How to Foster Safety and Security Through Outdoor Commercial Lighting
Whether you own a large company or work in a small organisation, ensuring safety and security of employees is paramount. And today’s fast-paced working environments grow better with outdoor commercial lighting as these lights not only enhance aesthetics but also ensure security and safety of the workers.
According to FBI statistics, in 2019 businesses faced an estimated $3.0 billion loss in property due to burglary. This shows that choosing the right commercial outdoor lights minimises the likelihood of robbery and forced entries in your work area.
Moreover, as businesses continue to prioritise the well-being of their customers, employees, and assets, investing in effective outdoor lighting solutions has become a strategic imperative. Hence, in this article we’ll discover how commercial LED outdoor lighting can help businesses create a safer and more secure work environment.
The Role of LED Outdoor Commercial Lighting in Safety and Security
LED lights have made their place in the world of commercial and industrial lighting due to its several benefits such as longevity, energy efficiency, and low maintenance requirements. Also, when it comes to safety and security, commercial LED outdoor lighting becomes a powerful tool.
Furthermore, by staying informed about the latest trends and implementing best practices, businesses can create environments that are not only welcoming but also protected and safe.
As technology continues to advance, the potential for outdoor lighting to play a critical role in security strategies will only grow, making it an essential consideration for any commercial property. Here are some ways in which outdoor commercial lighting can enhance security and safety
- Crime Deterrence
Criminals find well lightened areas less enticing. Also, proper lighting reduces the chances of vandalism, theft, and other illicit activities by eliminating dark spots where such activities could go unnoticed.
- Enhanced Visibility
Adequate lighting ensures that pathways, parking lots, and building entrances are visible, reducing the chances of accidents such as slips, trips, and falls. especially during inclement weather or uneven terrain. This is particularly important in areas that experience heavy foot traffic.
- Surveillance Support
Effective commercial outdoor lights complement surveillance systems by ensuring that cameras capture clear footage. High-quality lighting can enhance facial recognition, licence plate identification, and other critical security functions.
- Employees’s Safety and Well-Being
Proper commercial LED outdoor lighting creates a sense of reassurance and comfort for the workers who come late or leave early morning or late night hours. LED exterior lighting makes sure the employees are safe and protected from any danger and falls. By prioritising employee safety through LED exterior lighting, businesses demonstrate their commitment to creating a secure and supportive work environment.
- Emergency Response
In the event of an emergency, well-illuminated areas enable faster and more effective response by emergency services. It also helps in guiding people safely during evacuations.
Best Practices: How to Implement Outdoor Commercial Lighting?
Implementing outdoor lighting effectively involves several best practices to ensure functionality, aesthetics, and energy efficiency. Here are some guidelines:
- Planning and Design
Start your external lighting journey with thorough assessment of the area to be lit. First of all, identify areas that require illumination including pathways, parking lots, entrances and landscape features.
Additionally, you need to think about the purpose of lighting whether it’s for safety, ambiance, or both. This will help you select the perfect fixtures and accurate placement.
Furthermore, your external LED lighting must have regulatory compliance. Your lighting plan complies with local zoning laws, building codes, and dark-sky ordinances to minimise light pollution.
- Choosing the Right Fixtures
In the evolving market of lighting, various designs and types of fixtures come and go. However, you have to choose according to the purpose and placement. For example;
- Floodlights are Ideal for security and illuminating large areas.
- Path Lights are great for guiding pedestrians and marking walkways.
- Wall-Mounted Fixtures work well in entrances, exits, and architectural highlights.
- In-Ground and Well Lights are best for highlighting landscape features like trees and shrubs.
- Placement and Installation
You can opt for layered lighting. Use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create depth and interest while ensuring safety and security.
Take height into consideration. Position lights at appropriate heights to avoid glare and ensure even coverage. For example, path lights should be low to the ground, while flood lights should be placed high to cover larger areas.
Avoid placing lights too close together to prevent overlapping light beams, which can create harsh lighting or shadows. Conversely, spacing them too far apart can leave dark spots.
- Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Consider solar-powered lights for areas with sufficient sunlight, reducing energy costs and the need for wiring.
- Testing and Adjustment
Post inspection is important. After installation, test the lighting at night to ensure it meets your objectives. Adjust angles, height, and intensity as needed.
- Ongoing Maintenance
Make sure you have regular inspections for damage, wear, or malfunction of the commercial outdoor lights. Replace or repair as necessary to maintain effectiveness. Also, clean fixtures regularly to remove dirt, debris, and insect buildup, which can affect light output and performance.
Final Words
To summarise, outdoor commercial lighting is a vital component of a business’s infrastructure. It not only ensures safety and security but also enhances the aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall success of a commercial property.
By following these best practices, you can implement an commercial LED outdoor lighting system that enhances safety, security, and aesthetics while being energy-efficient and sustainable.
