No Aircraft
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Air Traffic Control Time Certified In Pos 1 (yrs) 7
Distraction; Other / Unknown
ATC Issue All Types
Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
We have a negotiated lighting level in the area and for the last few years a controller began hanging Holiday lights in the area. They are very bright and distracting and make viewing the scope and displays in the area very difficult for me. I have complained for years and continued to turn them off while I am in the area and trying to work. For this I receive some grief from some of the controllers and just get ignored by supervision.Today I turned them off again and was reprimanded by the FLM. This is the final straw and I am not going to risk the safety of my planes because of the bright lights distracting me and other controllers while trying to be professionals and keeping airplanes separated. I understand people want to celebrate the holidays and it is fine to put up a various decorations; but hanging extremely bright lights above all the sectors is distracting and causing me headaches when trying to work. I have voiced my opinion to the FLM and been reprimanded and now this is my only avenue to hopefully get a safe working environment again. Additionally; the numerous plugs and extension cords used for these lights all connected to one outlet surely creates a fire hazard and I fear for the safety of our controllers in case this causes some kind of fire.We need a professional and safe working environment so these lights need to be limited or removed in the control room areas.
Center Controller reports of Holiday lights that reflect onto scope and asks for them to be removed or turned off during work hours. Controller is reprimanded for expressing his opinion. Controller is also concerned for fire safety due to the amount of extension cords in the area.