Lighting a Workstation
Abstract
The purpose of this investigation was to practice the use of light and sound instruments while applying ergonomic principles to figure out the recommended light for a workstation. This was done by measuring the light and sound in the lab and comparing those measurements to the appropriate standards. As a result we were able to use the tools correctly to obtain measurements to get calculations and also understand the tables. Using the tables and information in a case study about a task and workers we can determine the number and power of lamps needed in a workstation.
Introduction
The problem is determining the recommended lighting for a workstation, and using this to develop a lighting plan. This is important because if workers do not have proper lighting they could develop eye strains and possible headaches that could cause them to miss work. Also, it is important because the worker will not be able to properly inspect the items if there is not enough light. This problem was investigated by using measurements and calculations taken by the team and using charts to analyze the results.
Materials and Methods
The materials needed to complete today’s experiment were a photometer and a decimeter. The following procedure was used.
- Use the photometer and the decimeter to obtain calculations in a room in Freeman Hall.
- Use the tables provided to determine the appropriate general illuminance and task illuminance levels.
- Calculate the appropriate number, power and layout of lamps needed using the light requirements provided in the case study.
Results
The lab in Freeman had an average lux of 436 and the computer lab had and average lux of 1015.3. These were both within the desired light level. The decibel level in the lab was 65.1. Ideally for a learning environment, decibel levels should not exceed 45. To light the case study work area for all ten workers, twenty 500 watt incandescent lights and two 30 watt fluorescent lights are necessary. Calculations to find these values are in Appendix A. A work floor layout is in Appendix B.
Discussion
To assess the lighting requirements for the Freeman labs, the tasks and users were considered. Both labs were in illuminance category D with a Factor of -1, because the tasks performed are not visually demanding and the users are mostly under the age of forty. At this rating the labs required 300 lux and were both within that standard. When decibel levels were measured, the room was noisy. The room was not being used as a lecture environment. When all students are seated quietly, or working in small groups the noise level might have been lowered to an acceptable level. At 65 decibels the room is categorized as “very noisy”.
For the case study, the information provided put the workstations in the illuminance category F and for most workers there was a factor of 0, but one worker had a factor of +1. Both factors in category F have a desired lighting level of 1500 lux. Since each luminary lights an area of 6.51m2, this meant a minimum of 9765 lumens for each fixture. I decided to use 500 watt incandescent lights because with an average of 20 lumens/watt, the light provides 1536 lux. For the aisles, lighting is less critical, with a rating of C and a factor 0. C-0 spaces require 150 lux which can be provided by a 30 watt fluorescent bulb. The lights and workspaces were arranged to maximize the usage of lighted space and minimize the number of lights needed. There are two lights to each worker, whose workspace is entirely lit to at least 1500 lux.
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