Why are lighting levels important?
Lighting levels are important as they can have a direct impact on a person’s ability to perform their job safely and satisfactorily. With the increase in visual display units (VDU’s) and advanced screen types it is essential that a lighting installation takes into consideration every aspect of the working environment from the needs of the end user to the interior.

What are the legislative requirements regarding lighting in the workplace?
There are currently NO requirements within existing legislation to install a particular type of lighting in office areas where VDU’s are used. The Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations state that any room lighting or task lighting provided shall ensure satisfactory light conditions and an appropriate contrast between the screen and background, taking into account the type of work and the vision requirements of the user. The Society of Light and Lighting have produced a set of guidelines ‘Lighting Guide 3’ (LG3) for designers and installers to follow.

About LG3
LG3 was first introduced in 1989 and then revised in 1996, taking into account new technology and modifications to International Standards. The current guide is 62 pages in length and gives comprehensive guidance concerning considerations that ought to be taken into account when designing lighting installations in spaces where computer equipment is used. The latest version has withdrawn its original three lighting categories, Cat 1, 2 and 3, “because of the tendency amongst some in the industry to always specify ‘cat’ fittings without any thought for the actual working environment”. This often resulted in inappropriate poorly designed lighting schemes. The guidelines now state that any lighting specification for use in display screen areas will have to be specified by the designer or supplier based on the data supplied to them by the client.

What are the benefits of following LG3 guidelines?
The main benefit of a lighting installation that meets LG3 guidelines is a pleasant working environment that enables employees to perform their tasks safely. In order to attain a harmonious balance of luminances within the space in question the design will take into careful consideration the type and use of display equipment, any natural light, the tasks performed within the environment, as well as the furniture and décor.

A further benefit of a lighting installation designed to LG3 standards is its cost effectiveness. If the installation is designed correctly with careful consideration to calculations and choice of hardware fewer fittings are often required.

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