Lighting Level - Legal Requirement

Maintaining proper lighting levels in the workplace is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of employees, enhances safety, and positively impacts overall productivity and job satisfaction.

1 - Measuring Lighting Level ?

Lighting levels are typically measured using a unit called lux (for the metric system) or foot-candles (for the imperial system). It measures the amount of light that falls on a surface.

Lux : One lumen per square meter

Foot Candles : lumens falling on one square foot

2 - Why is Lighting Level Important to Ensure Health & Safety ?

Lighting levels play a crucial role in promoting health and safety in the workplace. Proper lighting is essential for several reasons, and its impact on health and safety

• Reduced Risk of Accidents : Inadequate lighting increases the risk of accidents, trips, and falls.
• Enhanced Visibility : Proper lighting improves visibility, allowing employees to identify potential hazards, machinery, or obstacles in their work environment.
• Promotion of Alertness and Focus : Adequate lighting levels contribute to increased alertness and focus. Well-lit environments support employees in staying attentive to their tasks, which is crucial in situations where attention to detail is important for safety.
• Reduced Strain on the Eyes : Insufficient lighting can lead to visual discomfort and may cause employees to strain their eyes to see clearly.
• Identification of Emergency Exits and Signs : Properly illuminated exit signs, emergency exits, and evacuation routes are essential for quick and safe evacuation during emergencies. Inadequate lighting can hinder the identification of these crucial elements.

3 - Are Any Legal Requirements for Lighting Level ?

Yes, in Sri Lankan Legal System, some legal requirements and standards specify minimum lighting levels for various types of workplaces. These regulations are established to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of workers.

Factories Ordinance No. 45 of 1942 (Section 13) / Factories (General Standard of Lighting) Regulations No. 5 of 2019

• Owners or occupiers of factories must ensure sufficient and suitable lighting based on the nature of the work carried out.
• Maintain specified illuminance levels in workplace areas as per the schedule, measured at one meter above the floor in the horizontal plane.
• Keep all glazed windows and skylights used for workplace lighting clean, both on inner and outer surfaces, and free from obstructions.
• Redecoration or shading is allowed to mitigate heat, glare, or shadows without affecting compliance.
• Provide local artificial lighting at individual work units, workstations, and places with particular risks to avoid hazards like dazzling, stroboscopic effects, and glare.
• Position light switches for easy and safe access.
• Ensure lights are shaded and positioned to eliminate shadows and prevent eye strain caused by direct or reflected shining surfaces in the workplace.
• Implement suitable emergency lighting in workplaces where individuals are exposed to danger in the event of artificial lighting failure. Maintain a minimum illuminance level of 50 lux in such circumstances.

Shop Act Shop and Office Employees (Regulation of Employment and Remuneration) Act, No. 19 of 1954 (Section 11)

• In every part of the premises of a shop or office in which person are employed about the business of the shop or office, suitable and sufficient means of lights and ventilation shall be provided and maintained by the employer.

4 - How Improve the Lighting Levels ?

Improving lighting levels in a workspace without replacing existing fixtures can be achieved through various strategies.

• Implement Zoning : Divide the workspace into zones with different lighting requirements. Use task lighting in areas where more light is needed and lower ambient lighting in less critical areas.
• Adjust Fixture Angles : Adjust the angle of light fixtures to better illuminate work surfaces.
• Clean and Organize the Space : Rearrange furniture and remove obstacles that may block or absorb light.
• Optimize Bulb Placemen : Ensure that bulbs are correctly placed in fixtures. Some fixtures have multiple sockets, and adjusting the arrangement of bulbs can improve light distribution.
• Consider Light Reflectance : Use reflective surfaces strategically to bounce and distribute light more effectively. This can include painting walls with light-colored paint or using reflective materials.
• Utilize Natural Light : Maximize natural light by keeping windows clean and removing obstacles that block sunlight.

Download Resources

1. Lighting Requirement - Factories Ordinance