Introduction

Effective lighting is a cornerstone of public safety. It enhances visibility, supports surveillance, and fosters a sense of security. By reducing the fear of crime and improving the detection of offenders, effective lighting is integral to creating safer spaces.

In Australia, the Lighting Standard AS1158 outlines the minimum requirements for public streets, car parks, and pedestrian areas. These standards aim to reduce crime and fear of crime and should serve as a benchmark for businesses striving to maintain safe environments. By prioritising effective lighting, organisations can achieve these goals while ensuring safety for employees, customers, and the broader community.

Tips for Effective Lighting

To ensure public safety and meet lighting standards, the following should be considered as part of an organisation’s lighting strategy:

1. Eliminate Bright Spots and Shadows
   Consistent and effective lighting is critical for safety. Bright spots and shadows can create areas of reduced visibility and increase risks. A balanced lighting approach minimises these dangers while ensuring a sense of security throughout the premises.
2. Illuminate Vulnerable Areas
   High-risk zones or locations where potential attackers could hide must be lit more brightly than areas used for regular activities. The goal is to expose offenders while avoiding the inadvertent spotlighting of potential victims.
3. Address Age-Specific Lighting Needs
   Facilities catering to an older demographic should adhere to higher lighting levels than the Australian Standards (AS1158). Research indicates that people aged 60 or older require twice the brightness to perceive the same level of illumination as a 20-year-old. This adjustment ensures the comfort and safety of elderly visitors.
4. Maintain Lighting Flow Across the Facility
   Effective lighting should flow seamlessly throughout a property, increasing in intensity around key access points such as doorways, car park entrances, and stairwells. Care must be taken to avoid glare pools, which can hinder visibility.
5. Highlight Emergency Features and Signage
   Entrances, exits, and emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers or first aid stations, should be well-lit. This ensures these critical areas are easily located in emergencies.
6. Ensure Pathway Safety
   Pathways should feature uniform and effective lighting, eliminating dark zones without creating glare. This approach is especially important in areas with frequent pedestrian traffic.
7. Conduct Regular Lighting Audits
   Routine inspections are vital to maintaining effective lighting. Check for blown globes, faulty timers, or light fixtures obscured by vegetation. Such issues should be promptly reported and addressed to avoid creating safety vulnerabilities.
8. Provide Lighting in Key Operational Areas
   Keep lights on in critical zones such as entryways, loading docks, and workstations where security guards, cleaners, or caretakers may operate after dark. This ensures they can perform their duties safely.
9. Adopt LED Technology for Sustainability
   Modern LED lighting offers superior brightness and energy efficiency. Organisations should consider implementing LED solutions in high-use areas, including main and residential roads. Ausgrid’s partner program with councils provides valuable support and resources for transitioning to LED systems, promoting long-term sustainability and cost savings.
10. Tailor Lighting to Population Needs
    Different populations have varying safety and comfort requirements. Effective lighting should consider these needs, reducing the fear of crime and fostering inclusivity across all demographics.
11. Support CCTV Surveillance
    Appropriate lighting levels around vehicle access points and monitored zones improve the clarity of CCTV footage. This enhances the effectiveness of surveillance systems in identifying potential threats.
12. Enhance Safety at Intersections and Bike Paths
    Areas where bike paths cross other pathways, roads, or ramps should feature increased lighting. This reduces accidents and improves the safety of all users.

Practical Approach

Managing effective lighting in the workplace doesn’t have to be complex. Security is everybody’s business and all workers and contractors must report any damage or lights covered with shrubbery.

I have conducted many security assessments over the years at hospitals, schools, universities and registered clubs, and I am still amazed to see how management assumes that lighting is effective but no one checks it.

It’s simple: once a month, get someone, preferably two people, as this will be done when it is dark to walk around the exterior of the building and car park.

Check for lights that are not working or covered with shrubbery.

Report it to maintenance and have the shrubs removed or lights repaired.

Conducting a lighting audit is part of identifying the vulnerabilities in your organisation.  

Have a look at the following video to see how easy it is.

Conclusion

Effective lighting is essential for creating safe and secure environments. Regularly auditing your lighting systems and addressing issues promptly ensures your organisation meets safety standards and reduces vulnerabilities. Start today—don’t assume your lighting is effective; make sure it is!