Kitchen Lighting

Issue	Hazard	Possible solutions	Check it
Illumination level	Inappropriate level of illumination for nature of activity.	Recommended maintenance illuminance for kitchens is 160 lux (refer to AS1680.1 section 3 at page 12 - Task visibility). Have fluorescent tubes cleaned periodically to maintain design levels of illumination.
Lighting colour	Wrong colour of light for use in a kitchen.	Use fluorescent tubes from colour group 1B - warm intermediate ( refer to AS 1680.1 section 7 at page 33 - Light source colour).
Glare	Intensity of light being reflected from white or highly reflective walls, tiled surfaces and worktops.	Change the type of diffuser or luminaire fitted to reduce the intensity of light ( refer to AS 1680.1 at section 8 - Glare and related effects). Avoid white walls and tiled surfaces which can 'bounce' light.
Flicker	Flickering of a malfunctioning fluoro tube/light.	Carry out regular inspections of all lights and replace any faulty tubes and/or ballasts.
Dark work areas	Working in a dark area not directly lit by overhead lighting (eg. a worktop underneath low overhead shelving or cupboards).	Install concealed fluorescent light fitting to underside of cupboard above work surface. Install ceiling-mounted spotlamp which can be directed to illuminate work surface in dark area.

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

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Page last updated:June 23, 2008