Please help. We have just handed out another round of DSE forms and as per usual getting loads returned with the usual responses we come to love. I particularly liked one comment: "It gets to cold in the toilet" :o( One issue being raised by a couple of people in one office is "the lights are too bright". Is there a set standard for DSE lighting i.e. BSI or CE? Also, is there certain window of Lux level? I know these lights were only put in a couple of years ago and the other 200 odd in the building have no issues with it. I just need to advise on what the assessors need to record on the form. Thanks if anyone can help.

Hi Ivor, I tend to receive the same responses, especially during this part of the year. You may find that the reflection from windows during the darker days are a source of complaint for headaches etc where I encourage them to use the blinds. Another recent 1 with brightness in mind is use of Apple Mac screens!

Thanks so far guys. I think the HSG38 is going to be my bedtime reading over the weekend. I'll google BS EN 12464-1:2011 and see what I can find out although I'm not sure if we can quote the 2011 standard. Thanks again

HSG38 states the average should be 200 lux for office lighting and Most other reputable sources say 500 lux??

The HSE used to recommend referring to CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers) for lighting levels in various circumstances. Their current priced publication, "SLL Lighting Guide 7: Office Lighting" is £26 for members & £52, if not. If you do have an FM section they may well be members or even have a copy themselves. Zyggy.

All the guidance by HSE, CIBSE etc usually refer to a range of light levels and and average. For DSE areas this is around 300-500lux, however for areas where higher level of detail is required, technical drawing etc these levels could be higher. However it should be remember that as with many office based environmental factors, there is a great range of personal preference, light, temperature, noise, humidity, drafts etc... If possible provide people with the ability to control or adjust these variables. Uplighting, task lights and even different wattage tubes / bulbs can be used to provide local variation in lighting. If it is DSE lighting you would be better looking at LG3 rather than LG7 - the former being - Areas for visual display terminals, later being more for general office areas (though DSE is covered in breif) Des

ClaireL You have hit the nail on the head. I'm sure these lights are fully compliant, but it seems the 'same old names' keep raising issues. You can never please everyone. John. Agreed. there may be other issues here. Perhaps I will need to make a visit. descarte8. I will look at the LG3. Bob. All I need to do now is to get the company to but me an i-Phone :o( Thanks everyone again for all the posts.