Humans have used light as a form of signalling for centuries, from fire signals to the reflecting of the sun on shiny surfaces, to the more sophisticated light beacons of today. In fact, the first lighthouse has been dated to around 280 BCE and today there are over 18,000 lighthouses signalling their warnings to ships throughout the world. However, there is so much more to light beacons than lighthouses. Let’s look at how light beacons have improved safety and security in more industries and circumstances than just the humble lighthouse.
Safety
The safety applications of light beacons include traffic lights, hazard signals, fire alarms, and much more. They usually use the colours: green for good, yellow/amber for caution, and red for danger or fire. In some industries like gas and oil, they may use a purple or blue light beacon instead of a red beacon for danger because they use the red light beacon exclusively to warn of a fire. The most notable flashing red light beacons we see are on fire trucks.
Search and rescue
When it comes to search and rescue, whether it is at sea, in the bush, or in the mountains, light beacons can literally be life savers. These use strong white lights and can be registered to a maritime vehicle, or they can be used as personal light beacons. You can find them in lifejackets, and they are popular with hikers too. They come with a distress signal integrated, making the search much quicker and more precise, leading to more successful rescues. For some maritime vehicles, it is a law that they must have an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) installed and registered.
Security
The best-known security sector in Australia, and the most recognised blue light beacons, are those used by the Australian police force. When we see those flashing blue lights come up behind us, we know we must get out of the way or pull over. The same as when we hear an alarm and a blue light beacon flashing on a building, we understand that it is a burglar alarm.
When your business requires you to instal light beacons for safety or security then make sure you choose wisely. You need to consider what its purpose is and therefore its colour, how much distance it needs to light up, how it needs to be powered, where it will be installed, how it is to be initiated, and how many light beacons you will need. For expert help and quality products, we recommend you contact the team at RS. They are available online, via email, or by phone. Getting the wrong light beacon can be just as dangerous, or more dangerous, than not having any at all.
Whether you are securing your property, protecting your employees, or ensuring rescue is more efficient, then light beacons are what you need to help with your safety and security issues. Getting the right light beacon is crucial, but expert advice is as easy as contacting RS.