Illumination can be defined as the use of light to achieve the desired effect. These measurements are done during the day and at night depending on your work shift.

Poorly illuminated work environments have health, safety and psychological effects on your employees and can result in injury, reduced production and increased stress levels.

The Environmental Regulations for Workplaces promulgated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1993 stipulate that all workplaces should be illuminated in accordance with the minimum illuminance values laid out in the Schedule to these regulations.

Complaisance requirements

  • Occupational Health, and Safety Act, Act No. 85 of 1993 (in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces)

Sampling Methodology

  • SANS 10114-1: Code of Practice for Interior Lighting, Part 1: artificial lighting.

Legal references

  • Occupational Health and Safety Act, Act No 85 of 1993
  • Environmental Regulations for Workplaces – Illumination
  • SANS 10114-1: Code of Practice for Interior Lighting, Part 1: artificial lighting.

Illumination

Illuminance measurements need to be taken to ensure compliance with these minimum standards. The Act does not stipulate the time periods between each illumination survey but best and accepted practice indicates that these tests should be performed every two years or when changes to installations occur.