Industrial Interior Lighting and Safety Standards

Industrial lighting design factors extensively vary depending on the specific workplace. Machines' shapes, work processes, and worker safety, along with cost effectiveness, are vital parts of the design process.

Lighting fixtures (luminaires) need protection against water (in humid areas) and dust (in dry areas). Electrical safety is important, and hazardous areas require specific luminaire types.

Lighting fixtures used in areas with explosive gases, vapors, or volatile liquids must be specifically designed for those environments.

Lighting choices must account for different temperatures. Extremely cold environments might affect lamp starting, while very hot environments might impact ballast performance.

Standards (like IS: 3646 - (Part I).1992) provide guidelines for lighting levels in industrial interiors, depending on the tasks done.

Lighting levels in industrial settings are specified to maximize productivity, lessen accidents, and lower operating costs. It also improves worker comfort and safety.

Table of suggested lighting levels (illuminances) for various industrial tasks, from standard documents, for different working conditions.

The amount of light falling on a specific work area.

Lowest acceptable light level for specific tasks.

Even distribution of light across a work area.

Ratio of minimum to average illuminance (light levels).

Concentrated light for specific tasks or areas.

Height of light fixtures above the work surface.

A type of electric lighting that uses fluorescent gas.

Categories of buildings (e.g., multi-storey, high-bay) influencing fixture placement.

Three main systems: general, localized, and local. Only general and localized can be primary.

Even during daylight hours, industrial spaces typically require artificial lighting due to the nature of the work and the need for sufficient illumination.

A common solution for industrial lighting is to use rows of fluorescent lamps, positioned either parallel or perpendicular to windows, to ensure even illumination.

Fluorescent lamps are mounted on ceilings or suspended for lower roof heights, while higher ceilings may require suspended fixtures. In very high spaces, metal halide lamps spaced farther apart offer cost savings.

Metal halide lamps are a good option for high spaces, offering higher illumination and better color rendering than high-pressure sodium lamps.

High-pressure sodium lamps are not typically used in industrial spaces where color accuracy is important due to their poor color rendering qualities.

Reflector type luminaires used in high-bay applications concentrate light and shield the lamps from direct view, minimizing glare.

Narrow-beam luminaires are ideal for illuminating floor areas between close-together machinery or tall objects, providing good light penetration.

Wider beam luminaires are employed to illuminate vertical surfaces like control panels and storage racks, ensuring clear visibility.

Maintaining proper lighting uniformity in an industrial space is crucial to avoid harsh shadows and ensure consistent and safe illumination.

Using dimmable high-frequency fluorescent lights with daylight-dependent control can help save energy by adjusting lighting levels based on natural light availability.

Lighting systems used in very tall industrial buildings where light sources are mounted high to avoid obstruction, such as from cranes or machinery.

A type of high-intensity light source used in very large spaces to provide high illuminance on tall vertical surfaces.

Local lighting is used when general lighting alone cannot provide sufficient illumination for a specific task, offering increased worker comfort and reduced energy consumption.

The overall brightness of a space, which should be considered when using local lighting to ensure adequate general lighting for orientation.

In areas with changing work station layouts, overhead lights can be arranged in evenly spaced rows or a grid pattern to ensure consistent illumination throughout the space. T5 luminaires are particularly suitable for this purpose.

When work station arrangements are fixed, asymmetrical lighting designs can save energy by providing lower light levels in circulation areas. This approach typically results in more cost-effective lighting solutions.

When mounting heights are restricted, the selection of luminaires becomes critical, especially in the presence of VDU screens. Well-screened luminaires help minimize glare and eye strain.

To prevent distracting shadows and reflections, rows of luminaires should be parallel to windows and perpendicular to the worker's viewing direction. This optimizes visual comfort.

For spaces with mounting heights up to 4 meters, reflector luminaires containing tubular fluorescent lamps typically offer the most effective solution.

In industrial settings, continuous or broken rows of luminaires should run parallel to windows and perpendicular to the rows of work benches or machines, reducing shadows and reflections.

An alternative lighting arrangement with luminaires perpendicular to the viewing direction creates a more relaxing overall impression. However, this arrangement might compromise visual task requirements.

Generally, achieving optimal viewing conditions at the work plane is more crucial than the overall impression of the space. This prioritizes functionality over aesthetics in industrial lighting design.

In settings where equipment moves frequently, trunking systems containing wiring for luminaires are recommended. This allows for flexible light placement as needed.

Industrial buildings with a flat or sawtooth roof often have windows for natural light. This lighting design must take into account the building's structure and natural light sources.

A system used to rate the level of protection a luminaire offers against dust and water ingress. Higher numbers indicate greater protection.

Lighting fixtures designed for areas with explosive gases, vapors, or volatile liquids, ensuring safety and preventing ignition.

Extreme temperatures in industrial settings can affect lamp starting and ballast performance, leading to issues with light output.

For activities not specified in the illuminance tables, determine lighting needs by conducting a test or comparing to a similar task with known requirements.

General lighting aims for even light distribution, where the minimum illuminance is at least 80% of the average illuminance.

Multi-story industrial buildings benefit from fluorescent lighting due to their similar layout to office blocks and the use of white ceilings as reflectors.

Industrial buildings are categorized by mounting height to assist in lighting design, with categories including multi-storey, single-storey, and high-bay.

Industrial lighting uses three systems: general lighting for overall illumination, localized lighting for specific tasks, and local lighting as backup.

The mean illuminance at the task location should meet minimum standards, regardless of installation age.

Four mounting height categories define different industrial premises: multi-storey (2.5-3.0 m), single/multi-storey (3.0-4.0 m), single-storey (4.0-7.0 m), and high-bay (above 7.0m).

Local lighting acts as a supplementary system to general lighting, providing additional illumination when needed.

In spaces with changing work station layouts, overhead lights are typically arranged in evenly spaced rows or a grid pattern for consistent illumination.

The overall brightness of a space, which is important to consider when using local lighting to ensure adequate general lighting for orientation.

In areas where the layout of workstations is not fixed or is subject to change, overhead luminaires should be arranged in evenly spaced rows or a regular grid pattern to provide consistent illumination throughout the space.

Energy-efficient T5 luminaires are ideal for flexible workspaces because they provide even illumination and can be arranged in rows or grids.

For permanent workspaces, an asymmetrical lighting arrangement can be more economical, providing lower lighting levels in circulation areas while maintaining higher levels in work areas.

When mounting heights are restricted, special attention should be paid to the control gear, especially where VDU screens are used. Employing well-screened luminaires helps minimize glare.

Rows of luminaires should run parallel to the windows and at right angles to the viewing direction of the workers to prevent distracting shadows and reflections.

For mounting heights up to 4.0m, reflector luminaires housing tubular fluorescent lamps normally offer the best solution.

The overall impression of the lighting arrangement should be considered, but good viewing conditions at the working plane are usually more important than a pleasing aesthetic.

In situations where the relocation of working areas is usual, the use of trunking systems containing the wiring for the luminaires is recommended.

Single-story industrial buildings usually have a flat or sawtooth-shaped roof pierced by window openings, or side windows high up in the walls.

They can utilize windows for natural light, and lighting design must take this into account. T5 fittings of 4 feet length and 2 feet length, surface mounted fittings, and trunking systems can all be used depending on the specific setup and requirements.