Assessment Of Illuminance and Related Health Effects in Some Departments Within a University Environment

Abstract

Workplace safety is dependent on numerous factors within the work environment and light intensity (illuminance) is vital in ensuring this,  as inadequate lighting is not unrelated to varying deleterious health effects. This study was undertaken to measure the level of  illuminance in laboratories and offices of a selected Faculty in the University, in order to ascertain if the lighting conditions in the work environment are in compliance with illumination standards (500 lux), set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA),  and to identify the potential hazards that may arise from exposure to lighting conditions that are not in compliance with set standards. A  digital lux meter was used to measure light intensity in the different locations. The results obtained revealed that the mean illuminance  levels of most of the measured offices and laboratories were below 500 lux. The maximum illuminance level recorded in the assessed  offices was 478.6 lux in the Department of Statistics and a minimum of 288.1 lux in the Department of Computer Science. Maximum  Illuminance level from the assessed laboratories was 408 lux from the Department of Geology and a minimum of 164 lux. The health  effects associated with such poor illuminance levels includes: eyestrain, blurred vision, eye pain, eye fatigue and in general eye  discomfort. Poor illuminance may also be linked to the prevalence of headaches. This will subsequently result in poor students and  teachers performance, and reduce productivity. In order to improve the lighting situation of the faculty, a suitable day lighting plan    should be incorporated into the architecture of buildings in general and workspaces in particular.