Why light measurement at the workplace is important
The right lighting has a significant impact on health and productivity. Insufficient or too bright light can quickly strain the eyes and cause headaches, dry eyes and fatigue. This in turn impairs concentration and performance, which can lead to errors and a reduced quality of work.
We recommend measuring the lighting conditions at the workplace
By specifically measuring and adjusting the lighting, you can avoid these negative effects and optimally adjust the light to the respective work tasks. For example, screen work requires a different light intensity than precise manual work, making individual adjustment essential to ensure both comfort and efficiency.
Optimum lighting values at the workplace
The DIN EN 12464-1 regulation, which is set out in the ASR A3.4 technical rule for workplaces, defines clear specifications for illuminance levels at workplaces. These guidelines are intended to create a safe and efficient working environment by providing sufficient light. Workplaces, break and standby rooms, canteens and accommodation must receive as much daylight as possible or a line of sight to the outside must be guaranteed. The Workplace Ordinance also stipulates adequate artificial lighting - with daylight lighting having priority. According to regulation BGI 7007, it is advisable to provide lateral light that does not dazzle at VDU workstations.
The following requirements apply to illuminance at the workplace:
- Offices: An average illuminance of at least 500 lux must be provided.
- Workshops & laboratories: Values between 750 (technical drawing) and 2,000 lux (engraving work) should prevail here.
- The illuminance must not fall below 300 lux at any point in the workplace.
- The average vertical illuminance should be appropriate for the visual and work tasks.
- Glare and shadow effects must be avoided.
- Sufficient illuminance must be ensured with sufficient uniformity.
Tips for optimizing lighting: lamp selection, light color, positioning
To achieve optimum lighting, choosing the right lamps is crucial. Light sources with a neutral white light color (3,300 to 5,300 Kelvin) are particularly suitable for most work areas, as they imitate daylight and cause less eye fatigue. The positioning of the light sources also plays an important role: avoid glare and ensure uniform illumination of the entire work area to ensure optimum working conditions.
Methods for measuring light at the workplace
The lighting conditions at the workplace can be measured using a luxmeter, a special device for determining illuminance in lux. With a luxmeter, you can precisely determine whether the light intensity complies with the prescribed standards and whether adjustments need to be made.
Light measurement at the workplace with the air-Q light sensor
The air-Q offers an alternative and more comprehensive method with the new, additional light sensor. You can simply integrate this sensor into the air-Q science air measuring device and thus upgrade your air-Q to a light measuring device. You can now use the light sensor to check the light intensity. To do this, the air-Q records the brightness of the incident light and converts it into a digital signal. The measuring device only takes into account the light spectrum that can be perceived by the human eye. This means that infrared and ultraviolet radiation are not taken into account.
Comprehensive indoor air analysis at the workplace with the air-Q
In addition to illuminance, the air-Q air measuring device can measure many other relevant air quality parameters such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature, humidity, noise and particulate matter pollution. The air-Q therefore not only provides important data on lighting, but also contributes to a comprehensive analysis of air quality in the workplace. This allows you to ensure that all important environmental factors comply with occupational health and safety guidelines and that a healthy working environment is guaranteed.
In our separate article, you can find out how to meet the standards of the ASR A3.6 directive with the smart air-Q air analyzer .
