Safety Talks:

Temporary Lighting

• Protect the lamps against breakage/ contact. This OSHA requirement creates the need for the plastic “bird cages.” Avoid using higher wattage bulbs to prevent melting of the cages. NEC article 590.4(F) lamp protection.

OSHA Description of Hazard (advisory not obligatory): Metal halide lamps use quartz arc tubes, which operate at high pressures and extremely high temperatures (as high as 1832°F, 1000°C). These arc tubes can rupture unexpectedly due to internal causes or external factors. If the outer jacket of the lamp shatters, the hot quartz arc tube particles and outer jacket glass particles will be discharged against the luminaire’s enclosure or into the environment. Many metal halide lamps require an enclosed metal halide luminaire designed to contain particles in the event of an arc tube rupture. Enclosed metal halide luminaires must comply with UL 1572.

• Do not hang lamps by their cord unless they are designed to do so, and never use bare wire, nails, or other metal straps for securing the temporary lighting cords. Plastic straps or insulated wiring can be used.

• Use a 10-pound rule of thumb when suspending lights. If the weight of the cable and/or tension of the lights exceed 10 pounds, then more secure points are needed.

• Temporary lighting in wet/conductive locations should be provided with GFCI protection, or a 12V lighting system should be used.

• No splicing wires in stairways, and no tying up lighting to stairway handrails.

• Keep the temporary lights 8 feet off the floor.

• Install temporary lights on separate circuits. Do not wire the lights into a circuit that is also used for power tools. This improper wiring method on the jobsite will create a dark room for someone if the circuit breaker is tripped and is a violation of Art 590.4(D)(1) of the NEC.

• Temporary lighting must meet the following minimum requirements according to OSHA regulations. This means that you’ll need a light meter to ensure compliance in most cases.