Contrary to popular belief, the 8-hour work day was first introduced in Spain back in 1593 instead of by Henry Ford in 1926. Back then, worker's rights were nearly non-existent and most of them were vague. Many centuries later, we are not facing issues like those of the past.
Thanks to many laws and regulations that require a safe workplace for all and one that provides everything you need to do your job without an issue. These requirements and many more have shaped the landscape of employment. One of these requirements is the use of devices that will warn workers of a hazard.
Benefits of Beacon Lights
Simple
Although there are plenty of fire alarms one of the most commonly used ones are fire alarm beacons. Instead of producing a loud noise that not everyone can hear, a safe fire alarm beacon flashes bright lights. This simple solution is the most effective since it can be seen even if you have a welding helmet on.
Effective
If you have an alarm sounding off in the distance or even close by and you're wearing ear muffs, you won't be able to hear it, especially with loud machinery around. When you have a flashing light or a set of them going off, you will most definitely notice them even with the most heavily tinted goggles.
Versatile
Because visual alarm beacons are not limited to the user's hearing, they're also not limited to the areas you can install them in. No matter how large the space is you can have LED beacon alarms do their job effectively as long as you position the right ones in said area.
Beacon Light Colours
Green
Starting with green alarm beacons, they are used to signify safety or security. When such an alarm is on it means that necessary action is being taken and the emergency is currently being dealt with. It essentially means that everything is running as it should and that there are no hazards to worry about just that the whole procedure isn't finished.
Yellow
An amber or yellow light beacon is one that lets you know to be aware of moving objects be it automatic doors or a forklift. When an amber light is on it's mainly to warn you that there could be imminent danger if you are not away from your surroundings. Know that when such an alarm is flashing you should look around for any moving equipment or one that is about to be moved or turned on.
White
When it comes to long-distance warnings of large moving objects, white-coloured LED beacon alarms are used. That's because white light offers the best visibility especially when it's misty outside. White light shines brighter but it doesn't make only for as distracting of a solution which is why these fire alarm beacons are used to highlight certain types of equipment.
Blue
An alarm beacon that flashes a blue light signifies a certain change. This usually involves the shutting down of equipment or a certain other alarm being activated or worked on. The blue colour means that people around need to move out of the way of any machinery or just be aware of a certain process taking place.
Red
The most noticeable flashing fire alarm beacon is one with a red light. When you see such an alarm being on, it means that there is live equipment or machinery and that there is a hazard or danger. With a red light alarm on, you should as safely and as quickly as possible go to a safe area as imminent danger is present. There is no if or what with such a light, just get to safety, and that's it.
Types of Beacon Lights
Signalling
Beacon lights come in various form-factors as well as with different working methods. Signalling beacon alarms, for example, are able to inform you of a certain area not necessarily a hazardous one for example a road where only emergency vehicles can be. They can also be used to guide others towards a certain area.
Warning
Warning beacon lights are the most popular as they catch your attention the most. They are used to alert others of any potential hazards or imminent danger and to inform people of any moving object that could cause any hazards if people are not aware of them. Warning beacons are used to reduce or prevent accidents.
Rotating
Although not as common on fixed objects, rotating beacon alarms are used on moving vehicles in order to keep others clear of their path. These beacons are used both in industrial and commercial settings on different types of vehicles and machinery too.
Navigation
Despite working on the same principle as the rest of the aforementioned beacon lights, navigation beacons are used to make people aware of their surroundings in poor visibility areas, hence why they're known as navigation lights. They either lead you to a safe space or keep your form going to a hazardous area.