Lighting Standards for Parking Facilities
Frank Costa, President of NEXGEN Protection Services:
While there have been several advancements in technology that can improve a facility’s physical security, simple and cost-efficient lighting upgrades can make a significant impact. Effective lighting in parking facilities can deter trespassers, reveal tripping hazards, and make properties feel safer.
For any owner or operator of a parking area, it’s important to understand the relevant lighting requirements. Although building codes can vary across jurisdictions and regions, at least two organizations have provided standards that all parking facilities can meet to help increase safety and security for users and staff as a baseline.
Parking structures. These areas are difficult to light since there are few vertical elements to reflect light or provide contrast to moving objects. In some municipalities, building codes require a bright white horizontal stripe on walls, at waist height, to improve contrast. The lack of ceiling clearance restricts the height of luminaires and requires the fixtures to spread the light horizontally. This is excellent for lighting vertical surfaces; however, if video cameras are used, the luminaire design should be selected to reduce glare at the camera lens. A horizontal illuminance level of 5 footcandles with a uniformity ratio of 4:1 provides an adequate level of security.
Open parking. The height of luminaires is less restricted in open than in covered parking unless local codes and light trespass become factors. The higher light sources tend to provide horizontal illumination. Energy conservative, high-pressure sodium lighting has high efficiency, high lumens per watt, and is cost-effective for open parking. Recommended light levels range from a minimum of 0.2 footcandles in low-activity general parking and pedestrian areas to 2 footcandles in high-activity vehicle areas. Cash collection and vehicular access control areas should be maintained at a minimum of 5 footcandles.
Source:
Mosqueda, S. (January 13, 2025). Lighting Standards for Parking Facilities. Security Management Magazine.
Build a Security Mindset Up & Down the Organization
Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services
For security to be truly effective, everyone at your organization must be both informed and invested in safeguarding against external threats. Infusing a security mindset throughout the organization requires consistent prioritization and active engagement at all levels.
Security is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of emerging threats demands continuous knowledge-sharing and collaboration. Exceptional security processes arise from working together, learning from peers, and uplifting one another. Without this approach, organizations risk stagnation and vulnerability to new digital threats.
Given that security needs constantly change in response to unpredictable events and evolving threats, vigilance is essential. By maintaining strong partnerships with departments across the organization and encouraging innovative thinking, security professionals can help ensure business resilience and productivity.
Source:
Armer, M. (2020, Jun 24). 4 Ways to Always Be Improving Security. enterprisersproject.com.
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Workplace Violence Poses Significant Risks to the Well-Being of Workers
Frank Costa, President, Nexgen Protection Services
Workplace violence poses serious risks to both employee well-being and business health, leading to decreased employee engagement and significant losses in productivity, profit, and retention. As workplace tensions rise, employees are feeling the strain. With political polarization at an all-time high, fostering respectful dialogue and creating inclusive work environments will be essential for maintaining business continuity in the coming year.
Leaders must confront workplace incivility head-on and actively promote a culture of respect and inclusion to safeguard both their employees’ well-being and their organization’s long-term success.
Source:
Popera, A. (2024, Dec 18). The Cost of Incivility: Addressing Workplace Challenges into 2025. SHRM.org.
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