Dossier Licht en Uitzicht – Occupational Health and Safety Guidelines for Lighting and Views
The Dossier Licht en Uitzicht (July 2022 edition) is a specialized compliance document published by arbokennisnet in the Netherlands. It functions as a technical reference within the framework of the Arbowet (Working Conditions Act) and the Arbobesluit (Working Conditions Decree). The dossier provides a structured analysis of the impact of light and views on employees, serving as a guidance tool for arboprofessionals, health and safety officers, and facility managers to ensure workplace compliance with national safety and health standards.
The document's scope covers Kunstlicht (artificial light), Daglicht (daylight), and Uitzicht (view), with secondary focus on optical radiation (UV, infrared, laser) and Noodverlichting (emergency lighting). It integrates key technical requirements from NEN-EN 12464-1 (lighting of indoor workplaces), the Bouwbesluit (Building Decree), and specific Arboregelingen. Key sections address the physical and biological effects of light, such as circadian rhythms and SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), while providing concrete thresholds for verlichtingssterkte (illuminance) measured in lux and luminantie (luminance).
The following sections detail the regulatory obligations, measurement methodologies, and technical performance standards required for modern work environments in sectors such as office work, industry, education, and healthcare.
Regulatory Framework and Legal Requirements
Workplace lighting is governed by multiple layers of Dutch legislation, primarily focusing on safety and the prevention of health issues.
- Arbowet Article 3, Paragraph 1: General obligation for employers to optimize working conditions, including lighting.
- Arbobesluit Article 6.3: Mandatory provision of sufficient daylight and adequate artificial lighting installations to prevent safety risks.
- Arbobesluit Article 6.4: Requirement to prevent direct incident sunlight on workstations.
- Bouwbesluit: Specific requirements for noodverlichting (emergency lighting), stipulating a minimum of 1 lux for existing buildings and 10 lux for new constructions in specific zones.
Measurement and Technical Standards
The document defines specific parameters for evaluating the quality of light, referencing NEN 1891 for measurement methods and NEN-EN 12464-1 for task-specific requirements.
- Verlichtingssterkte (Illuminance): Measured in lux. Standard office workstations require a minimum of 500 lux. Precision work may require up to 1000 lux.
- Vertical Illuminance: A minimum of 50 lux on the eyes is required to support the human circadian rhythm.
- Unified Glare Rating (UGR): A metric used to assess glare from luminaires; for offices, a UGR of less than 19 is typically required.
- Kleurweergave-index (Ra): An index for color rendering; a value of Ra > 80 is generally required, while Ra > 90 is necessary for tasks involving color assessment.
Daylight and View Requirements
The dossier highlights the importance of natural light and visual contact with the outdoors for mental well-being and biological health.
- Equivalente daglichtoppervlakte (Ae): The minimum window area should be at least 1/20 of the floor area, though 1/7 is preferred for optimal conditions.
- LTA-waarde (Light Transmission): Glazing should maintain a light transmission factor above 0.60 to ensure adequate daylight penetration.
- Visual Connection: Workstations should ideally be placed within 6 meters of a window to maintain an adequate view of the sky, greenery, or distant objects.
- Parapet Height: To maintain an unobstructed view while seated, the borstwering (parapet) should not exceed 90 cm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended lux level for office work according to NEN-EN 12464-1?
The standard recommends an average illuminance of 500 lux on the task area for administrative and office work.
What are the legal requirements for emergency lighting in existing buildings?
According to the Bouwbesluit Article 2.64, emergency lighting must be able to illuminate the floor of a stay area and escape routes with a minimum of 1 lux.
How much daylight area is required for a workplace?
The window surface area should be at least 1/20 of the floor area, though the document suggests 1/7 (approx. 14%) is preferable for health and comfort.
What is the maximum distance a workstation should be from a window?
Workstations should generally be placed no further than 6 meters from a window to ensure adequate daylight and view.
How high should the windowsill be to maintain a good view?
The borstwering (parapet or windowsill) should not be higher than 90 cm relative to the floor to allow employees a view of the surroundings while seated.
What is vertical illuminance and why is it important?
Vertical illuminance is the light falling on the eyes in a vertical plane; 50 lux is required to regulate the biological clock and maintain the human biorhythm.
