Let there be light!

Unless you prefer bumbling around in the dark, good lighting on the job is a no-brainer. Of course, that’s easier said than done when working on a remote jobsite. When you don’t have access to wired area lighting, you’ll need to consider remote options that run off batteries. 

Before you go and grab the first flashlight you see, it’s important to first consider any potential hazards in the area. 

What kind of hazardous environments are we talking?

 We’re talking work zones that may be potentially explosive. We’re talking confined spaces or areas with ignitable concentrations of flammable gases, liquids, dusts, vapors, particulates or fibers. That, my friend, is when you’ll want a light source specially designed to not go BOOM.

Intrinsically safe and explosion proof flashlights are two options that may meet your needs. 

Are you sure your flashlight isn’t out to kill you? 

When you work in these hazardous environments, you’ll want a flashlight that meets or exceeds all safety standards required for that danger zone. These safety criteria are the first things to consider when choosing the safest flashlight for any hazardous work environment. The National Electric Code (NEC) classifies the hazards you may face on the job by the following criteria: Class, Division, Group and Temperature. 

The first step to choosing the right flashlight for your job depends on these safety classifications. 

Don’t get wrapped up in the bells and whistles. It may be tempting to choose that fancy, midnight-blue LED headlamp because it’s the hottest new thing on the market. But, when safety is on the line, you have to get down to the serious, nitty-gritty stuff. 

Check out Bacon’s fast facts on flashlight safety criteria. 

“Working in the dark makes no sense, unless you’re a mole rat or something.”

Now, thanks to Bacon, you’re a flashlight safety whiz. As long as you know the NEC safety criteria for your work environment, and make them your first priority, you’re on your way to choosing the right flashlight for your job. Then, you can focus on the cool design and feature options.

Choose the right flashlight to get the job done safely. Look for markings on the body. If you’re not sure it’s safe, don’t chance it. Just like any kind of safety equipment, do your research, play it safe and avoid the BOOM.

If you have other questions about choosing the lighting for your worksite, just give us a holler. We’d be happy to help! 

If you have other questions about choosing the lighting for your worksite, just give us a holler. We'd be happy to help!  

Safety: It’s Your Life, It’s Our Business