Safe Use of Light Towers

Key Hazards

• Tip-over from unstable setup, wind, or poor ground conditions
• Electric shock from cords, fixtures, or wet components
• Glare affecting drivers, operators, or workers
• Pinch points during mast raising or lowering
• Fuel, exhaust, noise, and hot surface hazards
• Workers or equipment striking the tower, mast, or cords

2–3 Minute Talk Script

Light towers improve visibility for night work and low-light tasks, but they create hazards during transport, setup, operation, fueling, and teardown.

The setup area should be firm, level, and clear of traffic paths, overhead hazards, holes, slopes, and soft ground. Stabilizers or outriggers should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Workers should inspect the tower before use. Mast sections, lights, cords, plugs, grounding, generator components, fuel system, tires, tow hitch, and controls should be checked.

Mast movement can create pinch, crush, and overhead hazards. Workers should keep hands, tools, and body parts clear while raising or lowering the mast.

Lights should be aimed to illuminate the work without blinding drivers, operators, flaggers, pedestrians, or nearby crews. Glare can create serious visibility hazards.

Generator-powered light towers create exhaust, heat, noise, and fueling hazards. Exhaust should be kept away from occupied areas, air intakes, and enclosed spaces.

Cords and guy lines should be routed or marked so they do not create trip hazards or get struck by vehicles and equipment.

Safe light tower use depends on stable setup, proper aiming, electrical protection, controlled mast movement, and reassessing the tower when wind or site conditions change.

Safety Reminders

• Set up light towers on firm, level ground.
• Use outriggers or stabilizers as required.
• Inspect lights, mast, cords, generator, and fuel system.
• Keep clear of mast pinch points.
• Aim lights to reduce glare.
• Keep exhaust away from enclosed or occupied areas.
• Protect cords and tower components from traffic and equipment.

Ask the Crew

• Is the light tower set up on stable ground?
• Are outriggers or stabilizers properly deployed?
• Could glare affect drivers, operators, or workers?
• Are cords, mast, and tower components protected from traffic?
• Are generator exhaust, fueling, and noise hazards controlled?