Office Lighting Requirements

[Paul P]

Hi

I have a large office space with several PC’s in it. The builders electrician installed low energy down lights throughout. The staff are complaining of glare I thought CAT 2 fittings were the requirement for office lighting? Does any one know where to find the appropriate regulation.

Also what is the minimum light level for a office?

Paul P

 

[roukel01]

Hi
You need to get hold of a copy of "Lighting Guide 7" produced by the society of light and lighting.

Hope this helps

 

[Paul P]

Hi
You need to get hold of a copy of "Lighting Guide 7" produced by the society of light and lighting.

Hope this helps

Wow that is pricy at £50.00, makes the regs look a bargain

 

[johnnyb]

Paul.
You are right mate, modular fittings with the cat 2 diffuser, thats for glare, its a wonder the personell are not complaining of bad heads mate, as the glare will be not good.
Don,t qoute me on this but if i remember of top of mi bonse its 500 lux at desk level, you obviously need a lux level meter to check this out.

 

[Sintra]

The CIBSE Code for Lighting recommends a maintained illuminance of 500 lux for general offices (e.g. writing, typing, reading, data processing, etc.) and for CAD work stations and conference/meetings rooms. Where the main task is less demanding, e.g. filing, a lower level of 300 lux is recommended.

Is 'category 2' lighting a legal requirement in offices?
No. The Schedule to the Workplace (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (Statutory Instrument 1992 No. 2792) requires that: 'Any room lighting or task lighting provided shall ensure satisfactory lighting conditions and an appropriate contrast between the screen and the background environment, taking into account the type of work and the vision requirements of the operator or user.' The term 'category 2' is no longer used by the CIBSE. It was used to describe a particular design of luminaire (light fitting) that could be employed to prevent reflections of the luminaire on the display screen. Unfortunately, in doing so, these luminaires can produce a gloomy environment if used on their own without consideration of surface reflectances. In most offices, particularly where modern computers with bright screens are used, such reflections are not likely to occur and therefore it is not necessary to specify this type of luminaire. CIBSE Lighting Guide LG3: The visual environment for display screen use and its 2001 addendum gives detailed guidance on the design of lighting schemes that will satisfy the legal requirements while providing a pleasing visual environment. For more information go to the Society of Light and Lighting's Free Downloads section by clicking here It should be noted that the provisions of the Regulations cover many other aspects of computer equipment and workstations, including the screen, keyboard, desk and operator's chair. The schedule to the Regulations may be found on the HMSO website