Safety is paramount to success in any construction operation. That’s why construction sites must have lighting that is adequate to the environment. However, operators have to balance this need while offering sustainable and cost cutting solutions, and adhering to noise, light, and CO2 emissions. Fortunately, modern light towers have been designed to help constructors address these specific challenges. Here we look at five ways light towers can help you cut your CO2 emissions, comply with regulations, and unlock many other benefits.
HiLight S2+ solar light tower
The construction industry is a significant source of CO2 emissions, with research estimating that it accounts for over a fifth of the world’s total emissions. That said, advances in technology mean that all equipment can contribute to greener operation, including lighting. Traditionally, light towers have relied on diesel engine power. However, today, several more environmentally friendly alternatives are available to suit a variety of requirements. Electric-only models can use grid power, eliminating the need for diesel. Lithium-ion battery LED options, on the other hand, can be combined with renewable energy sources to provide a 100 percent zero-emission solution. Depending on the technology used, the CO2 emissions can reduce dramatically. For example, Atlas Copco’s HiLight S2+ solar light towers enable users to cut emissions by up to six tonnes compared to traditional technologies, and it also offers zero noise emissions. The solar panels, which can be pulled out from the tower’s canopy and adjusted to align with the sun, allow autonomous operation when the solar yield is greater than demand.
HiLight H6+ light tower
The type of lights used in the tower can also make a difference. Next-generation LED floodlights are more efficient, with a lifespan of 50,000 hours, and capable of providing optimal light distribution to cover an area of up to 6,000 m2. When combining these features in the same light tower, the result is Atlas Copco HiLight H6+, a diesel light tower that allows users to reduce their energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Moreover, dimmable LED floodlights help ensure that the lights offer the appropriate level of luminosity for each situation and time of day. This technology helps reduce CO2 emissions by up to 40 percent and extends the power autonomy of the HiLight H6+ to over 300 hours.
Sustainable technologies are often associated with a perceived higher cost. This, however, is not true. Embedding greener technologies in light tower design can contribute to a lower TCO through smaller refuelling costs, more energy-efficient operation, and the use of renewable – and in the best case free – power. Other aspects of product development, from leveraging the storage capabilities of energy-intensive Lithium-ion batteries to minimizing maintenance costs, can facilitate a quick return on investment.
The role of appropriate lighting in enabling safe working cannot be understated. Having light towers that adequately illuminate the site during hours or dusk helps ensure that workers can carry out their tasks safely while also contributing to higher productivity, as work can carry on for longer. In most countries, the illumination level is regulated by law, with different activities associated with different lighting requirements. In the UK, for example, the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) defines that general construction requires lighting of at least 32 lux. More challenging environments, such as track construction, need stronger lights capable of delivering 50 lux. Working with a trusted manufacturer can help ensure that the towers meet the requirements of the applications. Additionally, as well as safety, adequate lighting can also help keep the site secure outside working hours, reducing the risk of theft and unauthorized entry.
Navigating the various regulations that control work on a construction site can be a challenge, especially at city-centre locations. With both noise and pollution levels often restricted, finding ways to optimize productivity can be difficult. With the World Health Organisation (WHO) listing air quality and noise as the leading environmental cause of health problems, the need for regulation is obvious. Fortunately, some of the most advanced light towers provide near-silent operation as well as zero emissions. Emission regulation, such as Stage V, is typically relatively easy to solve, as light towers mainly operate with motors below 90 KWs. As for excessive noise, many leading manufacturers, such as Atlas Copco, consider this during the product design phase. HiLight S2+, the quietest light towers on the market, emits just 55dBA at seven meters. Users have zero emissions and zero noise lighting.
As seen here, lighting is an area where rapid development over the past has resulted in solutions that address many of today’s challenges while helping operators drive profitability and enjoy a lower TCO. That’s why many forward-thinking constructors are reviewing how they use light towers to find new ways to improve sustainability and enhance productivity, safety, and efficiency at their sites.
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