How To Create Better Warehouse Lighting

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Lighting affects many different aspects of a warehouse; it can promote safety and improve the productivity of workers. But it’s not enough to simply add more lights to a warehouse—professionals must consider proper lighting design as well in order to maximize the effects. Knowing how to create better warehouse lighting means knowing the optimal location for various light fixtures.

Determine Which Lights Are Best

Before purchasing lights, you need to know which lights are best for your purposes:

• High-Bay Fixtures: Meant to be installed within industrial areas where the ceiling is 20 feet high or higher.
• Low-Bay Fixtures: These are installed on ceilings that are 20 feet or lower in height.
• Linear Strip Lights: Long, cylindrical lights that cover a wide area of ground with clean and even lighting.

These are the three main types of light sources best used in warehouse environments, and each of them serves different purposes for optimal light coverage.

Make the Lights Compliment Each Area

The necessary light fixtures depend on the individual characteristics of the area. If the ceilings are higher in one area, they will require high-bays, while lower areas will need either linear strip lights or low-bay fixtures.

Risks of Inadequate Lighting

There are several safety risks that can result from poor lighting in the warehouse. Whether it be unseen tripping hazards while walking or obstacles that are obscured while a worker is operating a forklift, dangers can present themselves in a variety of ways. Certain areas can be harder to light due to pallet racks, and in these situations, smaller and more concentrated light sources will be necessary to avoid work environment hazards.

Ensure the Correct Lighting

Make sure beforehand that you are installing the correct lights for the area. You will only waste money to install lighting that will in no way increase the level of visibility in an area. Costs can quickly rise when you install improper lighting.

Natural Light

Allowing natural light to shine in can be a great way to achieve more light coverage at no extra cost. But sometimes, natural light can cast shadows that will interfere with visibility. There is a balancing act when it comes to using natural light and trying to determine how much or how little artificial light is needed.

Take Light Color Into Account

Do not choose the color of your lighting purely for aesthetic reasons, as certain lighting colors can make it easier or harder to see. Smooth and even lighting is needed when workers are expected to spend several hours a day working in the warehouse. Some lights can make it a strain to read labels and, as a result, will cause discomfort while on the job.

Don’t Neglect the Lighting

When looking for ways to improve your warehouse, do not overlook the importance of lighting. Finding ways to create better warehouse lighting ensures safety and promotes productivity.