NIG/General/TBT-NIG-007

Artificial Lighting Standards

Night Working › General › Artificial Lighting Standards

Presenter		Project
Location		Date

Adequate artificial lighting is essential for safe working during night shifts and in dark areas of site.
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require suitable and sufficient lighting for all work.
Recommended illuminance for general construction activity is a minimum of 50 lux at working height.
Higher-risk tasks such as working at height or near machinery require 100 to 200 lux as a minimum.
Temporary lighting must avoid creating deep shadows, dark spots, and glare that impair visibility.
Tower lights with diffused heads provide even coverage and are the most common site lighting solution.
LED tower lights are increasingly preferred for lower energy use and reduced maintenance requirements.
Emergency lighting must be maintained on site for evacuation routes and assembly points at night.
Light pollution from site affects neighbouring residents and may breach local planning conditions.
Electrical safety for temporary lighting includes RCD protection, 110V supply, and regular PAT testing.

Prevent accidents	Poor lighting causes trips, falls, struck-by incidents, and plant collisions that are entirely preventable with adequate illumination.
Legal requirement	The Workplace Regulations 1992 require suitable lighting. HSE can issue improvement notices for inadequate site lighting.
Quality of work	Insufficient lighting leads to errors, poor workmanship, and rework that costs time and money on the project.

Don't

Provide a minimum of 50 lux for general site activities and access routes.
Increase lighting to 100-200 lux for high-risk tasks and detailed work.
Position lights to eliminate deep shadows and minimise glare for operatives.
Maintain emergency lighting on evacuation routes and at assembly points.
Use LED tower lights for energy efficiency and reliable long-duration illumination.
Inspect temporary lighting installations regularly for damage and electrical safety.
Direct light downward and inward to reduce light pollution to neighbours.
Ensure all temporary lighting is on 110V supply with RCD protection.
Carry personal task lighting as backup for working in confined or enclosed areas.
Report any dark spots, failed lights, or glare issues to the supervisor.

DON'T work in areas where lighting is insufficient to see hazards clearly.
DON'T position lights so they create blinding glare for operatives or drivers.
DON'T ignore complaints from neighbours about light pollution from site.
DON'T use 230V temporary lighting unless specifically risk assessed and approved.
DON'T leave emergency lighting untested or uncharged during night operations.
DON'T assume daylight levels are adequate in deep excavations or building interiors.
DON'T place lights where they obstruct walkways, access routes, or escape paths.
DON'T continue working if lighting fails; stop and restore illumination first.
DON'T direct tower lights at public highways where they could dazzle drivers.
DON'T rely on vehicle headlights as the primary source of working illumination.

See also: Night Working Safety Awareness | Fog and Poor Visibility Working

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