Lighting in Design Q2 2023

task lighting.

outside does not create direct glare. If any of the desk spaces or seating areas is placed in direct sunlight, the glare will distract and hurt the employees’ eyes and if it is in close quarters, it can make them feel uncomfortably warm as well. The workstations in such a case should be placed facing the general direction of natural light, but not directly. Smidt-Hart says: Although the use of natural lighting to illuminate interiors is promoted; mitigating glare, high contrast zones, thermal and visual discomfort needs to be attended to by implementing natural daylight control measures (such as glazing, blinds, louvres, or office layouts). 11: Different areas of the office need separate kinds of lighting. Areas such as discussion and conference rooms can use ambient lighting, not dim, but less bright than workstation lighting, as the tasks here are not likely to involve much desk work. However, such areas are important zones of the office, where meetings and important conver sations may be held. Lighting does need to be paid attention to, but perhaps these zones would do with only a few lights in the form of lamps or standing lamp lights rather than traditional overheads. Smidt-Hart says: Different task areas, activities would require varying lighting conditions in order for the tasks and activities to be undertaken safely and preformed efficiently. Table 1 of SANS 10114 Part 1: Artificial lighting of interiors prescribes the minimum maintained illuminance values for various interiors, areas, tasks, or activities. Additional compliances to national building regulations and emergency conditions must be complied with. Thus, the activities and tasks within a space are to be complemented equally with quality lighting to allow employees to perform these safely and productively. 12: Consider keeping table lamps as an option for those employees who would like some more light just at their desk. Many employees may be working late into the night and, in that case, most of the overhead lights can be dimmed or switched off, keeping only task lights and the desk lamp on for the working members. This will also save electricity and will give employees more options to choose what kind of light they want to work in. Smidt-Hart says: One should ensure that correct illumination levels are maintained over the task area, that employees are aware of the consequences of not using task lighting and the hazards of working in a workspace with below minimum prescribed illumination levels. The workplace should, where possible promote natural light, then substitute with

13: Always be cognitive of the fact that where there is light, there will be some amount of shad ow. It is important to consider where the shadows would fall and accordingly place light fixtures above or close to workstations.This is particularly true for task lights, which are smaller and angled particularly to cast light over certain points and may hence create unwanted shadows. Positioning in this case is of maximum importance and corrective lighting may be used alongside. Smidt-Hart says: Uniform illumination over a task area is favourable. Working in a task area where there are large variances in illumination, like shadows, may cause the operator’s eyes to become easily fatigued as they need to constantly adjust between the varying illumination levels. 14: Consider choosing lighting that can be low ered or increased in intensity as the need arises. As evening sets in and the employees prepare to wind up their day, the lights can be lowered in in tensity and set to a warmer tone to calm and relax the mind. For employees working at night, ensure that the lighting remains warm, since the computer screen already has a lot of blue light, which can disrupt the employees’ sleep schedule. Smidt-Hart says: Again, control of artificial light and use of natural light are important to promote synchronisation of circadian rhythm and wellbeing within employees. 15: It will happen at some point that some of the lights will need to undergo repair. Those lights might either go out suddenly or start flickering symptomatically. But the company must ensure that these lights are repaired as soon as possible, particularly if they are placed over workstations or other places where tasks are performed regularly. Smidt-Hart says: In addition to attending to failing lamps or luminaires, employers should implement lighting maintenance programmes to ensure continuous and periodic maintenance of the lighting systems to allow tasks and activities to be performed safely and maintain productivity, including emergency lighting systems. It is important that verification and measurement of illumination levels be conducted and form part of the maintenance programme to ensure illumination levels are maintained. Maintenance should identify failing lighting parts before they critically fail and potentially present unsafe working conditions.

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LiD Q2 - 2023