The right quality of light is key in dark and confined spaces, according to Brinley Buckley-Roberts, Brand Manager at C.K Tools
Working in dark or confined spaces is a necessity for many builders and, of course, darker environments come hand in hand with increased health and safety issues to contend with, no matter how conscientious you are.
But that can all be combatted with the help of effective lighting, and what many don’t consider is that the source of light is just as important as the tools being used on the job – if not more so. Whether it’s an inspection light, site lights or portable neck lights, there’s more for builders to consider than just having a reliable light source, and it can be the difference in making the right join in low light environments, or simply making it home in one piece.
Choosing the right type of lighting for a job depends on whether it’s needed inside or outside and there’s certain things that need to be accounted for. If it’s outside, does it impact neighbours or passing motorists with the direction the light is pointing? Can the site entrance be navigated properly?
If it’s inside a build or a renovation, can the team see and use their tools properly and are the surfaces lit effectively? Are trip hazards illuminated and are stairs or differing step levels all highlighted? Do any of the lighting set-ups have the ability to dazzle the team as they’re walking with materials or tools? Can the light be used effectively in darker more confined spaces? Do the team need to see reflective colour correctly in darker spaces?
Choices
With all that in mind, the choice, power, positioning, mounting, and colour reflection, may be equally important depending on the job to be done and environment. And if working where the mains power supply is yet to be connected or is not safe, noise suppressing generators can also be utilised to ensure both the team and any neighbouring houses aren’t left with ringing in the ear at the end of each shift.
As a builder, both hands will more often than not be in use unless inspecting finishes. But with less natural light available, portable lighting may also throw up unwanted shadows if placed incorrectly or can’t be raised. This is where neck lights can be invaluable; not only do they provide an always-on light source for workers, but they will always illuminate where the user is looking so both hazards and the focus of the job should be lit properly. What’s more they can offer differing modes, from spotlight to wide field, providing more versatility for the job in hand.
Let’s take the colour reflection of a light as another example, as it’s not often considered. Artificial light sources are designed to reproduce the colours of natural daylight and therefore make objects appear the same colour. However, their ability to do so differs drastically. For example, an LED lamp and natural daylight might have the same colour temperature but depict an object in different colour tones because their spectral composition (the wavelengths of colour and their density coming from the light source) are different. This may be important when working with colour coded items, such as bags of different floor levelling compositions, where red may be confused as purple. So, a light’s performance on the Colour Rendering Index (CRI), which measures and compares the reflected colour of an object under artificial lighting, should be considered.
Top-of-the range
Working with our panel of trade professionals to find the right solutions for on-the-job problems, we’ve developed C.K Tools six new, top-of-the range, IP rated products designed to tackle a multitude of situations for trade professionals.
Three new Inspection Lights boast robust, durable bodies, supreme battery life, the latest charging technology and ultimate flexibility whether held, magnetised or hooked to an object, or standing tall on a swivel base.
Two new C.K Tools Site Lights join the top-flight of worksite lighting options, with the T9740 capable of 5000lm, and the T9741 reaching a spectacular 10,000lm. These waterproof, dustproof lights are built for maximum durability in the toughest of environments and will flood any area with light. With battery life reaching up to 120 minutes and colour rendering index to ensure ultimate safety when working with coloured electrical wire, C.K Tools’ new site lights are soon-to-be essential for safe, hardworking jobsites.
Neck Light
Finally, C.K Tools’ new T9429USB Neck Light is a game-changing piece of kit for close work. A steadier alternative to a head light, the Neck Light cradles the neck with an ergonomic comfort band and drapes lightly over the shoulders using multi-angle adjustable arms that bend into a secure position. On each arm is a torch and a mode selection switch, allowing varying options for different scenarios. On the back of the comfort band, a tripod mount point and two magnets turn the Neck Light into a multi-use product, making it an ideal piece of kit for a range of scenarios. The C.K Tools Neck Light is a lightweight tool that allows freedom of movement, ultimate convenience, and steady, targeted lighting without placing undue pressure and weight on the head and neck.
It’s often the case that the cost of hiring different lighting will be offset by the profit margin made in a faster job because the typical working hours have been maintained. With all this in mind, builders need to consider that illuminating their jobsite effectively has a direct impact on the finished build.
For further information on the CK Tools range of site lighting visit Lighting | CK Tools (ck-tools.com).
