Lighting of construction sites
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
In order that construction work can continue effectively and safely in periods of insufficient natural light, it is important that a site is fitted with suitable artificial lighting. Lighting can be used internally for general movement and working on the site itself, externally for illuminating entry, storage and circulation areas, and can also be an effective form of deterrent for trespassers.
There are a wide range of lamps available, from simple tungsten filament lamps to tungsten halogen and discharge lamps. Site lighting is generally run off mains electricity at a voltage of 230 V, rather than through the use of generators. Sometimes it can be necessary to reduce the voltage to 110 V.
[edit] Lighting plan
For an appropriate lighting plan to be drawn up, the types of activity that will be likely to require lighting need to be specified. These activities can then be given an illumination target (with the unit being lux). Lamps are often given a measurement in lumens (lm), which is the total quantity of visible light emitted. One lux is one lumen per square metre.
Examples of recommended minimum target values for building activities include:
External lighting:
- Circulation: 10 lx
- Materials handling: 10 lx
Internal lighting:
- Circulation: 5 lx
- Working areas: 15 lx
- Concreting: 50 lx
- Carpentry and joinery: 100 lx
- Bricklaying and plastering: 100 lx
- Painting and decorating: 200 lx
- Site offices: 200 lx
- Drawing board positions: 300 lx
While manufacturers will often specify the best arrangement for lamps according to required use, it is common practice to plan for at least twice the recommended target values. This is because lamps in use can be subject to deterioration, dirt or other conditions that reduce their performance.
It is possible to calculate the required lumens for a particular need with the following equation:
Total lumens required = area to be illuminated (m2) x target value (lx) / Utilisation factor
Where the utilisation factor is 0.23.
Once the lamp type has been chosen, the required number can be calculated with the following equation:
No. of lamps required = total lumens required / lumen output of lamp
[edit] Site arrangement
Lighting can be arranged on site in a static formation, where lamps are fixed to support poles, masts or items of plant such as scaffolding and tower cranes, or, it can be arranged locally, as and where work is progressing, by the use of moveable supports or being hand-held with trailing leads.
Walkways are often illuminated by bulkhead lamps on standard mains voltage. Bulkhead lamps have a die-cast aluminium alloy body together with a vandal-resistant translucent polycarbonate diffuser.
To illuminate general working areas, festoon (overhead) lighting can be suspended from grids at regular spacings. These are usually tungsten filament bulbs, and both cable and lampholders must be appropriately weather-resistant.
The arrangement must be such that visual intrusion and light spillage are kept to a minimum, particularly in close proximity to residential properties and busy roads where it may cause nuisance or distraction. Where necessary, lighting should be provided to site boundaries to ensure the safety of passing pedestrians.
For more information, see How to work safely on a construction site in the dark.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BREEAM Reduction of night time light pollution.
- Colour Rendering Index CRI.
- Construction phase plan.
- Daylight factor.
- Daylight lighting systems.
- Ergonomics in construction.
- General lighting v task lighting.
- How to work safely on a construction site in the dark.
- Improving visibility and resilience of buried services.
- Health and safety.
- Light obstruction notice.
- Light pollution.
- Lighting.
- Pre-construction information.
- Rights to light.
- Site appraisal.
- Site information.
- Site layout plan for construction
- Site plan.
- Site facilities.
- Site office.
- Site safety.
- Site storage.
- Site survey.
- Temporary site services.
- Welfare facilities.
[edit] External references
- ‘Building Construction Handbook’ (6th ed.), CHUDLEY, R., GREENO, R., Butterworth-Heinemann (2007)
Featured articles and news
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.
Comments