Lighting

Regulation 8 states that employers must ensure every workplace has suitable and sufficient lighting. It should be natural light, so far as is reasonably practicable. Employers should provide suitable and sufficient emergency lighting where needed. The regulations do not define “suitable and sufficient”, but the ACOP says that the lighting should be sufficient to enable people to work, use facilities without experiencing eye strain, and move from place to place safely. Where natural light is utilised, windows and skylights should be regularly cleaned, although they may be shaded to reduce glare and heat.

Lighting at work (HSG 38) is available from HSE Books or can be downloaded from the HSE website.