Adequate artificial lighting is the single most important safety control for night working on construction sites. Without proper lighting, workers cannot see hazards, access routes become dangerous, plant operators lose visibility, and the risk of every type of incident increases significantly. Lighting must cover all work areas, access routes, welfare facilities, traffic routes, and emergency escape paths. The lighting design must avoid glare that dazzles workers and plant operators while providing sufficient illumination for the tasks being carried out.
Key Hazards
Increased trip, slip, and fall risk from inability to see ground hazards in darkness
Plant operators unable to see pedestrians or obstacles in poorly lit work areas
Glare from incorrectly positioned lighting blinding workers and vehicle drivers
Emergency evacuation delayed because escape routes are not adequately illuminated
Control Measures
Provide a minimum of 50 lux in general work areas and 100 lux for detailed task work at night.
Illuminate all pedestrian walkways, access routes, and stairwells to a minimum of 20 lux.
Position lights to avoid glare in the eyes of plant operators and workers facing the light source.
Ensure emergency escape routes and assembly points are illuminated independently of the main system.
Use tower lights positioned to provide overlapping coverage across the entire active work area.
Inspect all lighting at the start of each night shift and replace any failed units before work begins.
Provide personal head torches as supplementary lighting for workers in areas between fixed light positions.
Protect lighting cables from vehicle damage and trip hazards by routing them overhead or in cable covers.
Consider the impact of site lighting on neighbouring properties and comply with light pollution restrictions.
Remember
Adequate lighting is the most important safety control for night work and cannot be compromised.
50 lux minimum in general work areas and 100 lux for detailed tasks is the standard to achieve.
Glare from badly positioned lights is as dangerous as insufficient lighting because it blinds people.
Emergency escape routes must have independent lighting that works if the main system fails.
Inspect lighting at the start of every night shift because failed units create dangerous dark zones.
Light pollution restrictions from the local authority must be complied with to avoid enforcement action.