Laura Akgerman – Disability Services Coordinator for Ohio AgrAbility
Does your workload get lighter as the days get shorter and darker? Probably not. Animals still need fed and tended to, work needs to get done, and equipment needs fixed.
A well-lit work space is important to ensure that you can work safely and effectively. Task lighting makes work safer and easier, allowing you to see your equipment and workspace. Task lighting can be portable, permanently attached, or you can even wear it. LED lights are one solution for lighting a poorly it area, or upgrading older, expensive to use lights.
Task Lighting safety practices(from https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79017 )
- Provide lighting with adjustable intensity to meet the needs for different tasks
- Provide portable lighting at the task location as appropriate
- Keep walls, ceilings and floors clean, and use lighter colors on them to reflect light
- Replace and clean lights regularly
- Allow enough time for the eyes to adapt from a well-lighted to a low-lighted area and vice versa
- Use filter to diffuse overhead lighting
LEDs use at least 75% less energy than halogen or incandescent, and at least 15% less energy than compact fluorescent bulbs, saving on electricity costs. LED lights do cost more than other types of lights, but their long life and lower energy costs make up for the higher price. The Minnesota Department of Commerce did a yearlong study on an all LED green house and found that the LEDs saved 47% on energy costs, and would take only 2.2 years to pay for the cost of LED lights (and the lights will last much longer than 2.2 years). https://www.cleanenergyresourceteams.org/blog/year-long-study-led-greenhouse-lighting-yields-illuminating-results
LED Headlamps are ideal for wearing when you need a light, but don’t want to use a flashlight. The headset has elastic bands that allow you to wear it on your head, and the light beam is directed at whatever you are looking at, which makes it ideal for working on equipment, walking the dog at night, or walking/running outside after dark.
For more information about LED lights, and examples of LED uses, please see the fact sheet from University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension: Lighting Technology: LED lamps for home, farm and small business. https://learningstore.uwex.edu/Assets/pdfs/A4050.pdf
For more information, please contact Laura Akgerman, Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension Disability Services Coordinator, at Akgerman.4@osu.edu, or 614-292-0622.