At heights above 80 metres, the installation of warning lights on towers is not an optional measure, but a legal and safety requirement. These safety lights on high towers - often referred to as obstacle or safety lights - make a crucial contribution to aviation safety and are indispensable, especially in urban or heavily flown areas. But in addition to installation, regular maintenance of this lighting plays an equally essential role. This article looks at the purpose and maintenance requirements of warning lights and shows how the HighStep system can provide an innovative solution for access and maintenance.
Purpose of warning lighting on towers over 80 meters
The main purpose of warning lighting on towers is to make high-altitude obstacles visible to pilots and other flying objects, thereby reducing the potential risk of collision. Towers over 80 meters high are particularly risky for air traffic because, depending on their location, they are located on frequently used flight routes. Without well-functioning and reliable warning lighting, serious accidents could occur that endanger both the aircraft crew and people in the vicinity.
Safety regulations such as the “ICAO Annex 14" or national regulations therefore stipulate that towers above a certain height must be equipped with obstacle lighting. These regulations also specify the light intensity, color and visibility of these lights. The quality of the lighting is particularly crucial in poor visibility conditions such as fog or rain.
Maintenance intervals and maintenance challenges
Warning lighting systems on high towers require regular maintenance to ensure they function properly. Maintenance work for this emergency lighting includes checking the light intensity, checking the power supply and replacing faulty bulbs if necessary. Maintenance intervals vary, but are often required every six months or annually.
However, maintaining these lights poses significant challenges. Technicians often have to climb the tower, which is not only time-consuming but also risky. Access to the often small and exposed platform at a height of over 80 meters is a significant burden for the specialists and requires special protective measures and equipment to minimize the risk of falls.
The solution: HighStep System
The HighStep system offers an innovative, flexible and safe alternative for the maintenance of warning lights. The core of the system is a permanently installed rail that is attached to the tower. This rail enables the Easy & Protector or Lift to attach.
A key advantage of the system is its mobility: both variants – Easy & Protector and the Lift – can be used on different towers with rails. This means that a module can be easily transported from one tower to the next, reducing investment costs and increasing maintenance efficiency.
Improved security and misuse protection through the HighStep system
In addition to the ergonomic ascent and the reduced effort required, the HighStep system also offers significant safety advantages. Particularly noteworthy is the integrated protection against abuse: The rail is designed in such a way that it cannot be climbed by unauthorized persons. Climbing is only possible with the specific HighStep system, i.e. the compatible modules. This prevents unauthorized persons from entering the tower or the maintenance area, which further increases the safety standard.
In addition, the short fall distance reduces the risks that can occur with conventional ladders. It ensures that the technician is always secured and a free fall is avoided.
Conclusion: Efficient and ergonomic maintenance at a high level of safety
The HighStep system offers a reliable and innovative solution for the safe and efficient maintenance of warning lights on towers over 80 meters. The permanently installed rail and the optional use of Easy & Protector or the lift make the climb more ergonomic and safer. The combination of misuse protection, short fall distance and flexible use of the modules not only increases the safety of the technicians, but also reduces maintenance times and costs.
For operators and companies, this means greater efficiency while simultaneously improving work safety. With the HighStep system, regular maintenance of safety lighting on high towers or warning lighting is not only safer, but also more economical and convenient - a benefit for aviation safety and maintenance teams alike.
