Module 1-2: Lighting

Did you know that people receive approximately 85 percent of their information through their sense of sight? This statistic emphasizes the importance of proper lighting in all sectors of work including industrial and business settings. 

Why is proper lighting an important ergonomic principle?

• Appropriate lighting, without glare or shadows, can reduce eye fatigue and headaches.

• Proper lighting can prevent workplace incidents by increasing the visibility of moving machinery and other safety hazards.

What you should understand about lighting:

• Ambient (ceiling fixtures), task (desk lamp), and accent (picture lights and wall sconces) are different types of lighting. 

• The primary units for measuring light intensity are Candela (cd), Lumen (lm), and Lux (lx), each describing different aspects of light as perceived by the human eye. 

• Color temperature is a metric that describes the color appearance of light sources. It is measured in Kelvins (K), and it helps to categorize light as either warm or cool. 

Watch the video below to learn more about proper lighting: