Office Lighting

Issue	Hazard	Possible solutions	Check it
Illumination level	Eyestrain due to overall level of illumination being insufficient for the type of work being performed.	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.
Lighting colour	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.	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.
Dazzle	Eye irritation caused by unshielded light sources (including the sun) within employees' field of vision.	Move or shield light source(s) from field of vision. If necessary fit office lights with more efficient diffusers designed to minimise glare.
Glare	Eyestrain caused by intensity of light being reflected from walls and other surfaces in the area.	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	Eye discomfort caused by exposure to continuous flickering of a malfunctioning fluorescent tube.	Inspect all office lights on a regular basis and replace any faulty tubes and/or ballasts.
Reflections	Eyestrain due to effect of reflections in monitor screen making reading difficult.	Rotate screen to eliminate reflections. Use blinds to reduce reflection from window light.
Task lighting	Performing work requiring a high level of visual accuracy where normal lighting is insufficient. Undertaking clerical work in low light areas.	Provide supplementary task lighting.

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:July 11, 2008