Exterior Lighting

1. Exterior Lighting Preventing Injuries and Increasing Security By Maintaining Effective Lighting

2. Poor Lighting and Injuries Poor lighting is a contributing factor to a number of accidents and injuries at many types of properties. • Inadequate exterior lighting can lead to: • Slips, Trips and Falls • Struck By/Against • Motor Vehicle Accidents • Assaults Areas with low (or no) lighting can also provide a safe haven for would-be assailants

3. Result of Poor Lighting Possible injuries: • Sprains, strains • Bruises, contusions • Fractures • Abrasions, lacerations • Affected body parts: • Knee, Ankle, Foot • Wrist, Elbow • Back • Shoulder • Hip • Head

4. Importance of Exterior Lighting The purpose of exterior lighting is to allow you to detect a hazard in plenty of time to take corrective action: • Uneven sidewalk • Object in the path • Threatening animal • Suspicious person • Etc If you can see a potential threat in advance then you at least have a chance to avoid it!

5. Pedestrian Lighting • Lighting levels should allow pedestrians to clearly distinguish the edges of the walkway, changes in direction, intersecting walkways, and any potential obstacles or hazards • Street crossings, changes in grade, and other potentially hazardous locations should be illuminated at a higher level than other sections of the walkway • Light fixtures should be located so that they do not impede pedestrian traffic • To provide a sense of security, light fixtures should be located to minimize shadows and illuminate areas adjacent to the walkway

6. Swimming Pool Lighting • Adequate pool lighting is essential if the pool is to be open after dark • Lights should be turned on at dusk, approximately 30 minutes prior to sunset • Lights should come on automatically (timer) if at all possible to avoid any oversight • Lighted areas should include pool entrance/exit as well as all deck surfaces and restroom facilities • In pool lights are also necessary; certain elements may be required by local code (check with your building inspector)

7. Other Areas Requiring Illumination • Driveways, parking lots and walkways should be effectively lit with outdoor-rated lighting fixtures • Stairways should be well lit with wall mounted lights or ceiling mounted outdoor-rated pendants • Lighting should extend to or encompass the area immediately in front of each unit’s front door • Floodlights and spotlights can add extra light around gates and garages for additional security

8. Daytime Lighting In some locations, it may also be necessary to provide for adequate lighting during the day.

9. Exterior Lighting Inspections Managers should establish procedures for the inspection of all exterior lighting to insure: • All lights are working properly • Absence of vandalism or breakage • Tree limbs and shrubs have not grown to a point that blocks designed lighting Procedures should specify: • Who is required to inspect lights • When it is to be done • How it is to be documented

10. Procedures • The Manager at EACH location is required to make sure these procedures are followed: • Assign the task of checking lights to one or more responsible persons (security, maintenance, etc.) • Establish controls to make sure that the required checks are, in fact, being completed (light check logs, reports, etc.) • Management/Supervisor should review reports timely • The repairing of missing/broken lighting is a priority! It should be attended to immediately • Maintain the light check logs and documentation that broken lights were fixed for up to two years

11. Thank you for taking the time to learn about safety, health and how to prevent future injuries and illnesses.