mercredi 10 janvier 2018

High Intensity Tower Lighting For Safety

By Barbara Nelson


There are many situations where proper illuminations is necessary for safety. An increasingly important setup used is high intensity tower lighting. Aviation safety is one of the primary circumstances in which it is used. However, ground crews have begun using them much more in order to provide a safer work environment at night. Fire and ambulance services have also found a use for them to prevent injury during emergency situations. In most cases there are regulations provided by the federal government that cover the use of these devices.

An average person would probably assume that large buildings and tall towers are easily seen. This is not the case for passing planes and other flight vehicles. Because their view of the landscape is at a distance and their path is not determined by concrete barriers it is easy for them to miss seeing an object that blends into the background of the city or countryside they're flying over. This situation can be extremely hazardous in both clear and inclement weather.

Tall buildings and towers are a constant danger to passing aircraft. The United States FCC regulates the placement of tall radio towers and works with Congress and the FAA to update requirements needed to ensure the safety of aircraft regardless of the type of weather they are experiencing.

Day or night illuminations intensity and colors are different. Daytime requirements allow for bright constant white and strobe lights. Red lights are often used at night. Urban and rural landscapes are taken into account for these requirements. Strobe lights often bother citizens in heavily populated areas and are not easily seen by passing craft when placed against the backdrop of city lights.

Two factors that determine the type of light are the height and placement of the structure. There are federal regulations that determine the brightness of the system used. In some situations lights that are on constantly versus strobe lights are preferred. Building permits usually get the FAA involved when the building or structure is taller than 200 feet.

For tall structures there are many types of systems available. Obstruction lights are constantly illuminated. Red beacons or strobes are often used at night. High-intensity white strobes are used on structures taller than 700 feet. Medium-intensity white strobes are for structures between 200 and 500 feet tall.

While most of these systems are for aviation protection, they have become very popular with night construction and emergency workers. Many road projects have been pushed to night schedules in order to avoid high traffic times. These systems are able to provide enough light for workers to perform their duties throughout the night safely. Emergency crews are often put in peril due to night time work. The lights are often being installed on fire trucks and are directional in order to focus the illumination needed on the area that needs it the most.

The safety of aircraft, emergency personnel, and road crews is necessary in both good and bad weather. With the right type of public lighting, safety can be ensured. Following government regulations for the construction of taller structures makes sure the building does not interfere with passing airplanes. Emergency staff and nighttime road crews are able to benefit from the systems and are no longer left in the dark and are less likely to put their lives at risk.




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