Posted By Merv Newman Not an expert, but understand that the 60 hertz cycle causes a flicker which may affect sensitive people. Double-tube installations may counteract or reduce the flicker effect.

Posted By Stuart Henderson No expert however we received assistance from Employment Advisory Service on the Code for Interim Lighting, if of any use. Tel: 0208. 675. 5211. Good luck, Stuart..

Posted By Ron Young Do the lights have diffusers? If not, they should have, however as Merv said, frequency of electrical supply does cause flicker on Fluorescent lighting

Posted By Milica Thanks to everyone who has responded so far. As a follow on to some of the comments, I am a teacher and stand up in front of the class for most of the day. On two out of 5 days I begin teaching at 8am. I usually leave at 6pm after marking and prepartion. I did not have such headaches in other classrooms in the school but the classroom I currently teach in has been converted from an old toilet block and has very low ceilings which is why the florescent lighting is so low. I am still looking for some clarification on safe working distance from the light source. I am now taking medication to prevent the headaches starting in the first place but if I can eliminate the cause that would be far better. Thanks for any response.

Posted By MungoDundas You could try to find out which type of internal control gear is used in your lights; switchstart, electronic start or high frequency. If it is a new installation, one would imagine that the latest type of high frequency lighting has been used, indeed the Scottish Executive Building Standards require you to have a pretty good reason for not installing the most efficient lighting available. True they cost more - but can offer a payback in energy saving, longer time between re-lamping, more productivity from staff in the late afternoon, etc.. High frequency lighting and some pot plants often help to improve the atmosphere some indoor fluorescent lighting can create. Additionally, daylight matching tubes are not that much more expensive than normal white ones. Attention should also be paid to controlling glare and where suitable using diffused/reflected light. If practical a mix of different lighting types can help. Brief overview at, amongst others, http://www.cooper-ls.com/dg_circuits.html

Posted By Kevin Walker Hi As no one has really answered your question, there is a known side effect in a small number of people that suffer from working close to fluorescent lights, symptoms include sore eyes and headaches. Part of the reason for this is the emission of electric fields. Fluroescent light due to the way they function emit electrical fields over short distances generally 2-5 feet. If you are experiencing these symptoms it could be related to distance you are from the lights or the condition and age of the fitting. It would be worth getting an assessment of the EMF of the light fitting to see if it is over the recommneded levels. It may also be that the light fitting is old and needs replacement. hope this helps kevin

Posted By Descarte Kevin, If you have ever measured any of these EMF's you would notice that the concentration reduces dramatically from source at a exponential level. High reading of 500 - 1000 at source (1") would reduce to 10 at distances less than 12" well below the exposure limits. May be worth measuring but I would doubt there would be any effect from EMF

Posted By Descarte Also I suppose as with DSE, concentration on fixed objects or pupils whilst working can lead to a reduction in blink rate leading to dryness, sore and aching eyes, fatigue and headaches. Everyones object for the day - Blink more!