How to brighten

n UTDOOR lighting can heighten V ttre safety, security and beauty of a home. And with the innovations in low cost, easy-to-install low voltage fixtures, more and more doit-yourselfers are undertaking the olten less-than-an-hour installations.

To help customers select the most appropriate type and number of fixtures, find out their purpose. Ask them to describe the most attractive features of their homes. Are there any dangerously dark areas, such as doorways, steps, paths, changes in sidewalk level or any obstacles people might trip over?

The main types of low voltage outdoor lighting are best suited to varying uses.

Entrance lights often provide saflety and security to those who come home late at night. They can illuminate steps leading up to the front porch or adjacent sidewalks. Other common positions: boat docks, driveways, foundations and parking areas.

Mushroom lights typically have a wider diameter of illumination to highlight areas of low foliage, borders, walkways, paths and decorative ground covers. Their large shades conceal the light source. They also can be used on entrances, foundations, fountains, gates, parking, patios, planters, ponds, pools, steps and terraces.

The classically-styled tier light casts light downward in a soft ring of illumination while shading the glare. They are ideal for marking paths, walkways and steps and casting attractive accents of light along decorative flower beds and patio borders. Other sites: boat docks, breezeways, driveways, foundations, gates, parking, ponds, pools, porches and terraces.

Designed to be buried in the ground, well lights cast illumination upward to highlight especially interesting features or create a variety of special effects. Placed beneath a tree or clump of shrubs, they'll beam light up through the leaves to create distinctive shadows. Or they can be used near the base of a tree to highlight nicely-textured bark. Other uses: silhouetting or showcasing art objects, buildings, foundations, gardens, rock gardens, signs and walls.

Globe lights provide subtle, glarefree illumination over a large area. Common uses are diffused general illumination around wider spaces, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, ponds and recreational areas.

Floodlights add exciting spra;'s of light to the yard to make objects, areas and foliage come alive at night. They can be mounted at ground level or attached to walls, eaves or trees. Decorative effects include aiming them up or down a fence or wall, backlighting trees and foliage, and shadowing the movement of bushes and trees against a house, pool, patio or living area. Other targets: art objects, buildings, eaves, entrances, fountains, gates, rock gardens, signs.

Story ataGlance

Sales opportnnltles In outdoor llghtlng... Eevetr dlfbrcnt types of llglrts and what ftey do... ldes you can prcvlde to your &l-y customers.

Different lenses can also provide special effects. Clear lenses bring out a natural look. Green lenses brighten foliage, eliminating reds and pinks. BIue lenses enhance blue and green tones, cooling warm tones. Red lenses heighten red and orange tones, and amber lenses accentuate yellows, oranges and browns.

Special fixtures are also available for decks which come encased in matching redwood, cedar or treated pine to attach onto or install directly into the deck.

Exterior lighting options include motion sensors, automatic timers and photo controls to turn the lights on at dusk and offat dawn.

I IRES started bv accident or arl- ron cause millions oi dollars in damages in the lumber and building material industry each year. Although most owners and managers dread both, few take all the steps necessary for prevention.

Diligent housekeeping and the establishment of fire safety rules and practices can eliminate many possible causes of fire. The f irst step is to schedule a visit from a representative of the local fire department each year to help you evaluate the premises and draw up a fire response plan. Many fire departments keep plans on file for the facilities under their jurisdiction. These indicate fliimmable or toxic material storage areas as well as the location of electrical panels and water sources.

In addition, every facility should appoint a fire inspector who makes a formal tour of the site at least once a week with a written report going to management. Checking for housekeeping problems, examining ignition sources and testing the reliability of the fire protection system including emergency lighting, fire exits, fire doors, fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems and water supplies are his responsibility. He must have the authority to take needed corrective action and organize, train and direct an emergency team.

Fire extinguishers are an essential part of fire protection with an adequate number needed in each building. To guarantee proper maintenance, it is wise to have a service contract with a fire extinguisher service. These professionals also can make sure that all employees know how to use the fire fighting equipment.

If the building is equipped with sprinkler devices, the control valves should be chained open or have alarms attached to them. All employees should be familiar with the system. Fire drills as well as regular instruction sessions should be held. The fire department's phone number should be clearly posted at each telephone. All fire alarms must be accessible and in good operating condition.

No smoking and sale smoking areas should be established and clearly identified. Ashtrays or sand pails must be standard equipment in all designated smoking areas. Rules pertaining to smoking need to be strictly enforced.

Good housekeeping is another deterrent to fire. Trash, scraps, sawdust, dunnage, oily rags and waste material must be picked up and disposed of promptly. High grass and weeds must be cleared from alongside buildings.

Flammable liquids should be stored in approved containers away from heat and open flame. Spare and empty forklift propane tanks are best stored in an area where they are protected from physical damage. There can be no storage, especially of combustibles, in furnace or boiler rooms.

Maintaining all electrical systems and equipment in good condition is vital. All must be adequately supported with no damaged insulation. Wiring can not be overloaded. Fuses and circuit breakers must be appropriate and adequate. Approved lightning/surge protection devices must be installed on the building's electrical service entrance. Equipment such as vehicle block heaters must be maintained in good condition with adequate amperage and appropriate gauge cords.

Common fire hazards are open flames, electrical equipment that overheats or shorts out. friction. mechanical sparks, static electricity, gasoline, ethers, alcohol and other substances that can ignite or explode. Poor safety habits such as allowing welding or cutting near combustible materials, placing burnables too close to hot surfaces and failing to observe smoking restrictions are additional causes.

You can best prevent arson by being aware of conditions or situations that encourage it. Preventive steps include keeping yard areas well lighted during non-operating hours, fencing in storage areas, installing gates that can be locked during nonoperating hours and maintaining a security guard. Any suspicious activities, persons or cars should be reported to authorities promptly.

Fire safety is a full time job. Educate all employees to be alert to unsafe conditions and report them to those responsible [or correcting them. Practicing good housekeeping and maintaining equipment in a sale condition are the responsibilities of every employee and manager.

Story at a Glance

Fire prevention recommendations. .. equipment, staff re sponsibilities, safety practices often neglected procedures can save dollars and avoid a disaster.