Excessive light levels in office

Phonesis

Phonesis

Phonesis

Associate
Joined
25 Jan 2009
Posts
1,909
Location
UK
I've been working in the same office for few years now. Pretty large company and I like the job.

However, I've been battling HR for a few months now about lighting. It's just way too bright. We have fluorescent un-diffused lights on all day (and night) along with large windows offering no glare protection from the sun. We also have white desks (these make matters worse as the glare from them is pretty intense).

I used a phone app to measure the light level and it reads 730lx. Based on what I've read, the recommended light measurement for computer work is between 300-500lx.

All I want is for them to turn off the light directly above my desk. Apparently it's not possible. So I'm thinking next step has got to be a doctor's note or something similar. It doesn't cause headaches but just strains my eyes. I also struggle to concentrate.

Anyone else had similar issue in their office? Luckily, I work from home a fair bit. If it wasn't for that, this would be enough for me to find another job elsewhere I think.
 
We have a number of bulbs turned off in our office because it's too bright if you have one right above you. Floor to ceiling windows too but fortunately we have automatic blinds to stop glare.
 
We had that issue, luckily I'm a electrical supervisor in the electrical office.

The fitting could easily be disconnected or a tube removed.

You need to get a reliable light level from a meter if you want to fight HR, a app won't cut it.
 
We had a similar problem, our lights were motion sensitive though so we just covered up the sensor and it wouldn't come on in the morning. I've also got one of the big ocuk desk mats that cuts down on the white desk glare
 
ZG002 said:
We had that issue, luckily I'm a electrical supervisor in the electrical office.

The fitting could easily be disconnected or a tube removed.

You need to get a reliable light level from a meter if you want to fight HR, a app won't cut it.
Click to expand...


Thanks, they seem to be resisting it (I think the problem is our company hires the office from a management company and I guess they have to give permission) I think I will have to go down the doctor's note route.
 
I have resorted to reactive lenses for my computer glasses already (they tint with sunlight until fully darkened).

I think bottom line is they need to turn off the light above my desk. Having read up about it more, it's apparently a very common request in offices and is usually granted.
 
Light fittings haven't had starters for years, and that lux meter on your phone is about as accurate as Stevie Wonder guessing how bright it is.

Grab a rag or something and remove a tube.

//every fitting in my building, all 12k of them, are all independently dimmable. So nyer.
 
IronWarrior said:
I would just remove the bulb myself or whatever the light fitting is, should be able to turn it off somehow.
Click to expand...
exactly, far easier to ask forgiveness than bother with this doctor's note BS.

Dear Employer,

Please excuse Gavin from having the bright lights on, though he's not had the light output professionally checked I think you should probably lower it.

Yours,

A Doctor.
Click to expand...
You'll give HR a chuckle if nothing else.

B@
 
Ask them to remove a bulb or put a lower wattage/lumen one in. If that's not an option then some sunglasses (I'm serious). You could probably discuss it with an optician who may be able to recommend a very slight tint.

Also the company should be doing an annual workplace assessment. Assuming they do, then just raise the issue on that assesment.
 
The problem is it's an open plan office (not some cubicle I can sneak about in). I could wait until everyone goes home I guess. Might be worth a try. I bet I get in trouble for it though but it's getting to that point now where action needs taking.

Hades said:
Ask them to remove a bulb or put a lower wattage/lumen one in. If that's not an option then some sunglasses (I'm serious). You could probably discuss it with an optician who may be able to recommend a very slight tint.

Also the company should be doing an annual workplace assessment. Assuming they do, then just raise the issue on that assesment.
Click to expand...

I did just that, zero action taken!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I'd just wear shades in doors.

Say well these lights are literally giving me a migraine. So either I work with shades on or get signed off for it.

Edit: I also specifically know what you mean, it's actually really horrible to work under bright light. I've got sensitive eyes dim my screen etc. So i'd definitely rock up in shades.
 
Diddums said:
Light fittings haven't had starters for years, and that lux meter on your phone is about as accurate as Stevie Wonder guessing how bright it is.

Grab a rag or something and remove a tube.

//every fitting in my building, all 12k of them, are all independently dimmable. So nyer.
Click to expand...

Then they aren't fluorescent light fittings if you can dim them!
You won't get a fluorescent tube to strike without a starter so ALL fluorescent light fittings in offices WILL have starters.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom