5 replies to this topic

[Rob C]

Please help !
I have a major headache. As part of our work towards gaining BRC/IoP approval - I have a dilemma concerning the Glass Policy.
The manufacturing environment has over 150 fluorescent lights , some directly above machines. Do I have to replace all the lights - I cannot find anyone to supply me with 'safe unbreakable' tubes as the lights are all old imperial sizes

Any suggestions ???

[rheath]

Mike,


As a minimum:

Firstly there is no specific requirement to have shatter proof light fittings refer to section 6.1.2 of the standard (although is now pretty much accepted as standard practice).

Any replacement or otherwise should be based on your HACCP / Risk assessment - Areas over machinery or stored product are high risk areas.

Recommendation:
Get some Lighting Specialists in - we replaced all of our Fluorescent Tube Lights for Metal Halide type light fittings - the energy saving alone paid back the cost in 15 months (obviously after this time it was money back on the bottom line) - in the process we relocated fittings so that they are not over machinery & they are all fully protected.

Hope this helps

Regards

Richard

[Simon]

Rob,

Have you considered diffusers?

Simon

[Rob C]

No, please explain ????

[Simon]

Hi Rob,

By Diffuser I mean cover. It may be possible for you to purchase shatterproof covers for the lights, possibly polycarbonate. You may be able to get them made to measure. Try some of these:

Light Diffusers on Kellys

Hope this helps, let us know how you get on.

Regards,
Simon

[shattersafe]

You can actually do this yourself, but you must take a bit of caution if your lights are producing a great deal of heat, so there must be a way for the heat to disipate.

You can create covers by purchasing any brand of polycarbonate ( brand name lexan) from Lowes or Home Depot and create a system to secure in place. Be certain to leave enough room to vent the light though so that the heat does not build up. DO NOT use a shatter safe film over these lights as the film will not withstand the intense heat.

Cheers and good luck

Al