jobsite lighting

To ensure safety and visibility on the jobsite, OSHA mandates that illumination in construction areas, ramps, runways, corridors, offices, shops, and storage areas while any work is in progress. Efficient lighting can reduce accidents and eye strain from those on the jobsite. Light regulation is measured in terms of foot-candle, which refers to the illumination in one square foot from one uniform light source. Per OSHA regulations, a general construction area requires at least five-foot candles of illumination. The lighting sources should evenly distribute the square feet of light without gaps to ensure the safety of the professional. 

To answer a few lighting questions, Jason Isaacs, director of product management for Milwaukee Tool, shares his insight. Background on Isaaccs: He started his career with Milwaukee Tool in 2013. In 2014, Jason joined a newly developed team aimed at building the Milwaukee Lighting business from the ground up. Over the past 7 years, Jason’s focus has consisted of product development and category strategy to address user issues specific to jobsite lighting. Over this time, Jason and his team have developed the most comprehensive lighting portfolio in the industry focused on the construction trades.

MCS: WHY IS JOBSITE LIGHTING IMPORTANT?

ISAACS: Other than being an OSHA requirement, a better-illuminated work environment improves overall visibility. With slips, trips, and falls being a substantial risk in jobsite environments, improving visibility in these areas can reduce this issue. Along with the potential for safety improvements, a well-lit area also allows for an ability to work faster and at a higher quality due to the increased visibility. The advantage of going cordless in jobsite lighting also allows for reduced risk of the slips, trips, and falls by reducing the need for extension cords on site, and the associated setup and transport time. 

MCS: WHERE DO CONTRACTORS OVERSPEND ON JOBSITE LIGHTING? 

ISAACS: Overspending in jobsite lighting tends to derive from repair and replacement costs, not necessarily the upfront purchase price. A reasonable segment of the jobsite market continues to lack the durability needed for long-term use in jobsite environments. This has resulted in continuous repair costs through the life of a product or a “throw away” mentality after a job is complete and repurchased for a future job. 

MCS: WHAT IS THE TRUE COST OF USING CHEAP, OUTDATED LIGHTING?

ISAACS: True costs are hard to specify across lighting overall due to the wide range of products, prices, and product lifespans. To elaborate on true costs, some examples within temporary lighting can help convey the situation. A traditional product used in this application for the longest time was a 400-watt metal halide light. These products on a test sheet put out upwards of 30,000 lumens which looks very attractive when comparing performance specifications. 

MCS: HOW CAN COMMERCIAL CONTRACTORS SAVE ON LIGHTING?

ISAACS: Contractors can save on lighting by investing in reliable lighting solutions, purchasing the correct light for the job, and cutting the cost associated with corded products by switching to cordless site lights. The technology and durability benefits of LED lighting save the user on energy costs and are reliable enough to withstand the jobsite. LEDs emit little heat, reducing the risk of positioning lights in locations where a heat source could produce a problem. When it comes to staying innovative, LEDs provide a highly energy-efficient and reliable light source needed to get the job done.

In addition to the importance of reliability when reducing costs associated with site lights, the contractor can also save by researching which light will adapt best to the job. By taking the time to explore the diverse landscape of site lights and the benefits of each, a purchaser can make an informed decision to reduce the risk of having to purchase additional lighting options.

MCS: WHAT SITE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS DOES MILWAUKEE TOOL PROVIDE?

ISAACS: Access to quality light is a fundamental need for a safe, productive work environment. It has been Milwaukee Tool’s mission to dedicate significant research and development resources to dramatically advance portable work lighting technology and create solutions that not only provide lower cost of ownership over time but also help users work more safely and productively. Within the lighting category, Milwaukee® offers lights that range from personal lighting solutions to task and temporary that are built to Adapt, Perform, and Survive.

Milwaukee delivers trade-focused, high-performance personal lights designed to get maximum performance and user-driven innovation. REDLITHIUM™ USB Lights combine the best in cordless battery and LED technology to deliver high output with all day runtime, more recharges, and 3x faster charge time. 

Milwaukee task lights are built to provide multi-directional light in large jobsite spaces without compromising mobility. These cordless LED task lights are designed to survive in the toughest conditions and are easily set up in seconds. The site task lighting increases productivity through best-in-class output and durability, making them viable replacements for outdated corded halogen and metal halide lights.

Milwaukee has disrupted the time-consuming and costly processes associated with temporary lighting with the RADIUS™ LED Temporary Site Lights. These temporary lights significantly reduce installation time and ensure the maintenance process is fast and simple. The LED temp lighting is durable and can withstand the demands of installation across multiple job sites. The professional can utilize these solutions from job to job, increasing their productivity and significantly reducing cost over time without sacrificing performance and safety.

MCS: WHAT SETS MILWAUKEE TOOL APART FROM ITS COMPETITORS IN THE SITE LIGHTING SEGMENT FOR COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION?

ISAACS: When Milwaukee Tool entered the lighting space, they became obsessed with providing solutions ranging from personal lighting to temp lighting. The site lights utilize the most advanced lighting technology to deliver a consistent beam, optimized color temperature, and accurate colors and detail, leading to a more productive work area. The jobsite lights shine brighter, last longer and are uniquely designed to adapt, perform, and survive the daily demands of professional use. 

CLOSING THOUGHT

Site Lights should illuminate all jobsites in use when natural light is unavailable or inadequate so users can visibly see their work and move around the area safely. To keep the site efficient, purchasers should invest in reliable, cordless lighting solutions to reduce the cost and time associated with cheap, outdated lights. 

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For More Information:

Milwaukee Tool, founded in 1924, is a global leader in delivering innovative solutions to the professional construction trades that increase productivity and safety. Milwaukeeˇ is known for their world-leading M12™, M18™, and MX FUEL™ cordless systems, the ground-breaking performance of their cordless innovations, safety solutions, battery-powered outdoor power equipment, jobsite lighting and clean-up, time-saving accessories, and innovative hand tool and PACKOUT™ Modular Storage products. The company is dedicated to delivering a steady stream of advanced, trade-specific solutions. Milwaukee Tool is a Brookfield, Wisconsin-based subsidiary of Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd. For more, visit www.milwaukeetool.com.

Modern Contractor Solutions, February 2022
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