Flashlights: Built for performance, safety
December 11, 2008 By: Dawn Dalldorf-Jackson Pit & QuarryWhether for servicing conveyor belts or performing vehicle maintenance on haul trucks or wheel loaders, flashlights are essential tools for aggregate industry professionals. But, while most industry workers may think that one flashlight model is pretty much the same as another, the truth is that flashlight technology has evolved extensively in recent years. In fact, choosing the right flashlight for a task can make all the difference in terms of speeding maintenance and repair jobs, pinpointing hard-to-spot problems, keeping workers safe, and, in general, increasing overall efficiency.
While it’s easy to assume that the bigger and brighter the flashlight, the better, the reality is that most workers typically are not working past their hands, and simply don’t require high-powered lights or lanterns that enable them to see 150 ft. away.
As a practical matter, most aggregate industry professionals are advised to carry two flashlights at all times – one that is small, lightweight and easily slipped into a pocket or clipped onto clothing for the initial diagnosis, and a second, larger more durable light for completion of the job.
Selecting lights
One of the first considerations in selecting flashlights is rechargeable versus battery-powered lights. Rechargeables using nickel cadmium or lithium ion batteries tend to burn brighter than those that use disposable batteries and can be stored in custom charger holders that can be conveniently stored in a worker’s truck, for example. Rechargeables also save money in the long run by eliminating the need to buy replacement batteries. Studies have shown that rechargeables can save at least $300 over a four-year period – a real consideration for buyers who are watching the bottom line.
Of course, battery-powered lights have their uses as well, depending on how frequently and long the light will be used. Disposable batteries, such as alkaline or lithium, have excellent storage life — seven and 10 years, respectively. They generally offer longer runtimes for a given bulb power, are typically lower in initial purchase price and easier to keep spares on hand.
The next thing to consider is the amount of brightness, type, longevity and cost of flashlight bulbs. Incandescent, filament-based bulbs, such as xenon or halogen lamps are easily focused, deliver bright light and good performance, and are the best choice for long distances. LEDs, on the other hand, are virtually unbreakable and can last up to 100,000 hours with a soft focus and short range.
Lights featuring Super High Flux LEDs provide an even longer-reaching, brighter beam that is 10 times brighter than a standard, high-intensity LED. Meanwhile, a new development in LED technology is yielding a “power” LED source that matches the light output of incandescent bulbs. The result is a bright, intense beam that pierces the darkness while delivering the long-run times and indestructibility that characterize LEDs. Power LEDs are revolutionizing the flashlight industry.
Durability is key
An especially important consideration in flashlight selection is durability. In pit, mining or construction sites, it’s not unusual for a flashlight to be knocked around or dropped several feet to the ground from atop a piece of equipment. Flashlights with non-conductive polymer housing or machined aluminum casing are tough enough to withstand this type of daily abuse, extending the life of flashlights. Lights that feature a non-conductive polymer casing, besides being lightweight and virtually indestructible, also protect the user from the danger of electric shock. Professional grade headlamps that can be worn on the head or around a hard hat are ideal for confined spaced entry, enabling hands-free operation and maximizing worker safety.
Safety ratings
Because flashlights can act as a source of ignition, any flashlight used in areas where fire or explosion hazards may result from concentrations of flammable gases, liquids, vapors, dusts or ignitable fibers or flyings, also should be properly tested. Purchasers should select lights that carry the proper approval ratings for use in such conditions. International third-party testing organizations, such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) and Factory Mutual Research (FM) certify the safety of certain flashlight products when operated in specified hazardous environments.
Constant advances in portable lighting technology will continue to lead to more applications, and enhancements in lighting runtimes, weight, portability and safety. These advances consistently result in more effective, safer tools for aggregate industry personnel, as well as providing cost-savings efficiencies.
Streamlight, www.streamlight.com
Dawn-Dalldorf Jackson is the director of sales - Industrial Division for Streamlight Inc., Eagleville, Pa.
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