subject: Shatterproof Light Bulbs [print this page] Light bulbs come in two different technologies: incandescent and fluorescent. Both types of bulbs are vulnerable to shattering.
Incandescent light bulbs
Incandescent light bulbs provide a source of light by a process called incandescence (they emit light through the generation of heat). The way this works is that electricity going through a thin wire called a filament heats it up until it gives off light. The glass part of the light bulb provides a sealed environment to keep out oxygen so that the filament doesnt fail do to oxidation.
Incandescent light bulbs come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and require different voltages depending on their specifications. This type of light bulb is inexpensive to make and run on standard alternating current.
Fluorescent light bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs still have fragile glass components, but rather than passing through a filament, the electricity passes through mercury gas, causing it to emit light.
Light bulb safety
There is a safety issue associated with light bulbs resulting from their glass globes or tubes. The most common failure of the globe is breakage due to its fragile nature and environmental threats. In the home, a few of the dangers are listed below.
Light bulbs are dropped, shattering when they hit the floor. This gets pieces of glass everywhere on the floor and presents a safety hazard when small children and animals are around.
Children can pick up light bulbs, and play with them. This is a problem if, for example, a child bit the narrow end of the light bulb. The cuts that can result from a mishap like that would require immediate medical attention.
Another way light bulbs can shatter is if something gets thrown at them. This produces glass projectiles that threaten any people or pets that are nearby.
Overhead bulbs can get loose in their sockets and fall out.
Clean up is always a problem because of all the bits of glass that scatter around.
Another hazard associated with incandescent light bulbs is that they are known to explode if a serious voltage develops with their electrical connection. This presents more of a problem because the explosion sends pieces of glass through the air. This is hazardous to any person or animal because the glass can get stuck in the eyes, ears, nose, or mouth, causing cuts and discomfort.
Fluorescent bulbs release mercury when they break, meaning that special hazardous material cleanup is necessary.
Similar to the risks posed by light bulbs at home, businesses are concerned about them too. Although most businesses are concerned about safety, they are concerned about liability as well. This means if someone gets hurt from a shattered light bulb, the business is held responsible.
Another problem with light bulbs is the problems posed by vandalism. Outdoor light bulbs can shatter, darkening the area, and making it harder for surveillance cameras to pick up activity.
Incandescent bulbs require special consideration in manufacturing environments because of the amount of vibration from machinery, exposure to chemicals and other factors that come into play. In these environments, the same dangers are associated with light bulb breakage, but also present some risks not present in the home or business environment. Here are just a few cases where light bulbs can present a hazard in industry.
1. The number of incandescent bulbs in an industrial plant increases the probability of a safety related incident.
2. Struck by equipment or machinery, light bulbs can shatter, causing injury.
3. When mounted on machinery, light bulbs shatter due to vibration. This type of event causes problems when the light bulbs are used as status indicators. When this happens, the machine is shut down to have the bulbs replaced, losing valuable production time.
Enter the Shatterproof light bulb
With all the risks involved with light bulbs, its good to know that shatterproof (or shatter resistant) options are available. While these light bulbs still have glass globes, they are coated with a material that strengthens the light bulb from the outside, making it harder to break. A variety of coatings are used such as plastic, silicone, and other proprietary films. While sometimes adding the coating reduces the amount of light emitted from the light bulb, most of the time, the amount of light lost is minute.
Shatterproofing a light bulb
Processes exist that shatterproof existing light bulbs, rather than shatterproofing them as part of the manufacturing process. Some companies are in the business of acquiring ordinary light bulbs from the market and applying a shatterproof coating to them. This is good news because most incandescent or fluorescent bulbs around are available in a shatterproof configuration. In the event an application requires the shatterproofing of an unusual bulb, many companies take special order assignments and some will even take your supply of light bulbs and put them through the shatterproofing process.
Serious consideration of the threats associated with light bulbs may result in the acquisition of shatterproof light bulbs. Whether in the home, at the office or store, or at the factory, shatterproof light bulbs can help keep people safe.
