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where a standing charge with a fixed wattage had been agreed with the Electricty
Board; the lamps in the working parts were of low wattage to justify a low standing
charge. This feature in the case of a large firm of multiple shops, was to the detriment
of employees working in the extensive stockrooms, where lamps were limited to 40
watts (under six lumens), and with bad light arrangement due to high shelves.
Where a large number of lamps serving stockrooms having fair natural lighting
are only required during two quarters of the year, it was found advantageous to avoid
the necessarily high standing charge by adopting the higher tariff. This step created
a tendency on the part of owners to use low powered lamps which they considered
adequate, but when employees were questioned they complained emphatically that the
light was insufficient (2/4 lumens).
Lighting appears to be installed without any ordered scheme and with only limited
— if any — professional advice. Comments have been made by employees on the unpleasant
effect on the eyes of facing filament light after long exposure to fluorescent
light, and newly installed fluorescent light had to be subdued owing to excessive harshness
after complaints by customers in a hairdressing salon.
Only one instance was found where insufficient light existed in the vicinity of
machinery (Supermarket conveyor belt). Generally the lighting was adapted to the
requirements of the trade varying from the brightly fluorescent lighted supermarkets
to the dimly filament lit antique shops and restaurants. Inadequate lighting in working
areas was attributable either to economy on the part of owners, or to a lack of awareness
of the deficiency. In the latter case the deficiency was readily remedied when
pointed out.
A standard is required for stockrooms and guidance is needed in the arrangement
of light and in the creation and use of reflected light.
(3) Standard Recommended to Occupiers.
Advice given so far limited to fitting higher powered lamps where required,
based on the Illuminating Engineering Society's Code. It seems that standards cannot
be applied to stockrooms without distinction, and need to be related to the particular
business; in the case of the multiple shops quoted in section 2, the work involved
reading the small print on labels of bottles and required a higher standard than usual.
(4) Instances of Excessive Glare.
Glare does exist to some extent and Venetian blinds and adjustment of lights was
advised as a remedy, but it was found that complaints by employees of glare were dealt
with quickly by employers. Assessment was made by questioning employees on the
effect of the light on them.
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