Why Are Safety Shower Lights Green, and How the New V-Shaped Lens Improves Visibility

Safety shower lights are an essential part of emergency response systems in industrial facilities. The green colour used on these lights is internationally recognised as a symbol of safety and first aid, and it is specifically chosen to stand out in busy plant environments. Green offers strong contrast against common industrial colours such as yellow railings and red hazard markings. It is also highly visible through steam, dust, smoke, and low light, which makes it a highly effective visual cue during an emergency.

When a worker is searching for a safety shower or eyewash station, they may be dealing with impaired vision, stress, panic, or exposure to chemicals. In these situations, the ability to spot a green safety light quickly can make a critical difference to response time. This is why green remains the standard colour for emergency shower and eyewash illumination across many industries.

Where Linear Lenses Fall Short

Although the colour is important, the way the light is distributed plays a major role in how effective a safety shower light is during an emergency.

Most traditional safety shower lights use a flat lens. While these lenses provide basic illumination, their design can hinder visibility in specific installation situations. This can make it harder for workers to see the light unless they are standing directly in front of it or looking at it from the correct angle.

In industrial facilities, sightlines can be blocked by steelwork, pipes, machinery, tanks, and walkways. A worker may not have a clear view of the emergency area, and visibility can easily be lost behind equipment or structural elements. When visibility is limited, every second spent searching for the shower increases risk.

In some situations a more effective lens is needed to help workers locate safety showers quickly from different directions.

How the New V-Shaped Lens Improves Safety Shower Visibility

Raytec has developed the WARRIOR V-shaped lens to address the limitations of traditional linear optics. The V-shaped lens is engineered specifically to improve recognition of emergency shower and eyewash locations in real industrial environments.

The V-shaped optic spreads the green light outward in a controlled and intentional pattern. This broad beam creates a more noticeable and consistent illuminated zone around the safety shower. Workers are able to identify the green signal sooner and from more approach angles, even when equipment or structures partially obstruct their view.

The V-shaped lens focuses light exactly where it is needed, which enhances clarity and makes the emergency zone more defined.

This improved illumination is especially beneficial in environments where steam, dust, fog, and airborne particles can reduce visibility. The clear and recognisable green light remains prominent, giving workers a reliable guidance point during an emergency.

A New Standard for Safety Shower Lighting

The combination of a trusted green emergency signal with an advanced V-shaped optic sets a new benchmark for safety shower lighting. Facilities gain several advantages, including:

• Better visibility from more directions
• More even and consistent coverage of the emergency area
• Faster identification of safety equipment during emergencies
• Improved performance in harsh and visually challenging environments
• A clearer and more purposeful illumination zone

The WARRIOR V-shaped lens provides a significant improvement over traditional linear lenses. It is a practical upgrade that directly supports faster response times and safer outcomes.

The reason safety shower lights are green has remained consistent for decades. It is a colour that supports fast recognition and stands out in demanding environments. What has changed is the technology used to deliver that light.

Raytec’s WARRIOR V-shaped lens improves how workers identify emergency showers by improving visibility. It strengthens the familiar green signal and ensures it can be seen quickly, from more angles, and in more challenging conditions.

This enhanced performance makes the V-shaped lens a valuable improvement for any facility that prioritises safety, clarity, and rapid emergency response.

Talk to Pacific Automation about how this solution is right for your facility by reaching out to our team today.