Unit – 3

Lesson 3 – Illumination (Types and Sources)

1. What are the hazards associated with lighting? How it can be prevented? (16
Marks)

Proper lighting is important because it makes all tasks easier. When lighting levels are low,
too high, or inconsistent (shadowy), our ability to complete tasks safely is compromised.
This is because our eyes get tired and/or sore, which can lead to several hazards.

Poor lighting can be a safety hazard – It is very difficult to make appropriate judgements
regarding footing, placement of materials, and timing when moving materials, tools, or
equipment is being used. This can lead to incidents and injury like Falling, tripping, slipping
etc.

Poor lighting can affect the quality of work, specifically in situation where precision is
required, and overall productivity.

Poor lighting can be a health hazard – too much or too little light strains may cause
Headache and eyestrain, Neck, back, and shoulder strain (when straining to see items
because of poor lighting) and Depression (in the case of insufficient or gloomy lighting).

The main causes of lighting problems are:

1. Insufficient light - not enough light for the need

2. Glare - too much light for the need
3. Improper contrast
4. Poor distribution, and
5. Flicker

1. Insufficient light

Lighting levels not enough, means (too little) light for the need. Insufficient lighting at work
can lead to eye-strain, fatigue, headaches, stress and accidents.

Controls

Provide Suitable Lighting i.e., Lighting levels should match the workplace and the work
tasks being performed. As a general guideline, the following table contains a list of lighting
levels for various types of tasks:

For general house hold activity.

150 – 200 Lux
E.g.: - Washing, Vacuuming etc.
For focused activity.
300 – 500 Lux
E.g.: - Reading or studying, working on a car etc.
For concentrated activity.
750 Lux or More
E.g.: - Sewing etc.

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2. Glare

There are two types of glares;

1) Direct glare
2) Indirect glare

Direct glare: - Occurs when a bright light source is directly in the field of vision of a worker.
This can impair the worker's vision or distract him/her from their work.

Controls: - To reduce direct glare, shield the light source from the workers line of sight. For
natural light, this could mean the installation of blinds, and for other light sources, this could
mean using lamp shades or other similar devices.

Indirect glare: - Occurs when bright light is reflected from a nearby surface into the worker's
eyes. This normally occurs because the background of the work surface is composed of a
dark and glossy or shiny surface.

Controls: - For indirect glare, move lighting sources or move the worker away from the light
source. Also, alter any dark or shiny finishes to those that are light or matte.

3. Improper Contrast

Poor contrast makes it difficult to distinguish an object from its background.

Controls: - To remedy this situation, make the object bright with light decreasing as you
move away from the object. By doing this you will also reduce the chance of observing
indirect glare.

4. Poor Distribution of Light

Poor distribution of lighting results in more dark areas and uneven lighting.

Controls: - Light should be distributed to avoid the creation of shadows and glare while
maintaining appropriate brightness and contrast of the work area and object. The use of
direct and indirect lighting can be used to accomplish this.

5. Flicker

Flicker is problematic because it quickly causes eye strain and induces headaches. Flicker
is especially dangerous around moving machinery. Flickering light may make the machine
appear to be moving slower than it actually is, or may make it appear to have stopped when
it hasn't.

Controls: - To remedy this, place the lighting on its own high frequency electrical circuit
(28,000 Hz).

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