Abstract: A torch particularly for use in hazardous conditions has safety and battery power warning features. The supply from a power source (34) to a light source (12) includes a frangible conductive element (132) in the conductive path to the light source (12). The conductive element (132) is provided on a torch glass (128), so that if the glass (128) breaks, the power supply to the lamp (12) will be cut off, thereby eliminating the risk of sparks, and exposure of the hot lamp element to the atmosphere. The torch also has a switch (22) and relays (38, 40) enabling batteries of the power source (34) to be switched between series and parallel arrays, enabling the torch to operate at full or low power. The torch also has a battery voltage sensing and indicating means, which cause the light source (12) to flash when battery voltage reaches a first predetermined level, and for the light source (12) to be switched off permanently when battery voltage reaches a second predetermined level.