Testing Light Levels

What Does Testing Light Levels Mean?

Testing light levels is a means of determining whether or not a work area has sufficient light. Several different methods may be used to determine whether a work area is appropriately illuminated. Testing light levels may also be referred to as a lighting survey.

WorkplaceTesting Explains Testing Light Levels

One way in which an employer can assess whether or not a work area is adequately lit is by testing light levels. Insufficient light can create unsafe working conditions, reduce the quality of work performed, and cause employees to suffer eye strain, headaches, or other discomfort/injuries.

To test for adequate lighting, an employer may use a light meter to take quantitative measurements of the average illumination levels in the work area. These figures may then be compared to the recommended levels of illumination for specific tasks.

Light levels may also be evaluated by interviewing employees regarding their satisfaction with a specific area's lighting conditions. This method, while not a substitute for quantitative measures when regulations are involved, is better suited to evaluating lighting conditions in the presence of physical eyesight differences of multiple employees.

When assessing light levels, it is also important to look for shadows and glare. The effects of light reflecting off of work surfaces and light emitted from equipment such as computer screens should also be taken into consideration when testing light levels within a workspace.