Illumination
Illumination must promote productivity by enabling employees to perceive their task and equipment in the required detail to carry out their task with the ultimate speed and accuracy. Good lighting also influences personal well-being and has a positive impact on employee motivation and performance. Lighting in the workplace is based on ergonomic principles and must meet safety requirements within occupational health and safety.
Good visual environment will:
• Have sufficient light without causing glare,
• provide appropriate contrast between the task and the background,
• increase productivity,
• provide the correct type of light.
Poor illumination may:
• Cause health and safety risks,
• adverse psychological effects,
• decreased productivity.
It is not only the wattage that determines illumination, but also the Kelvin value that must be assessed when choosing an application.
Regulation and Standards:
- Occupational Health and Safety act, 1993, Act 85 of 1993.
- Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987. Section 3
- SANS 10114-1 – Code of Practice for Interior Lighting, Part 1: Artificial lighting
- SANS 10389-1 – Artificial lighting of exteriors areas for work and safety.