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Issue
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Hazard
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Possible solutions
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Check it 
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Illumination level
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- Eyestrain due to overall level of illumination being insufficient for the type of work being performed.
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- Match level of illumination to requirements of work (refer to AS 1680.1 at page 16 for details).
- Have tubes and light fittings cleaned periodically to maintain design levels of illumination.
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Lighting colour
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- Eye discomfort due to incompatibility between office lighting and daylight entering the work area.
- Eye discomfort due to nature of lighting being unsuitable for night-time work.
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- If interior is illuminated by daylight, ensure that lighting is compatible with the natural light
(refer to AS 1680.1 at section 7 for more details).
- Where there is significant night-time work, include lamps with lower colour temperature.
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Dazzle
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- Eye irritation caused by unshielded light sources (including the sun) within employees’ field of vision.
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- Move or shield light source(s) from field of vision.
- If necessary fit office lights with more efficient diffusers designed to minimise glare.
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Glare
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- Eyestrain caused by intensity of light being reflected from walls and other surfaces in the area.
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- 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).
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Flicker
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- Eye discomfort caused by exposure to continuous flickering of a malfunctioning fluorescent tube.
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- Inspect all office lights on a regular basis and replace any faulty tubes and/or ballasts.
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Reflections
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- Eyestrain due to effect of reflections in monitor screen making reading difficult.
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- Rotate screen to eliminate reflections.
- Use blinds to reduce reflection from window light.
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Task lighting
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- Performing work requiring a high level of visual accuracy where normal lighting is insufficient.
- Undertaking clerical work in low light areas.
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- Provide supplementary task lighting.
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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
Other Guidance Material
ASCC Index of National Standards, Codes of Practice and related Guidance Notes
Building Code of Australia
