What is NEN-EN 12464-1?
Lighting plays an important role in the workplace. Not only to ensure that employees can perform their duties properly, but also to promote their health and well-being. The NEN-EN 12464-1 standard provides a comprehensive guideline for workplace lighting. This standard describes the requirements for indoor lighting in workplaces, including the quality and amount of light needed to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment.
Workplace lighting is important
The importance of good lighting in the workplace cannot be underestimated. Incorrect or insufficient lighting can lead to health problems such as eye strain, headaches and fatigue. In contrast, proper lighting contributes to higher productivity, better mood and fewer mistakes during work. NEN-EN 12464-1 is designed to ensure that lighting in workspaces meets these high requirements.
The purpose of the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard is to provide a standard for lighting that is both efficient and effective. This standard helps companies not only comply with legal requirements, but also create an environment in which employees can function optimally. By following the guidelines of this standard, companies can make a significant difference in the daily work experience of their staff.
What is NEN-EN 12464-1?
NEN-EN 12464-1 is a European standard that provides guidelines for the lighting of workplaces within buildings. This standard sets requirements for the quantity and quality of lighting to ensure a safe and comfortable working environment. The standard was created by experts in ergonomics and lighting to create uniform standards that improve employee health and productivity.
What does NEN-EN 12464-1 mean?
Lighting Levels: Lux Values for workstations.
The standard specifies lux values, which measure the amount of light on a work surface. For example, a lux value of at least 500 lux is recommended for workstations in offices, while warehouses often require a lower lux value. These values help ensure that each workplace is adequately lit for the tasks performed there.
Lighting quality: color rendering (CRI), uniformity and glare
In addition to the amount of light, NEN-EN 12464-1 also addresses the quality of lighting. This includes the color rendering index(CRI), which indicates how faithfully colors are rendered under illumination. In addition, the standard includes even illumination without dark corners and minimal glare to prevent eye fatigue.
Lighting strength and direction: Optimal strength and direction of light sources
The strength and direction of light sources are important for minimizing shadows and glare. The standard provides guidelines for positioning lighting to achieve even light distribution and prevent direct light into the eyes. This not only helps create a comfortable working environment, but also increases safety by ensuring that workstations are well-lit without annoying reflections.
An office with LED panels with low glare, providing a comfortable workplace.
Benefits of EN 12464-1
The standard brings several benefits to both employees and employers. We highlight three of them:
1. Improved work environment
A well-lit work environment according to the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard has significant benefits for the health and well-being of employees. Sufficient and quality lighting helps reduce headaches and fatigue. This contributes to better overall health and lower absenteeism, which ultimately benefits both employees and employers. We wrote a special article on the importance of good office lighting and its effects.
2. Increased productivity
Research shows that proper office lighting has a direct impact on employee productivity. Natural light and well-designed artificial lighting can increase concentration and efficiency. Employees who work in well-lit environments tend to be more alert and perform better in their tasks. This leads to increased productivity and better business results.
3. Greater safety and comfort
The EN 12464-1 standard contributes to workplace safety and comfort by providing guidelines for optimal illuminance and direction. This helps minimize shadows and glare, which is important for preventing accidents and creating a comfortable working environment. In addition, good lighting makes workers feel safer, especially in areas such as stairwells and parking garages, where adequate light is essential for visibility and safety.
Implementation of NEN-EN 12464-1.
Successful implementation of the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard begins with a thorough evaluation of current lighting, followed by strategic adjustments and regular monitoring to meet the specified requirements.
Evaluation of current lighting
Implementing the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard begins with a thorough evaluation of current lighting. An evaluation helps determine whether existing lighting meets standards for brightness, color rendering, and uniformity. During this review, all workstations and common areas are inspected to identify where improvements are needed. This is a crucial first step in ensuring that all lighting systems are effective and efficient. Request a free evaluation of your office.
Adjustments and improvements
After the evaluation, it is time to make necessary adjustments and improvements. This may involve replacing old fixtures with better alternatives, optimizing light sources for better color rendering or adding additional light sources to eliminate dark spots. Here it is important to focus on both the quality and efficiency of the lighting in order to comply with the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard.
Constant process
Compliance with the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard is not a one-time activity, but requires monitoring and maintenance. Regular reviews help ensure that lighting continues to perform consistently to the standard. This includes controlling brightness and adjusting light sources as they age and become less efficient. By proactively monitoring and maintaining, you can continue to benefit from a well-lit and safe work environment.
Summary
The NEN-EN 12464-1 standard plays a major role in creating a safe and productive work environment by providing specific guidelines for lighting. This standard emphasizes the importance of proper lighting levels, color rendering and uniformity. Which leads to improved health, increased productivity and greater workplace safety. Implementing this standard begins with a thorough assessment, followed by adjustments and ongoing monitoring.
Implementing the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard is an investment in employee health and efficiency. By meeting this standard, you can create a work environment that is not only safer and more comfortable, but also promotes overall productivity. We encourage everyone to embrace the standard and take advantage of its benefits. Our lighting plans are always designed according to the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard.
Getting Started
Are you curious about how to implement the NEN-EN 12464-1 standard in your office? Please contact us for a no-obligation consultation. Our team of lighting experts is ready to answer all your questions and support you in creating the optimal working environment.
