LightingPrint

The ideal industrial workplace lighting

We process 80% of all the information that we receive visually. The correct lighting plays a quite crucial role. As a secondary item of equipment, lighting does not have a direct impact on the musculoskeletal system, but it does have an influence consisting of so-called asthenopic effects (asthenopia = eye strain). Optimum lighting therefore has a major influence on ergonomic posture and thus on our general well-being and productivity. It must not be too bright or too dark, there should not be any irritating shadows and reflections/reflected glare. Poor vision must not result in poor posture.

Illuminance, no shadows, no glare

The wrong workplace lighting can lead to lapses in concentration and fatigue. The need to constantly adjust the eyes and adapt the vision can also have a detrimental effect on posture. Illuminance is measured in lux. In contrast to VDU workstations where 500 lux is normally sufficient, far higher values can be necessary in the industrial workplace. As a basic rule: the more demanding the visual task and activity, the higher the illuminance should be. Studies show that an illuminance of between 750 and 1,000 lux can have a sustainably positive influence on performance and productivity. The lighting should be designed to avoid both light and shadow effects as well as ruling out any glare. It should also be possible to adapt the luminaire itself to the worker and specific working situation: a wide range of adjustment possibilities help to avoid cramped positions with a positive effect on posture.

A workplace concept comprises several ergonomic components

As a basic rule, a well-designed workplace needs more than just good lighting. A workplace always comprises several components, such as lighting, chair and workbench. Each component individually has to fulfil all ergonomic requirements. This is the only way to develop the ideal workplace concept. In the end, it takes a complete concept to benefit the worker's health, reduce sick leave levels, boost productivity and cut costs at the same time.

Checklist

• Medical lighting systems: easy to clean, LEDs are protected by easy-care covers.
• Satisfies the requirements of the respective task, e.g.:
  • Adjustment of the illuminance (arm-mounted luminaire can be brought closer to the object)
  • Appropriate colour temperatures (for the best-possible contrast vision)
  • Homogeneous illumination of the central and peripheral field of vision (makes it easier to adapt the eyes and prevents them from getting tired).
  • Avoidance of reflections/reflected glare and multiple shadows
  • Flickerfree, high-power luminaires
  • Continuously dimmable
  • Glare-reduced luminaire
  • Support for close-range vision
• Optimised visual conditions (thanks to surface-directed homogeneous lighting with minimum glare and shadow) avoid cramped positions (such as bending the head over too far), e.g. by
  • easy adjustment of the arm-mounted luminaire for close-range vision (at a distance of 40 to 80 cm)
  • Magnifier luminaires for close-range vision
  • Flexible fitting possibilities
  • Troublefree handling as the user would expect

Minimum requirements

• Easy to clean, protected lamp (in medical setting)
• Adjustable illuminance
• Appropriate colour temperatures
• Dimming feature
• Homogeneous illumination
• Lighting should not cause any glare, shadow, reflections or flickering
• Magnifier luminaire and adjustable arm-mounted luminaire for close-range vision
• Easy to handle

Also appropriate

• LED lamps (low energy demand, minimum heating up of surfaces)

Products in this sector with the AGR seal of approval

• Arm-mounted and system luminaire TANEO
• Magnifier luminaire TEVISIO

Manufacturer

Further information

Video