A comprehensive Illumination Survey, also known as a Light Assessment or Lux Level survey, is essential for identifying and rectifying potentially hazardous lighting conditions, such as excessively bright illumination, glare, insufficient light, or flickering light. By conducting this thorough evaluation, we can significantly enhance the safety of our employees and mitigate potential risks.
Optimal lighting conditions significantly contribute to the performance and efficiency of the workforce. Adequate illumination allows for the clear and unambiguous reading of labels and safety instructions, thereby preventing potential health hazards to employees and promoting a safe and conducive work environment.
Therefore, it is crucial to maintain appropriate illumination levels at all workstations and employee work areas. Conditions such as high-intensity bright light, strong glare, low light, or persistent flickering light are unacceptable and detrimental to a productive workplace. The person responsible for maintaining workplace conditions should actively engage with professional lighting or electrical consultants to conduct an Illumination Survey. Alternatively, a lux meter can be utilized to perform this task independently. By prioritizing the quality of workplace lighting, we can significantly improve the work environment and our employees’ overall well-being and productivity.
The Objective of Lighting Lux Level Assessments (Illumination Survey)
The primary purpose of a Lighting Lux Level Assessment, also known as an Illumination Survey, is to critically examine and evaluate the lighting conditions within a work environment. This comprehensive assessment is conducted with several critical goals in mind:
- To identify conditions of excessive brightness, glare, inadequate light, and flickering light, with the aim of mitigating potential hazards.
- To discern the individuals who could potentially be harmed under these conditions.
- To carry out a thorough evaluation of risks and hazards and propose strategies to improve employee safety.
Understanding the Illumination Survey or Lighting Assessment
Illuminance is a crucial parameter in the study of Illumination Measurement. It quantifies the amount of light falling per unit surface area within a workplace, measured in lux (lx). This measurement is crucial in determining the adequacy of lighting for visibility and task performance.
The Instrument for Measuring Illuminance
A Lux Meter, comprising a sensor and a display, is the standard instrument for measuring illuminance. The sensor is placed where the illuminance is to be measured, and the reading is displayed in lux units.
Illuminance Measurement for General Lighting
Uniform lighting is typically required in workplaces for specific activities, such as in offices or reception areas. For these measurements, the services of environmental consultants can be enlisted. The procedure involves dividing large areas into smaller, equal squares and placing the sensor of the Lux Meter at the centre of each square. By analyzing the results, we can ascertain light distribution within the workplace. The average of all these values provides the mean illuminance.
Illumination Measurement for Specific Activities
Certain tasks or workstations might require more intense or brighter light than normal. In these situations, a local light is installed in the area of that specific task. To measure the illuminance for a particular task, four points are selected on the work plane, and their illuminance is measured. The average illuminance of the task area is calculated from these four values.
Several points should be considered during this measurement:
- Illumination should be measured at the work plane. If no work plane is defined, a point 3 feet from the ground can be considered as the work plane.
- The Lux Meter sensor should be placed in the reading plane where the employee performs reading tasks.
- The individual conducting the measurement should not obstruct the normal lighting path and should position themselves accordingly.
- The lowest measurement range on the Lux Meter should be selected for greater accuracy.
- The measurement points should be situated away from obstructions, walls, or cupboards.
- When conducting an Illumination Survey for artificial light, ensure that natural light is blocked to obtain accurate readings.
Defining Appropriate Level of Illumination or Lighting
An appropriate illumination level refers to the light intensity that allows optimal visibility without causing any visual discomfort. Illumination is measured in Lux units. The goal of any lighting system should be to provide uniform light distribution across the entire workplace, as this minimizes the risk of occupational eye strain and accidents due to poor lighting.
The degree of illumination required varies based on the type of activity performed. For instance:
- Reading or drawing tasks generally require around 200 lux.
- Offices, where work is done on computers or laptops should have illumination levels between 400-500 lux.
- Shops and showrooms should maintain illumination at approximately 500 lux.
- Workshops should have lux levels around 600-700 lux.
- Critical tasks, like in hospital operating theatres, necessitate maintaining lux levels at around 1000.
Lux light or Illumination testing Services
An Illumination Survey or Lighting Assessment is essential for identifying potential health hazards. It highlights blind spots in the workplace, suggests optimal placements for light sources, and provides insights for maximizing workplace illumination. Conducted correctly, it plays a vital role in enhancing the efficiency and performance of employees.
Download a detailed guide here: Lighting Lux Level Assessment
Note:
The Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2007, states, “50.(1) An occupier shall ensure that effective provision is made for securing and maintaining sufficient and suitable lighting, whether natural or artificial, in every part of his workplace in which persons are working or passing.”.
