Definition - What does Lighting Common Use Areas mean?
Lighting common use areas, within the context of workplace health and safety, is an important aspect of maintaining a proper workplace environment. Common use areas are shared areas where many employees may be performing different tasks at different times. Lighting in common use areas should be flexible to provide proper illumination levels for changing activities and needs.
SureHire explains Lighting Common Use Areas
When employers plan the lighting for common areas, they must consider the many different activities that may take place in that workspace. In addition to being flexible and accessible to employees, lighting in common areas should be energy efficient and balanced. Adjustable lighting is particularly helpful in common areas where needs may change often in a short amount of time.
Ideally, common areas will be lit with both direct and indirect light. When designing light for common areas, planners should attempt to limit obstructions and glare. In office spaces, common use areas are most often illuminated with a combination of fluorescent and task lighting.
In the U.S., the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines to employers for minimum recommended light levels in common areas. The minimum lighting level required for a particular work area is dependent on the common tasks performed in that area and are designed to ensure the comfort and safety of employees.
