Oil and gas sites are among the most hazardous industrial environments in the world. From flammable gases and vapours to harsh outdoor conditions, these sites demand lighting solutions that go beyond basic illumination – they require resilience, reliability, and regulatory compliance.
Many oil and gas sites operate in explosive atmospheres, which require specialised lighting to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
In recent years, IECEx-certified LED strip lighting solutions like SafeGlo, have emerged as a preferred choice for operations teams across Australia’s upstream and downstream sectors.
Explosion proof lighting solutions are a key safety measure for these environments, helping to contain sparks and comply with strict safety standards.
Here’s how EX rated LED strip lighting is playing a critical role in improving safety and reducing risk in hazardous oil and gas zones.
Assessing Lighting Needs on Oil & Gas Sites
Properly assessing lighting needs is a foundational step in creating a safer working environment on oil and gas sites. These environments are often characterised by the presence of flammable gases, extreme temperatures, and harsh operating conditions, all of which elevate safety risks and demand purpose-built lighting solutions.
EX rated LED strip lights have emerged as a popular choice for these challenging environments due to their energy efficiency, high brightness, ease of installation and robust design. Unlike conventional lighting, LED strip lighting delivers consistent illumination while withstanding the rigors of oil and gas operations – helping to minimize dark spots and improve visibility in critical areas.
When evaluating lighting needs, it’s essential to consider not only the level of brightness required but also the ability of the lighting solution to perform reliably in hazardous environments. EX rated LED strip lights are engineered to operate efficiently in the presence of gas and dust, and their flexible form factor allows for installation in spaces where traditional fixtures may not be suitable. This adaptability ensures that every corner of the site is properly illuminated, providing a safer working environment therefor reducing the likelihood of incident, improving productivity and wellbeing.
By prioritising energy-efficient, high-performance LED strip lights, designed for oil and gas applications, operators can address both safety and operational efficiency – ensuring that lighting is never the weak link in their risk management strategy.
Why LED Strip Lights Are Suited to Hazardous Environments
EX rated LED strip lights offer significant advantages for oil and gas operations:
- Energy efficiency
- Durability under harsh conditions
- Low heat output
- Compliance with safety standards
- Suitable for a variety of hazardous environments
LED light strips are versatile solutions, suitable for both industrial and hazardous settings, providing reliable illumination across a wide range of applications.
There are different types of LED strip lights available for industrial and hazardous applications, including RGB, single color, smart adjustable, waterproof, and explosion-proof options, each designed for specific use cases and environments.
Compared to traditional EX lighting, EX rated LED strips use less power, last longer, and are more resistant to external stressors such as vibration, corrosion, and temperature swings.
**SafeGlo LED strip lighting
Withstanding Extreme Temperatures and Outdoor Conditions
Oil and gas sites often experience extreme temperatures and demanding weather conditions. From outback heat to marine moisture, lighting must perform consistently.
EX rated LED strip lights are engineered to withstand extreme temperatures, in addition to:
- Operating ranges from -20°C to +50°C
- Dust- and water-resistance (IP66 or higher)
- Corrosion from salt spray, chemicals, or gas
- UV exposure in outdoor applications
SafeGlo’s rugged silicone extrusion protects the strip from environmental damage while maintaining even light output – critical for high-visibility applications such as scaffolding, tank entry, or confined space access.
Explosion Proof Lighting: More Than Just Compliance
Explosion proof lighting is a legal and operational necessity on oil and gas sites. Designed to prevent any internal spark or heat from igniting the external atmosphere, these lights form part of a site’s primary safety infrastructure. Explosion proof lighting is specifically engineered to minimize fire risks and prevent explosions in explosive atmospheres, helping to protect workers and facilities alike.
SafeGlo provides:
- Certified explosion-proof construction
- Low-glare, shadow-free light output
- Flexible mounting options for complex spaces
- Compatibility with portable EX-rated power sources
- Compliance with international safety standards
Whether you’re conducting turnaround maintenance or require permanent fixtures for long-term operations, SafeGlo’s explosive proof range is engineered to safely illuminate without compromising safety or performance. SafeGlo LED strips reduce risk and improve worker confidence in volatile areas.
Installation and Flexibility for Safer Operations
Unlike rigid, bulky explosion proof fixtures, LED strips like SafeGlo can be:
- Made for any length up to 30m per strip and shaped to fit
- Mounted on handrails, stairwells, catwalks, and pipe racks
- Installed as a replacement for conventional lighting
- Easily rolled up and reused across job sites
Proper install methods are important for safety and durability.
For best results when installing led strips, use aluminium profiles or channels. These not only provide a clean, professional appearance but also offer protection and improve heat dissipation, increasing the lifespan and durability of the lights.
Installation requires minimal tooling and downtime, and once installed with these methods, the strips offer reliable, consistent illumination without creating glare or dark spots – two major safety hazards in complex environments.
This makes SafeGlo an ideal solution for:
- Temporary lighting during shutdowns
- Confined space illumination
- Emergency egress paths
- Tunnel and scaffold lighting
- Illuminating Processing plants
- Control Centres & Workshops
Operational Benefits Beyond Safety
While safety is paramount, EX LED strip lighting also contributes to operational efficiency:
- Long lifespan (up to 50,000 hours), providing a longer lifespan and extended service life that reduces the frequency of replacements
- Low maintenance requirements, resulting in lower maintenance costs over time
- Reduced energy costs
- Portability between job sites
SafeGlo is engineered for repeat use – once the job is complete, the strips can be rolled, stored, and redeployed on the next shutdown or maintenance cycle, lowering both cost and carbon footprint. The longer lifespan and reduced maintenance costs of SafeGlo contribute to significantly lower operational costs and operating costs throughout the product’s life.
Designed for the Realities of the Field
Every aspect of SafeGlo’s design supports real-world oil and gas operations:
- High color rendering index (CRI) improves visibility and reduces eye fatigue during inspection work, ensuring accurate color perception and high-quality light output.
- Low-profile construction avoids becoming an obstruction or snag hazard.
- Resistance to vibration and impact makes it ideal for mobile and offshore applications.
SafeGlo’s EX Lighting solutions are engineered for quality and reliability, making them suitable for demanding hazardous environments. The LEDs produce less heat and are a green, energy-efficient lighting option, supporting sustainability goals. The soft glow from the strip lighting is perfect for accent lighting, enhancing specific areas or features within a space. SafeGlo is versatile for various applications, including other industrial applications beyond oil and gas, such as mining, tunneling, sewarage treatment plants, food processing, airlines, distilleries, granaries and manufacturing.
Whether you’re illuminating a gas metering station in the Pilbara, or an explosion magazine underground or setting up maintenance lighting on an offshore FPSO, SafeGlo provides peace of mind where it counts.
Enhancing Safety, One Strip at a Time
Lighting is often the first and last thing workers interact with on-site. Poor lighting increases the chance of slips, trips, and missed warnings – especially in hazardous zones. By replacing outdated fixtures with IECEx-certified light strips, operators can dramatically improve visibility, reduce ignition risk, and support their teams’ safety every shift.
SafeGlo LED strip lighting represents a modern, compliant, and field-tested solution for O&G professionals committed to site safety.
Trusted by Australian O&G Operators
MineGlow’s SafeGlo is trusted across Australia’s oil and gas sector – from offshore platforms, LNG tank farms to gas compression stations – for its:
- IECEx certification for Zones 1/21 and 2/22
- Higher ambient temperature ratings than typical flex lighting
- Local support and fast supply availability
- Proven performance in real-world conditions
Ready to Improve Safety on Your Site?
Speak with a MineGlow lighting specialist to discover how SafeGlo can help you meet compliance, cut downtime, and protect your crew with lighting that’s made for your industry.
