What is the minimum lighting condition at a place of work ie Retail

Question

In other words to health and safety standards

Answer 1

The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America defines three retail space types based on level of activity, each with its own typical lighting requirements and recommended best practices.

High Activity Spaces

Examples

Discount department stores, supermarkets, “big box” retail

Sales Assistance

Minimal

Products

Easily recognizable, viewed, evaluated and decided upon

Goals

Come into the store, easily see, find and buy products

Recommended Light Level

Circulation areas: 30 fc

Merchandise: 100 fc

Feature displays: 500 fc

Uniformity

General lighting system typically provides very uniform brightness ratios and light levels

Color

Lamps should have CRI of 70+

Medium Activity Spaces

Examples

General department stores, large bookstores

Sales Assistance

Mixture of self-service and clerk assistance

Products

Easily recognizable, viewed, evaluated and decided upon

Goals

Provide pleasing, comfortable environment, stay longer to make product decisions, provide a place where people would want to shop, not just find and buy; it is often desirable to have display areas for key merchandise

Recommended Light Level

Circulation areas: 20 fc

Merchandise: 75 fc

Feature displays: 300 fc

Uniformity

General lighting system typically provides uniform brightness ratios and light levels, with accent lighting at key merchandising areas providing higher light levels; brightness ratio should not exceed 5:1

Color

Lamps should have a CRI of 80+; as fluorescent light will likely be mixed with halogen, a warmer color temperature for fluorescent sources is preferable. Ceramic metal halide lamps should be considered for accent lighting.

Low Activity Spaces

Examples

Clothing boutiques, jewelry stores

Sales Assistance

High; access to inspect some merchandise may require help from a sales assistant

Products

High-quality products, expensive

Goals

Stay as long as possible, talk to a sales assistant, inspect products and purchase; the customer should feel they are special; the atmosphere is more intimate between customers and sales assistants and merchandise; the lighting should communicate that these products are higher quality, cost more, and that the customer receives special attention in this space.

Recommended Light Level

Circulation areas: 10 fc

Merchandise: 30 fc

Feature displays: 150 fc

Uniformity

Most are non-uniform environments with low ambient light levels and emphasis on accent lighting of the merchandise; brightness ratios generally should not exceed 5:1

Color

Typical applications should have CRI of 85+; warmer color temperatures are usually preferred

Answer 2

H&SE regs state that the light should be sufficient for the area and the work being carried out there.Therefore in a workroom the light will need to be better than in a corridor. In a retail area the light will need to be sufficient for the staff to safely carry out their duties. If you have any queries take them up with your supervisor and if you are not satisfied with the outcome contact your local HS&E department.