The HSS Guide to Lighting

Updated October 6th 2023

Lighting is essential for the health and safety of everyone in the workplace. HSS offers a large selection of portable lighting solutions to hire and a selection of lighting to buy to ensure that your chosen location is always fully illuminated. Choose from a single unit or a combination of different lighting towers, many equipped with a built-in generator to produce clear, brilliant light.

There are 6 key factors to consider when choosing appropriate lighting:

1. What area do you need to light?

The size of the area to be lit and the conditions of the ground all need to be considered – large open areas like an outdoor playing field, for example, would require different lights to a large, congested area such as a busy Christmas market. You will need to consider where the lighting can be located too for example will the lighting require an even surface, or can it be hung from a ceiling or wall?

2. What type of work/activity will be going on?

Differing activities require varied levels of lighting – more detailed work requires brighter lighting such as an LED floodlight. If the work is taking place in a Zone 1 hazardous area you will need to think about using appropriate safety lighting. Or perhaps the lighting needs to act as a warning to the public, for example a flashing lamp next to roadworks. A headtorch could be a good hands-free option where the light can be directed to the work being undertaken.

3. Do you have a power source?

Some lights come with their own power supply such as battery or solar powered lighting. For those that don’t, temporary power supplies including petrol and diesel generators can also be provided by HSS. For large scale events in the UK ABird Power Solutions can help. To help work out how much power you may need take a look at this guide to power on our blog.

4. Are noise levels an issue?

Sites in built-up residential areas may need to keep to minimum noise levels outside daytime hours.

5. Is the area well ventilated?

Generators should only be used in well ventilated areas as they present a health risk. If the area is not ventilated then the generator should be positioned away from the area and cables run to power the lights, alternatively battery lights should be considered.

6. Does shadowing need to be considered?

For intricate work where shadows would cause a nuisance, lights that emit diffused light will minimise the shadowing caused.

Back to articles

About the Author

Lauren King

Lauren works in our Ecommerce Team, with over 6 years of experience at HSS. She brings product knowledge and is able to give her advice on the right tool for the job no matter how big or small.

Eco Friendly Temporary Lighting Solutions

Using eco-friendly lighting is generally one of the simplest ways to go green. There are a few different types of lighting which run more efficiently than others such as LED.

by hss-hire-uk

Large Scale Lighting Solutions for Large Scale Events

Lighting may not be the top of the priority list when it comes to planning an event, however it is an important aspect of any event and can have a massive impact on the outcome. Work lights can be used to light up small spaces where detail is required but for larger scale events you will need large scale lighting.

by hss-hire-uk

The Business Case to go LED this Winter

Lighting technology has come a long way; there are many advancements which have led to safer, more effective lighting solutions. One of these is LED lighting. There are many benefits to LED lighting, yet in the past LED has only been available at a much higher premium when compared to alternative lighting options such as halogen lighting. Now, though the price of LED continues to increase, their benefits remain as intriguing as ever. Despite their slightly higher price tag, LED lights are actually more cost-effective than their counterparts as they last longer and are more energy efficient. LED light hire also means that you don’t have to worry about bulb replacement; therefore, avoiding any hidden costs.