The European standard BS EN 12464-1 in a few key points!

Are you already familiar with the latest regulations on commercial lighting? The BS EN 12464-1 standard sets minimum requirements for lighting for indoor workspaces, meeting safety needs. This standard takes into account the glare factor (UGR), Lux values (number of lumens per square metre) and colour rendering (Ra), which bulbs and fixtures must meet to ensure visual comfort for and optimal performance of employees. The requirements depend on the workplace where the activity takes place; in terms of quantity and quality of lighting. We explain this in more detail below.

Office

What does the standard define?

The BS EN 12464-1 standard is tailored to people with normal, whether corrected to normal or not, ophthalmic (visual) ability. Here, the usual visual tasks, including monitor equipment, are included in the advice. This advice has three main pillars:

The luminous intensity per square metre (Lux).
The glare ratio (UGR value).
The colour rendering / CRI (Ra value).

Apart from this legal provision, it is also more pleasant for employees to work when the lighting is in line with the tasks. It has been scientifically proven that one can perform better with good lighting. This results in better orientation, less eye fatigue and therefore, of course, better vision.

What do you need to know about the recommended number of Lux?

The recommended light output refers to the minimum number of Lux that should be present at the immediate workplace. The scale (levels) used for this light output concerns:

20 - 30 - 50 - 75 - 150 - 200 - 300 - 500 - 750 - 1000 - 1500 - 2000 - 3000 - 5000 (Lux)

An example to clarify this:
An employee has a private desk in the office. This desk is not fully occupied, just the place where one works behind his or her screen or takes notes (direct workplace). Different rules apply to the indirect workplace. For instance, within a 50cm radius around the direct workplace, there may be a reduction of no more than one level in brightness. Backlighting (3 metres or more) should be at least 1/3 in brightness. In workplaces with continuous work, the minimum standard is 200 Lux for background lighting.

What has changed since 2021?

In 2021, the BS EN 12464-1 standard has had an update. Thus, an additional recommendation has been added regarding light output (Lux), which applies if the environment requires a higher light requirement. This adjusted light requirement can be the result of things such as:

A lack of natural daylight in the working environment.
A decrease in the eyesight of staff (age).
Low detail perception or poor contrast in the room.
An excessive duration of tasks to be performed.

If one aggravating factor is present, it is enough to increase the brightness level by one level. If the environments are affected by several factors, it is advisable to increase Lux by two levels.

What is the standard for a particular working environment?

To give you an idea about the standards within certain workspaces, a summary of Lux, UGR and Ra values for various working environments and general areas in commercial buildings is given below:

Application area	Lux Min.	Lux Max.	UGR	CRI (Ra)

Office - Workstation (desk) - Drawing room - Meeting room - Reception area	500 750 500 300	1000 - 1000 750	<19 <16 <19 <22	80 90 80 80
Industrial work - Rough work - Moderate work - Fine work - Precision work	200 300 500 750	300 500 750 1000	<25 <25 <22 <19	60 80 80 80
Education - Classroom - Auditorium - Sports hall	500 500 300	1000 750 500	<19 <19 <22	80 80 80
Logistics - Loading and unloading - Packing - Storage rack floor - Aisle	200 300 150 300	300 500 200 500	<25 <25 <25 <25	80 80 80 80
Retail - Retail shop - Cash register - Packing table - Stock	300 500 500 300	750 1000 1000 500	<22 <19 <22 <25	80 80 80 80
Common areas - Corridor or hallway - Stairs or treadmill - Cloakroom	100 150 200	- - -	<28 <25 <25	80 80 80