visibility problems in many industries. Mobility is also not a problem as portable models are made to transport these useful machines easily within a specified area. If you’re thinking of investing in one for your site, you should know the safety tips for tower lights. Keep on reading.
Follow The Manual for Operational Instructions
Using a machine according to the manual will guarantee you a safe and successful operation each time. Both first time and experienced users must read this before operating the lighting tower. Different models will have varying functions and controls, making it vital to follow the instructions to the letter.
Know the symbols attached to the lighting towers and read the information carefully. Images will usually have the following labels:
- ‘Danger’ and ‘Warning’ informs you of a hazardous situation that must be avoided to prevent serious injury and fatality.
- ‘Caution’ alerts you to precautions that you must follow to avoid minor and moderate injuries
- ‘Note’ will give you useful information about the equipment.
Observe Electricity and Battery Precautions
Due to high voltage, operators must observe precautions when using a lighting tower. Always be aware of any damaged part—especially a power cord— before turning on the unit.
For batteries, it is important to let the equipment cool down before touching any component to prevent burns. When charging the battery, be mindful of your surroundings and remove any source of the fire.
Wear Properly Fitted PPE
As you are working with industrial equipment, the wearing of properly fitted personal protective wear is a must. Avoid loose and baggy clothes as this can easily be caught between crevices which can cause injury.
Aside from hard hats, safety goggles, non-slip shoes, and googles, ear muffs must also be worn as a generator can emit noise levels above 90 decibels. Wearing of jewelry is also prohibited as this may be harmful if worn in areas with electricity.
Survey The Environment for Any Hazards
As a general rule of thumb, a lighting tower must be set up in an area away from open fire, gas, and petrol to prevent the danger of explosion. The working area must also be far from any overhead power lines, with a minimum limit distance of 5 meters as electricity can jump over large spaces.
Confined spaces are also dangerous as harmful gases can be breathed in by workers. Other risks you should assess are heavy foot traffic, moving equipment, falling objects, and digging work.
Follow The General Guidelines for Setting Up
Before you put up your lighting tower, ensure that you have read the manual. Specific instructions will be found in this booklet. Ensure that the ground is level and firm. After this, check the fuel, oil, and coolant levels. Inspect all around the equipment for any signs of damage. Make sure that all the switches are complete and turned off.
When packing up, set some time for the lights to cool down. Check that all cords are untangled to prevent accidents. Turn off the main circuit breaker and the engine itself. If everything is settled, ready the lighting tower for transport.
Refueling
When refueling, check the surrounding area for any ignition source as this may cause an accidental fire. Confirm that the engine is turned off before refilling, allowing the engine to cool to prevent burns. Wipe any dirt found in the filter cap before pouring the fuel.
Make sure you refuel in an open area and avoid inhaling the fuel vapor which can cause harmful effects to your health. Use a funnel to avoid spilling on your clothes and change immediately if this happens. Clean any traces found on the ground or the surface of the machine. Do not forget to replace the caps after.
Leave The Maintenance to The Professionals
To avoid problems, repairs and maintenance must be left to the professionals. Services are scheduled after several hundred hours and this may vary whether you use a metal halide or a led lamp.
If doing daily maintenance—such as checking for leaks, water levels, and tightness of mounts—ensure that the engine is turned off. Between a hundred and 200 hundred hours, your lighting tower manufacturer may recommend changing the oil, filters, and coolant. More checks and replacements are advised after 500 hours of use.
Key Takeaway
If used properly, a lighting tower will provide a lot of benefits for your company. To get the best out of your equipment, you can follow these safety tips for tower lights. It will keep your machine in good working condition while also keeping your site and its workers free from accidents and injuries.
If you have any inquiries about the Fenova series lighting towers, you can send a message to Multico today!
