What should be the lighting in the workplace?

Workplace lighting standards take into account both the comfort and safety of workers. Its proper placement should be taken care of already at the time of planning office, warehouse or industrial space.

According to Article 207 § 2 of the Labour Code: „The employer is obliged to protect the health and life of employees by ensuring safe and hygienic working conditions with appropriate use of scientific and technological achievements.”

The provisions related to this are also clarified by the PN-EN 12464-1:2012 standard. Its provisions define the requirements for lighting at individual workstations in a closed room and other places in the workplace. The level of light intensity depends on the type of interior and the activities that are performed at a given position.

The impact of the choice of lighting on vision does not need to convince anyone. However, it is important that it is adapted to the nature of the activities performed. The employer should guarantee uniform illumination of the entire working space and the absence of elements interfering with the supply of light.

The negative effects that incorrect lighting can cause are primarily:

  • physical and mental discomfort;
  • eye strain and visual impairment;
  • decreased concentration, efficiency and irritability;
  • headaches;
  • more frequent errors;
  • a higher risk of accidents, especially in production halls.

Problems are caused by both too dark and too bright and blinding light. When adjusting the intensity, sunlight and artificial light should be taken into account. Adjusting to the conditions and requirements of a specific position is therefore not easy. Therefore, when installing lighting, it is worth additionally considering the IP protection level informing about how a given lamp can be used and under what conditions it will work properly.

There are general and local lighting. Although the first one is the most beneficial for the eyesight, it may not be enough to provide the employee with proper visibility during the activities performed. Local lighting is also more economical. Directional lighting, on the other hand, in some cases makes it easier to perform tasks. It is important here to maintain a balance between diffused and directional light.

In addition to the intensity of light, its color is also important. Optimal for the eyes is light in a light yellow color, close to natural.

Other important parameters related to lighting are, for example: flickering, uniformity of intensity or luminance distribution related to the reflectance of light from surrounding surfaces.

Depending on the place of work, as well as its nature, various types of lighting are used. For warehouses and halls, wide-beam luminaires are a good general solution. However, at individual stations you need to place additional lamps that give side lighting. This is especially important for precise manual operations or control of factory elements.

For a computer workstation, the light intensity must not be less than 500 lux. It is also advisable to additionally illuminate the stand with a lamp and the proximity of the window giving daylight. The worker should be able to freely perform the tasks entrusted to him, such as reading from a monitor, typing by hand and on the keyboard, data processing or computer design.

For other positions, the recommended light intensity is, for example: welding – 300 lx, meeting and conference rooms – 500 lx, making tools, stencils and templates, as well as precision mechanics and micromechanics requires an intensity of up to 1000 lx.

Adaptation of the workplace in terms of lighting is largely the choice of the right source of artificial light. LED lamps work particularly well here, allowing you to adjust the intensity, color and quality of light to the standards.

The employer’s obligation to provide proper lighting results from health and safety regulations. Our specialists from OHS Engineering will help you choose the right solutions for specific rooms and industries and make detailed measurements. We encourage you to cooperate!

Source: https://inzynieriabhp.pl/oswietlenie-praca-bhp/

Region Gdański NSZZ „Solidarność”

Projekt otrzymał dofinansowanie z Norwegii poprzez Fundusze Norweskie 2014-2021, w ramach programu „Dialog społeczny – godna praca”.

[dkpdf-button]
Strona korzysta
z plików Cookies.
Korzystając ze strony wyrażasz zgodę na ich używanie. Dowiedz się więcej