In this article, we outline some important lighting standards that industries are required to comply with in South Africa.
What are Lighting Standards that Industries must comply with?
The lighting standards that industries must comply with in South Africa are stated in Act No. 85 of 1993 in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. It states that for a lighting design, the following must apply:
- All employers are required to ensure that:
Every workplace in their undertaking must be illuminated with the illuminance value that is stated in the regulations. Furthermore, specialized lighting must be installed in areas that require it so that employees are able to perform such tasks irrespective of the work being listed in the schedule or not.
- Employers are also required to ensure that:
- The average illuminance at any floor level in a workplace within five metres of a task (working area) is not less than one fifth of the average illuminance on that task.
- Glare that is experienced in the workplace must be reduced to a level so that it does not impair vision.
- The lighting on rotating machinery is such that the hazard of a stroboscopic effect is eliminated.
- Luminaires and lamps that are installed in the workplace must be kept clean. If they are defective, then the luminaire or lamp must be replaced or repaired.
According to SANS 10114-1, the lighting installations must compensate for human limitations, as safe conditions are of primary importance in any inhabited environment. It has been identified that factors such as glare, visual fatigue and harsh shadows have contributed to accidents where illumination had been involved. Therefore, if the visual performance is improved in an area, it will increase the probability of a person detecting a potential hazard, and thus avoiding it.
The table below, obtained from SANS 10114, is a generalization of illuminance ranges and should be used for guidance when designing illumination systems.
It should be noted that the lower values of the range stated above may be used when:
- The reflectance or contrast is unusually high.
- Speed or accuracy is not important.
- The task is only performed occasionally.
Is your plant illuminated according to the standards set out by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of South Africa and SANS 10114-1?
CHAT to us for a site audit and assistance with ensuring your facility is compliant!