Solution Summary: Telescoping Light Pole
This is an engineering control that can eliminate the risk of strains from overhead work and the need for ladders during temporary lighting installation.
Description:
A telescoping light pole is an engineering control that can eliminate the risk of strains from overhead work and the risk of falls during temporary lighting installation. This lighting kit contains an internal spring-assisted mechanism that allows the height of the luminaire to be controlled. These lighting kits can be installed on industrial walkways, platforms, and stairways.
A telescoping light pole, such as the V-SpringTM, is a lighting kit that is pre-wired and protected by a conduit housed within a shell cover that can be made from structural steel (A36-500), aluminum (T6061), or stainless steel (316 grade). Per the wind rating AASHTO standards, the structural steel, aluminum and stainless steel can withstand 320, 310, and 230 mph, respectively.
The internal stainless steel compression spring can support up to 50 pounds of weight, which is the maximum recommended weight a person can carry overhead during lighting installation. The mechanism can also be raised as high as 8.5 feet (figure 1). Depending on the location requiring light, the lighting kit may be installed onto a rail, on top of a base when there is no guard rail, or along a column and wall. Please visit the manufacturer's website for the appropriate bracket mounts and installation instructions.
Figure 1. Features of the V-spring Telescoping Safety Light Pole (Photo courtesy of Eaton Corporation)
Risks Addressed:
Climbing ladders during temporary lighting installation can increase the chance of a fall leading to an injury or even death. Fractures are the most common injuries associated with falling from a ladder, followed by strains, sprains, and abrasions. A telescoping light pole can eliminate the requirement of using ladders.
When installing temporary lighting systems, workers may need to lift up to 50 pounds overhead. Overhead lifting like this can cause musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as shoulder muscle strains. A telescoping light pole eliminates the need for workers to manually lift and prop luminaires during temporary lighting installation.
How Risks are Reduced:
The lighting pole is first secured at a worker's ground level. The luminaire can then be raised and lowered by the spring potential energy inside the lighting kit which eliminates the manual labors of climbing ladders and handling luminaires overhead.
Per the manufacturer's claim, when compared to alternative lowering systems, the V-spring's spring assisted vertical movemnt requires 65% less force to raise or lower.
Effects on Productivity:
A telescoping light pole increases productivity by decreasing installation time (figure 2).
Figure 2. Comparing installation time of installing a telescoping light pole versus other traditional methods. (Source: http://www.cooperindustries.com/content/dam/public/crousehinds/resources/pdfs/literature/vspring-brochure.pdf)
Additional Considerations:
It is recommended users follow all manufacturer guidelines before using this equipment to ensure worker safety and compliance with applicable local, state or federal regulations.
The V-SpringTM shell cover has no rotating parts during operation which ensures workers' hands are protected from caught-in or -between risks.
Installation of the V-SpringTM requires electrical wiring and may expose workers to the risk of electrocution. Lock Out Tag Out programs can reduce the risk of serious injury or death by preventing equipment from being energized once it is de-energized.
The certifications for the V-SpringTM include:
- UL1598
- CSA C22.2 No. 250.0-08
- Suitable for use in Class I, Divsion 2 and Class I, Zone 2 when following wiring practices of CEC/NEC
Contributors:
Le, Jean Christophe, MPH - CPWR - The Center for Construction for Research and Training
Availability
Eaton Corporation
To obtain information, visit Crouse-hinds V-Spring telescoping safety light pole
or contact 1-866-764-5454 CrouseCustomerCTR@Eaton.com
