Document Store Lighting

Issue	Hazard	Possible solutions	Check it
Illumination levels	Inadequate light for the type of work being done.	Match level of illumination to requirements of work (refer to AS 1680.1 at page 16 for details). Have fluoro tubes and light fittings cleaned periodically to maintain design levels of output.
Lighting colour	Incompatibility between the office lighting and daylight which enters the area. Wrong type of lighting for night-time work.	If interior is illuminated by daylight, electric sources should blend with the natural light (refer to AS 1680.1 at section 7 for more details). Where there is significant amounts of night-time work undertaken, it may be necessary to choose lamps with lower colour temperatures.
Dazzle	Unshielded light source (including the sun) within the employee's field of vision.	Shield light source(s) from field of vision. Fit lights with diffusers which prevent a direct line of sight of light source.
Glare	Lighting is intensified by reflection from light coloured surfaces (walls, table tops).	Change the type of diffuser or luminaire fitted to one which reduces the intensity of light (refer to AS 1680.1 at section 8 for more details).
Flicker	Exposure to the continuous flickering of a malfunctioning fluoro tube/light.	Carry out regular inspections of all light fittings and replace any faulty tubes and/or ballasts.
Reflections	Distracting images of windows or lights visible in monitor screen.	Try rotating screen to eliminate reflections. Use blinds to reduce reflection from window light.
Task lighting	Performing a task requiring intense visual concentration in an underlit area.	Provide task lighting to augment available light.

Further Information

Regulations
Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994 Reg 1.05: Hazard identification and risk assessment

Comcare Guidance Material
OHS Book 1 - Officewise

Further Information Other Guidance Material
ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes

Building Code of Australia

SHARE IT!
We want to make the 'Virtual Office' serve your needs even better by making it interactive!
We welcome your participation by drawing on your experience to add to the contents of this page.

Virtual Office is managed by the Comcare Compliance Assistance Section.

Page last updated:July 11, 2008