Information technology and buildings. Lighting of IT work places

The effectiveness of a user at a workstation can be affected by high luminance contrasts or glare in the working area or by reflections on the screen itself. The former degrades the overall performance of the user and the latter, their ability to read and react to the actual information presented on the screen. This can lead to an increase in the amount of time taken to complete a task, and an increase in the error rate. Poor image quality can also lead to postural problems, e.g. stiff necks and hands, as the user tries to adjust position to avoid glare or reflected images. The direct cost of medical treatment of injuries caused by poor posture, for example carpel tunnel syndrome, may be substantial. There are additional hidden costs associated with loss of productivity caused by the injury to the user. In order to produce a visual environment suitable for the use of display screens as well as the other tasks in the area the designer needs to consider the range of luminances present, the avoidance of disability glare and the avoidance of reflected images on the screen. The author discusses the relevant legislation, directives and guides, direct and indirect lighting, combined lighting, and daylight and windows.