Why Green LEDs Are Used in Safety Showers
Introduction
Safety is paramount in hazardous work environments. In industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemical manufacturing, and oil and gas, safety showers and eye wash stations are essential for protecting workers. These facilities allow individuals to promptly cleanse harmful chemicals or dangerous residues from their bodies and clothing.
What is a Safety Shower?
A safety shower is a specialised facility designed to provide a high flow of water to quickly rinse off hazardous substances.
To ensure quick and easy identification, these stations are equipped with green lights, which are strategically chosen for their effectiveness. Why green? Let’s explore the reasons behind this.
Why Use Green Lighting?
The use of green lighting in safety showers offers several practical advantages:
1. High Visibility
Green light is highly distinguishable in a variety of lighting conditions, including low light, smoke, or fog. It stands out against other safety colours like red or yellow, making it easier for workers to locate the shower quickly in emergencies. Compared to red or blue lights, green light is less harsh on the eyes. This makes it easier to identify and focus on the safety shower without causing discomfort, even under stress.
Did you know, the colour green is the last colour you see before going blind!
2. Association with Safety
Green is universally recognised as a safety colour by many international standards, such as ISO 3864. Its use reinforces the association with first aid and emergency equipment. This is why exit signs are commonly green, ensuring quick identification in critical situations.
3. Resistance to Chemical Interference
In environments with airborne chemicals or vapours, certain wavelengths of green light are less likely to be absorbed or scattered. This ensures consistent visibility, even in challenging conditions.
4. Psychological Impact
Green is associated with calmness and reassurance, which can help reduce panic in emergencies. This psychological effect can aid individuals in locating and using the shower quickly and effectively.
Raytec Solutions: The SPARTAN Safety Shower Linear
Raytec offers specialised lighting solutions for safety showers in hazardous environments—the SPARTAN Safety Shower Linears. These are purpose-designed to be used in and be retrofitted to existing lighting for safety showers.
Why Choose Raytec?
Key Features
- ATEX, UKEX and IECEx approved for Zone 1/21 and Zone 2/22 environments
- UL/CSA approved, including C1D2, and ABS certified
- Retrofittable, matching traditional fluorescent fitting dimensions and fixing centres for easy replacement
- Green, long-life LEDs
- Wide operating temperature range (-40°C to +60°C)
- Dominant wavelength of 519nm which improves visibility and identification
- Features a 120 x 120-degree dedicated safety shower option, ensuring a wide, easily visible light spread from multiple angles.
Extended Features
- Ultra-Reliable: Backed by a 5-year warranty, the SPARTAN Linear is designed and manufactured in the UK to the highest standards, including ISO9001 and ISO14001 accreditation.
- Ultra-Durable: The Linear features an IP66/67 rating and is enclosed in marine-grade aluminium with an epoxy powder coating. It also has a UV-stabilized polycarbonate housing, with all external fasteners and brackets made of marine-grade stainless steel.
- Ultra-Modular: Both LED and PSU modules are easily accessible for maintenance and inspection, reducing downtime.
- Ultra-Efficient: The CoolExtrude™ thermal management system ensures energy efficiency and extends product life by delivering superior heat dissipation.
- SMART Access Wiring System: Allows for safe and efficient installation, setup, and inspection.
- Photometric Support: Photometric files (.ies & .ldt) are available, with a full lighting design service and site-specific energy and cost-saving reports provided upon request. Download photometric data here.
Raytec is a trusted global leader in LED lighting, known for designing and manufacturing innovative lighting solutions in the UK. The solutions are supported by a worldwide distribution network, ensuring availability and technical support across the globe. Raytec also offers a full lighting design service, delivering award-winning technology backed by industry-leading expertise.
Conclusion
Green LEDs are vital in safety showers, providing unmatched visibility and reinforcing safety in hazardous environments. Raytec’s SPARTAN Safety Shower Linear combines advanced LED technology with durability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance, making it the ideal choice for hazardous area safety lighting.
For detailed specifications and additional support, contact solutions@raytecled.com