mercredi 10 janvier 2018

High Intensity Tower Lighting Ensures Safety

By Barbara Nelson


Proper public lights are valuable in many circumstances. An important public system is high intensity tower lighting. The majority of the uses are for aviation safety but have become popular for other ground services to provide brighter illumination for emergency services as well as cleanup and road construction services. Most cases are regulated by the federal government providing requirements for the strength and the type used on tall structures.

An average person would probably assume that large buildings and tall towers are easily seen. This is not the case for passing planes and other flight vehicles. Because their view of the landscape is at a distance and their path is not determined by concrete barriers it is easy for them to miss seeing an object that blends into the background of the city or countryside they're flying over. This situation can be extremely hazardous in both clear and inclement weather.

Aircraft have to be aware of the constant danger of tall buildings. In the US, the FCC provides regulations by working with the FAA on the permits and placement of tall radio towers. These requirements are an important part of providing safe passage for aircraft regardless of the weather.

Daytime and nighttime illumination colors and intensity are often different. While many regulations allow for bright white and strobes during the day, they often call for red lights at night. The requirements take the landscape into consideration. Urban areas often restrict the use of strobe lighting because residents often complain and they are not easily spotted by aircraft pilots.

Two factors that determine the type of light are the height and placement of the structure. There are federal regulations that determine the brightness of the system used. In some situations lights that are on constantly versus strobe lights are preferred. Building permits usually get the FAA involved when the building or structure is taller than 200 feet.

Various types of systems exist for taller structures. Obstruction systems are bright white lights that are on all the time. Red strobes or beacons are usually used at night. White strobes with high-intensity are for buildings and structures taller than seven hundred feet. The medium or mid-intensity white strobe lights are used on buildings between two hundred and five hundred feet tall.

These same systems are becoming popular for nighttime construction work and emergency services. Since road crews are working more at night, their need to see for work and safety has increased. The nighttime work is used to prevent a negative impact on rush hour traffic. Emergency staff are often working in dark or perilous situations that benefit greatly from having the stronger illumination. Firetrucks are often fitted with mobile versions that can be directed towards the area most needing light.

Aircraft, road crews, and emergency personnel all benefit from the work of proper public lights. In all cases the safety of the crews and equipment is increased because of their use. Passing planes can rest assured that their path is obstruction free thanks to government regulations on taller structures. Emergency and road crews are able to work at night while being able to see everything needed throughout the night. Using the systems properly ensures a safe environment.




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