Portable Lighting Jan_2003

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so Published by Bay Publishing: AMH Magazine AWE International Health and Safety Middle East OSA Magazine OSE DIRECTORY

Portable Lighting [Jan 2003]

Considerations When Buying a Professional Torch

Health and safety professionals are highly specialised. Likewise, the products they

use are distinctive and should be purchased according to function.

Torches, seemingly standard tools used by practically every

hands-on professional, are relied upon for specific applications, but

rarely researched and thoroughly evaluated before being

purchased. Its important for prospective buyers to know that not all

torches are created equal; some lights are specifically designed to perform a

particular function, such as in a confined space, while others perform best in different

applications.

Thats why health and safety professionals need to consider exactly how a torch will

be used, and then examine the features and benefits needed most. Only after these

considerations have been analysed will prospective buyers be able to correctly select

a torch that most completely fulfills their needs.

Source of Power

The first step to purchasing a torch is deciding which of the two categories of lights

disposable battery-powered or rechargeable best meets your needs. These

categories refer to the type of battery used. Both types are found in many

highperformance professional torches including those that are waterproof, non-

conductive, and even safety-approved for use in hazardous environments.

Author

Brad Penney

Streamlight

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There are several factors

that differentiate these

two categories of

torches. The first is

longevity. Under frequent

usage, disposable

batteries, such as alkaline

and lithium, will last for

approximately two

weeks. Once the battery

cells energy has been

exhausted, the battery

must be replaced prior tousing the torch again.

Rechargeable battery

cells, on the other hand,

are usable for a longer

period of time due to their ability to recharge up to 1,000 times. However, the typical

run time of rechargeable batteries between charges is shorter than the average run

time of disposable batteries.

When choosing a torch, buyers must also consider the economic and environmental

impact of rechargeable and disposable battery lights. Disposable battery lights are, on

average, less expensive to purchase than rechargeable models. However, the total

(initial plus ongoing) cost to operate a disposable battery light, due to replacement

battery expenses, often exceeds the total cost of rechargeable models.

Environmentally-conscious buyers will also want to weigh the environmental impact

disposable batteries can have on the environment over time.

The Power of Light

The amount of power a light delivers, reflected in its candlepower and run time, should

be a major consideration when purchasing a torch. Portable lights are capable of

generating enormous amounts of power, from relatively lowintensity beams to blinding

streams of light. This degree of brightness is calculated in candlepower the

maximum level of light intensity a torch can generate. Run time, the period of time a

torch can continuously run without replacing or recharging the batteries, generally

varies between one and 10 hours.

A primary contributor to power is the light source. Xenon, krypton and halogen bulbs

are among the most popular incandescent varieties used in torches. The alternative to

these filament-based bulbs are light emitting diodes, more commonly referred to as

LEDs. Both light sources offer a unique set of advantages. Torches equipped with

incandescent bulbs deliver an extreme level of brightness. Incandescent bulbs also

can be quickly and easily replaced, and allow the torch beam to be adjusted from spot

to flood.

Conversely, LEDs require less energy than incandescent bulbs, and therefore offer

longer run times. Unlike incandescent bulbs, which burn out over time and

occasionally break, LEDs are highly durable and, because they last for up to 100,000

hours, are likely never to need replacing. Furthermore, LEDs are available in a variety

of colors.

For Specialised Applications, Specialised Lights

Because torches can be used for a range of diverse applications, a variety of

features are available to make operating the light easier, safer and more convenient. It

is important that the selected light offers all the features needed for its intended use.

Utility workers, for instance, often prefer torches that are non-conductive. Many lights

are now available in polymer casings to protect users against electric shock.

Waterproof torches, particularly those that feature a textured grip, make sense for

professionals working in or around water. Many lights that do not qualify as

waterproof are O-ring sealed to help protect against moisture damage. Professionals

working in questionable environments where gases or other undetectable, harmful

substances may be present will want to select a light that is safety-approved for use

Safety Flooring

Safety Policies

Skin Protection

Spectroscopy

Standards

Static Electricity

Training

Welding

Working at Height


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tail-cap, while on other torches the switch is situated closer to the bulb assembly.

Additionally, some torches offer dual switching capabilities that provide users the

flexibility of constant and momentary on operation.

Hazardous Environments Require Safety Approved Lights

Purchasing torches for professional use also requires an understanding of the nature

of the environments in which the lights will be used. Most users arent aware of the

risks involved when using lighting devices in certain situations. Under specific

circumstances, torches can ignite, putting the user at risk. To ensure that lights are

safe, be sure to purchase a torch that bears the CE marking. While this symbol of

quality designates that the light is approved for sale within the European Union, it

more importantly signifies that the torch complies with the health, safety and

environmental product directives established by CEN (European Committee for

Standardisation) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical

Standardisation).

The CENELEC-established ATEX directive (94/9/EC) is particularly relevant for torch

users because it sets standards on equipment and protective systems, including

portable lighting equipment, that are intended for use in potentially explosive

atmospheres. The potential for explosive atmospheres can exist in locations such as

mines, factories, agricultural silos and oil and gas platforms. The ATEX directive

requires that all torches bear the CE marking as well as all necessary information

essential for the safe use of the light. Torches that comply with the ATEX directive will

display the following series of codes: CE marking, Ex hexagon symbol, the group of

equipment, the ATEX Category, Gas tested, Norms tested, level of protection provided,

the explosive gas group and a temperature code. The level of protection provided is

designated by a letter symbol (n, o, p, q, d, e, ia, ib, and m ). The

symbols ia and ib indicate that a torch is intrinsically safe: ia is safe, even if two

faults occur, and ib is safe if one fault occurs. ATEX also requires these levels to be

completely anti-static.

Indicating the type of gas present in an explosive environment is the group symbol.

The gas group is symbolised as follows: I methane; IIApropane; IIB ethylene; and

IIC hydrogen or acetylene.

Lastly, the temperature code indicates a torch s maximum surface temperature

(measured in degrees Celsius) allowable under normal operating conditions. Torchesthat comply with the ATEX directive will carry one of the following temperature codes:

T1 (less than 450 degrees Celsius), T2 (less than 300 degrees), T3 (less than 200

degrees), T4 (less than 135 degrees), T5 (less than 100 degrees), or T6 (less than 85

degrees).

One of the most important symbols that users need to be aware of are Categories of

every flashlight. Each category matches a zone of danger of explosion : Category 3

corresponds to Zone 2, Category 2 to Zone 1 and Category 1 to Zone 0 (most

dangerous).

Torch Maintenance

Take care of your professional light and it will take care of you.

q Torches with rugged polymer or machined aluminum casings can take

the abuse of a technicians workday, extending the life of your light.

q Some torches have self-cleaning switches, eliminating the problem of

corrosion inside the on/off switch.

q Store your rechargeable torch on its charging rack so its always

charged and ready to use.

q Avoid unnecessary abuse like dropping your torch from a ladder,

driving over it with your truck or using it to clean out the treads of your

boots!

q Carry back-up batteries with you for disposable battery-powered

torches; vehicle-mountable chargers for rechargeable torches.

q Use batteries that manufacturer suggests as the tests are passed with

those brands.


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In addition to the CE

marking that signifies

compliance with CEN and

CENELEC product

directives, there may be

other indications

displayed on a torch to

indicate that it is safe for

use in potentially

explosive locations.

International third-party

testing organisations,

such as UnderwritersLaboratories, Inc. (UL) and Factory Mutual Research (FM) certify the safety of

products when operated in specified hazardous environments. Torches certified as

safe for use in indicated hazardous locations are awarded approvals or listings.

The coding system used to indicate an UL-listed or FMapproved torch is similar to that

used on products certified to CE and/or CENELEC standards. The basic designations

are Class and Division. The Class of a hazardous location is defined by the possibility

of an explosive atmosphere. Class I indicates a situation where flammable gases,

vapours or liquids could possibly be present, such as a propane tank. Class II

indicates a situation where combustible dusts are possibly present, such as a silo

where grain is stored. And Class III indicates a situation where there is the possibility

of ignitable fibres and flyings, such as a manufacturing facility where metal shavings

are air-borne.

The Division of a hazardous location is defined by the likelihood that an explosive

atmosphere is present when equipment is operating under normal conditions. Division

1 is an environment where an explosive atmosphere is likely to exist, such as inside

an oil or gasoline tank, or in certain confined spaces. Division 2 designates an

environment where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to exist, such as a

manufacturing facility where a flammable substance like gasoline is flowing through

pipes. In this instance, the explosive material is only present if something goes wrong

such as bursting pipes.

Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual Research further define hazardous

atmospheres by groups and temperature codes. These classifications parallel the

coding system used for torches that comply with CE and CENELEC standards. Groups

refer to the atmospheric properties (i.e. gases or dusts) of the hazardous

environment, and temperature codes range from T1 to T6.

Making Your Selection

Due to their highly

specialised nature and

diverse features, torches

are no longer bought on

impulse, but thoroughly

researched and evaluated

before being purchased.

Understanding how a light will be operated, including frequency of usage and

environmental factors, as well as determining which product features best fit your

specific needs, will help you to select the most appropriate torch.

Links to Products and Services

You may be interested in the following products and services on our

sister site - OSE Directory.

Height Safety Equipment, Portable and Fixed Lighting, Eye Protection


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Portable Lighting Jan_2003