Date: Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:01:58 -0500
Reply-To: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
Sender: DCHAS-L Discussion List <DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**LIST.UVM.EDU>
From: Janet Baum <baum.janet**At_Symbol_Here**GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Light illumination in laboratories
In-Reply-To: <D48D30642A3FFE42AE78EB6C3279A807016C8A90415E**At_Symbol_Here**dl-exchms-05.dairydata.local>

Dear Mike, Yes, that range is industry standard. However many factors influence the perception of "adequate lighting". Among the factors is the reflectance of room and benchtop surfaces. Black surfaces absorb light and even if you put a light meter on the surface, it measures 100 fc, many scientists would say it's still too dim. It's perception, not the amount of light hitting the countertop. If surfaces are light colored, there is reflectance adding to the perception of good quality light. Another strategy for optimizing the perception of light is to provide up light, toward ceilings with some reflectance value, in addition to normal down light. The more the light bounces around a room, normally that improves distribution, reducing glare and hot spots. Another factor is the color of light. 5500 K at >90% CRI simulates "daylight" and is very satisfactory for most people. These are just a few hints for you to investigate to achieve good lighting in laboratories. On Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 10:02 AM, Reuter, Mike - Dairy One < Mike.Reuter**At_Symbol_Here**dairyone.com> wrote: > All, > > > > The question came up recently at our laboratory; Are there any specific > regulations regarding required or even recommended light intensities in foot > candles for analytical labs? > > > > The only thing I could come up with at the moment was in the *Handbook of > Chemical Health and Safety* by Robert J. Alaimo. It recommended that the > light intensity at the bench for typical chemistry labs to range between > 80-100 foot candles. > > > > Any input would be greatly appreciated. > > > > Thanks, > > > > Mike > > > > *Michael J. Reuter* > > *Forage Laboratory Chemist* > > *Health and Safety Director* > > > > *Dairy One* > > *730 Warren Road* > > *Ithaca**, **NY** **14850* > > *Phone 1-607-257-1272, ext. 2166* > > *Fax 1-607-257-1350* > > *email **mike.reuter**At_Symbol_Here**dairyone.com* > > >

Dear Mike, Yes, that range is industry standard. However many factors influ ence the perception of "adequate lighting". Among the factors is the reflectance of room and benchtop surfaces. Black surfaces absorb light and even if you put a light meter on the surface, it measures 100 fc, many scientists would say it's still too dim. It's perception, not the a mount of light hitting the countertop. =A0If surfaces are light colored, th ere is reflectance adding to the perception of good quality light. Another strategy for optimizing the perception of light is to provide up light, tow ard ceilings with some reflectance value, in addition to normal down light. The more the light bounces around a room, normally that improves distribut ion, reducing glare and hot spots.


Another factor is the color of light. 5500 K at >90% CRI simulates "daylight" and is very satisfactory for most people. Th ese are just a few hints for you to investigate to achieve good lighting in laboratories.

On Thu, Mar 17, 2011 at 10:02 AM, Reuter, Mi ke - Dairy One <Mike.Reuter**At_Symbol_Here**dairyone.com> wrote:

All,

=A0

The question came up recently at our laborat ory; Are there any specific regulations regarding required or even recommended light intensities in foot candles for analytical labs?

=A0

The only thing I could come up with at the m oment was in the Handbook of Chemical Health and Safety< /span> by Robert J. Alaimo.=A0 It recommended that the light intensity at the benc h for typical chemistry labs to range between 80-100 foot candles.

=A0

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

=A0

Thanks,

=A0

Mike

=A0

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Michae l J. Reuter

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Forage Laboratory Chemist

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Health and Safety Director

=A0

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Dairy One

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">730 Wa rren Road

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Ithaca , N Y =A0 1 4850

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Phone 1-607-257-1272, ext. 2166

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">Fax 1-607-257-1350

< span style="font-size:7.5pt;font-family:"Comic Sans MS"">email mike.reuter**At_Symbol_Here**dairyone.com

=A0


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