Light ergonomics explained

Light ergonomics is the relationship between the light source and the individual.^[1] Poor light can be divided into the following:

• Individual or socio-cultural expectations
• Insufficient light
• Poor distribution of light
• Improper contrast
• Glare
• Flicker
• Thermal heating (over or under)
• Acoustic noise (especially fluorescents)
• Color spectrum (full-spectrum light, color temperature, etc.)

Effects of poor light

The effects of poor light can include the following:

• low productivity
• high human error rates
• inability to match or select correct colors
• eyestrain
• headache
• a reduction in mental alertness
• general malaise
• low employee morale

Recommended Illumination Levels^[2]
Type of Activity	Ranges of Illuminations (Lux)
Public spaces with dark surroundings	30
Simple orientation for short temporary visits	50
Working spaces where visual tasks are only occasionally performed	100
Performance of visual tasks of high contrast or large scale	300
Performance of visual tasks of medium contrast or small size	500
Performance of visual tasks of low contrast or very small size	1000
Performance of visual tasks near threshold of person's ability to recognize an image	3000-10000

Types of light sources

Light Bulbs^[3]
Type	Common Application	Efficiency	Colour Rendering	Fog-Smog Penetration
	Homes	Poor	Good
	Home&Office	Good	Fair to good
	Factories, offices	Fair	Fair to moderate
	Roadway	Good	Poor	Good
	Factories, commercial	Good	Fair to good	Good
	Factories, commercial	Good	Good
	Home & office, commercial, industrial	Excellent	Good

See also

• Ergonomics
• Full-spectrum light
• Artificial sunlight

Notes and References

1. http://www.buildings.com/articles/detail.aspx?contentID=1070 "The Ergonomics of Light"
2. Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. RIESNA Lighting Handbook. (9th ed.). Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. .
3. http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/lighting_general.html "Lighting Ergonomics - General"