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Recruitment Portable Lighting [Jan 2003]
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About Us Considerations When Buying a Professional Torch

Forthcoming Events Health and safety professionals are highly specialised. Likewise, the products they
use are distinctive and should be purchased according to function.
Expo Protection
Safe Work
Torches, seemingly standard tools used by practically every
Article Topics hands-on professional, are relied upon for specific applications, but
rarely researched and thoroughly evaluated before being
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purchased. It’s important for prospective buyers to know that not all
torches are created equal; some lights are specifically designed to perform a

Air Quality particular function, such as in a confined space, while others perform best in different Author
Asbestos applications.
Breathing Apparatus Brad Penney
Calibration
Streamlight
Certification
Chemicals
Confined Spaces
Contamination
Emissions
Gas Detection
Hand Protection
Hazardous Waste
Head Protection
Health & Safety
Hearing Protection
That’s why health and safety professionals need to consider exactly how a torch will
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Lighting be used, and then examine the features and benefits needed most. Only after these
Noise considerations have been analysed will prospective buyers be able to correctly select
Optical Radiation a torch that most completely fulfills their needs.
Particulate Monitoring
Personal Protection Equipment Source of Power
Pollution
Protective Clothing The first step to purchasing a torch is deciding which of the two categories of lights –
Protective Eyewear disposable battery-powered or rechargeable – best meets your needs. These
Protective Footwear categories refer to the type of battery used. Both types are found in many
Protective Gloves highperformance professional torches including those that are waterproof, non-
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conductive, and even safety-approved for use in hazardous environments.
Regulations
Respiratory Protection
Safety Flooring
There are several factors

Safety Policies that differentiate these

Skin Protection two categories of
Spectroscopy torches. The first is
Standards longevity. Under frequent
Static Electricity usage, disposable
Training
batteries, such as alkaline
Welding
and lithium, will last for
Working at Height
approximately two
weeks. Once the battery
cell’s energy has been
exhausted, the battery
must be replaced prior to
using the torch again.
Rechargeable battery
cells, on the other hand,
are usable for a longer
period of time due to their ability to recharge up to 1,000 times. However, the typical
run time of rechargeable batteries between charges is shorter than the average run
time of disposable batteries.

When choosing a torch, buyers must also consider the economic and environmental
impact of rechargeable and disposable battery lights. Disposable battery lights are, on
average, less expensive to purchase than rechargeable models. However, the total
(initial plus ongoing) cost to operate a disposable battery light, due to replacement
battery expenses, often exceeds the total cost of rechargeable models.
Environmentally-conscious buyers will also want to weigh the environmental impact
disposable batteries can have on the environment over time.

The Power of Light

The amount of power a light delivers, reflected in its candlepower and run time, should
be a major consideration when purchasing a torch. Portable lights are capable of
generating enormous amounts of power, from relatively lowintensity beams to blinding
streams of light. This degree of brightness is calculated in candlepower – the
maximum level of light intensity a torch can generate. Run time, the period of time a
torch can continuously run without replacing or recharging the batteries, generally
varies between one and 10 hours.

A primary contributor to power is the light source. Xenon, krypton and halogen bulbs
are among the most popular incandescent varieties used in torches. The alternative to
these filament-based bulbs are light emitting diodes, more commonly referred to as
LEDs. Both light sources offer a unique set of advantages. Torches equipped with
incandescent bulbs deliver an extreme level of brightness. Incandescent bulbs also
can be quickly and easily replaced, and allow the torch beam to be adjusted from spot
to flood.

Conversely, LEDs require less energy than incandescent bulbs, and therefore offer
longer run times. Unlike incandescent bulbs, which burn out over time and
occasionally break, LEDs are highly durable and, because they last for up to 100,000
hours, are likely never to need replacing. Furthermore, LEDs are available in a variety
of colors.

For Specialised Applications, Specialised Lights

Because torches can be used for a range of diverse applications, a variety of

features are available to make operating the light easier, safer and more convenient. It
is important that the selected light offers all the features needed for its intended use.
Utility workers, for instance, often prefer torches that are non-conductive. Many lights
are now available in polymer casings to protect users against electric shock.
Waterproof torches, particularly those that feature a textured grip, make sense for
professionals working in or around water. Many lights that do not qualify as
waterproof are O-ring sealed to help protect against moisture damage. Professionals
working in questionable environments where gases or other undetectable, harmful
substances may be present will want to select a light that is safety-approved for use
in hazardous locations.

Many health and safety professionals need the freedom of their hands while using a
torch. For this reason, many portable lights allow for hands-free operation through the
use of an integrated clip or shoulder strap attachment. Another practical solution is a
torch that can be worn around the head. This is particularly helpful because the beam
of light will always shine where the user is looking. The most versatile hands-free
torch is one that converts from a hand held unit to a headlamp.

Performance is Paramount

Usability is another important issue for health and safety users to consider when
purchasing portable lighting equipment. In order for a torch to be effective, it must be
reliable and able to perform when needed, as needed. One of the most important
features affecting a light’s performance is bulb design. Lights that contain dual-
filament bulbs can be quite helpful. In the event of a blown filament, users can quickly
switch from one filament to another to regain power. Some models include a spare
bulb in the end-cap for similar emergency situations.

Battery Safety

Simply purchasing an appropriate torch does not guarantee a user’s safety. It

must be used properly. Take, for example, the use of batteries in hazardous
locations. Battery-powered devices, when used improperly, have been known to
carry the risk of explosion. The cause of these explosions can be attributed to
the misuse of alkaline batteries. This misuse can produce excess hydrogen gas
emissions which, if accumulated within battery compartments without sufficient
release, can cause the battery or compartment casing to rupture.

That’s why users should always use the following precautions:

● Do not mix batteries of different brands.

● Refrain from using old and new batteries simultaneously.
● Do not mix alkaline with non-alkaline batteries.
● Never use damaged batteries.
● Ensure that proper polarity is observed when installing batteries. Every
effort should be made to prevent batteries from being put in backwards.
● Carry torches that feature valves which relieve pressure build-up inside
the product.

There are also choices

concerning the ability to
adjust the light output of a
torch. Some models are
equipped with pre-
focused lamp modules
that provide the maximum
light output at all times.
Others feature adjustable
spot-to-flood beams that
provide a variable width and intensity of light.

Another factor that impacts usability is the accessibility of the on/off switch. Switch
location varies from torch to torch. Sometimes the power switch is integrated into the
tail-cap, while on other torches the switch is situated closer to the bulb assembly.
Additionally, some torches offer dual switching capabilities that provide users the
flexibility of constant and momentary “on” operation.

Hazardous Environments Require Safety Approved Lights

Purchasing torches for professional use also requires an understanding of the nature
of the environments in which the lights will be used. Most users aren’t aware of the
risks involved when using lighting devices in certain situations. Under specific
circumstances, torches can ignite, putting the user at risk. To ensure that lights are
safe, be sure to purchase a torch that bears the CE marking. While this “symbol of
quality” designates that the light is approved for sale within the European Union, it
more importantly signifies that the torch complies with the health, safety and
environmental product directives established by CEN (European Committee for
Standardisation) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical
Standardisation).

The CENELEC-established ATEX directive (94/9/EC) is particularly relevant for torch

users because it sets standards on equipment and protective systems, including
portable lighting equipment, that are intended for use in potentially explosive
atmospheres. The potential for explosive atmospheres can exist in locations such as
mines, factories, agricultural silos and oil and gas platforms. The ATEX directive
requires that all torches bear the CE marking as well as all necessary information
essential for the safe use of the light. Torches that comply with the ATEX directive will
display the following series of codes: CE marking, Ex hexagon symbol, the group of
equipment, the ATEX Category, Gas tested, Norms tested, level of protection provided,
the explosive gas group and a temperature code. The level of protection provided is
designated by a letter symbol (“n”, “o”, “p”, “q”, “d”, “e”, “ia”, “ib”, and “m”). The
symbols “ia” and “ib” indicate that a torch is intrinsically safe: “ia” is safe, even if two
faults occur, and “ib” is safe if one fault occurs. ATEX also requires these levels to be
completely anti-static.

Indicating the type of gas present in an explosive environment is the group symbol.
The gas group is symbolised as follows: I – methane; IIA – propane; IIB – ethylene; and
IIC – hydrogen or acetylene.

Lastly, the temperature code indicates a torch’s maximum surface temperature

(measured in degrees Celsius) allowable under normal operating conditions. Torches
that comply with the ATEX directive will carry one of the following temperature codes:
T1 (less than 450 degrees Celsius), T2 (less than 300 degrees), T3 (less than 200
degrees), T4 (less than 135 degrees), T5 (less than 100 degrees), or T6 (less than 85
degrees).

One of the most important symbols that users need to be aware of are Categories of
every flashlight. Each category matches a ‘zone of danger of explosion’: Category 3
corresponds to Zone 2, Category 2 to Zone 1 and Category 1 to Zone 0 (most
dangerous).

Torch Maintenance

Take care of your professional light and it will take care of you.

● Torches with rugged polymer or machined aluminum casings can take

the abuse of a technician’s workday, extending the life of your light.
● Some torches have self-cleaning switches, eliminating the problem of
corrosion inside the on/off switch.
● Store your rechargeable torch on its charging rack so it’s always
charged and ready to use.
● Avoid unnecessary abuse like dropping your torch from a ladder,
driving over it with your truck or using it to clean out the treads of your
boots!
● Carry back-up batteries with you for disposable battery-powered
torches; vehicle-mountable chargers for rechargeable torches.
● Use batteries that manufacturer suggests as the tests are passed with
those brands.
 In addition to the CE
marking that signifies
compliance with CEN and
CENELEC product
directives, there may be
other indications
displayed on a torch to
indicate that it is safe for
use in potentially
explosive locations.
International third-party
testing organisations,
such as Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc. (UL) and Factory Mutual Research (FM) certify the safety of
products when operated in specified hazardous environments. Torches certified as
safe for use in indicated hazardous locations are awarded “approvals” or “listings.”

The coding system used to indicate an UL-listed or FMapproved torch is similar to that
used on products certified to CE and/or CENELEC standards. The basic designations
are Class and Division. The Class of a hazardous location is defined by the possibility
of an explosive atmosphere. Class I indicates a situation where flammable gases,
vapours or liquids could possibly be present, such as a propane tank. Class II
indicates a situation where combustible dusts are possibly present, such as a silo
where grain is stored. And Class III indicates a situation where there is the possibility
of ignitable fibres and flyings, such as a manufacturing facility where metal shavings
are air-borne.

The Division of a hazardous location is defined by the likelihood that an explosive

atmosphere is present when equipment is operating under normal conditions. Division
1 is an environment where an explosive atmosphere is likely to exist, such as inside
an oil or gasoline tank, or in certain confined spaces. Division 2 designates an
environment where an explosive atmosphere is not likely to exist, such as a
manufacturing facility where a flammable substance like gasoline is flowing through
pipes. In this instance, the explosive material is only present if something goes wrong
– such as bursting pipes.

Underwriters Laboratories and Factory Mutual Research further define hazardous

atmospheres by groups and temperature codes. These classifications parallel the
coding system used for torches that comply with CE and CENELEC standards. Groups
refer to the atmospheric properties (i.e. gases or dusts) of the hazardous
environment, and temperature codes range from T1 to T6.

Making Your Selection

Due to their highly

specialised nature and
diverse features, torches
are no longer bought on
impulse, but thoroughly
researched and evaluated
before being purchased.
Understanding how a light will be operated, including frequency of usage and
environmental factors, as well as determining which product features best fit your
specific needs, will help you to select the most appropriate torch.

Links to Products and Services

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sister site - OSE Directory.

Height Safety Equipment, Portable and Fixed Lighting, Eye Protection

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