Posted By Stuart Hufton Could anyone point me in the right direction to find out minimum illumination levels for normal use in the common areas of flats. I can’t seem to find anything in the building regs. I know what it should be for workplaces and for escape lighting but this is just the general light levels. I am getting 30-40 Lux at the moment.

Posted By Accidentia Stuart You need to look at the Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE) publication 'Code for Lighting' 2002. It should be the first port of call for any lighting related problem and provides much useful advice on all manner of matters when consiering illumination levels. Whilst the common areas of flats are not dealt with in detail, section 2.5 very usefully deals with illumination levels in a variety of situations. Lighting recommendations for traffic zones gives illuminance levels of 100 lux on circulation areas and corridors, with 150 lux suggested for stairs. Note that these are minimum recommendations and higher levels may be necessary in certain circumstances, particularly if a high proportion of flat users are elderly or crime levels are above average. On this basis, your levels of 30-40 lux look very much on the low side. The lighting system itself may not need altering, just a good clean or replacement of the lamps. Alternatively, consider increasing reflectance of walls and ceilings by lightening their colour. In my experience, common parts to flats are often neglected, become very dingy and this has a considerable effect on what light actually reaches the working place (in this case the floor or stairs), making accidents much more likely. Colin

Posted By Ali The CIBSE is a good starting point. Just make sure it also complied with any requirements under the HHSRS (Housing H&S Rating System) for fitness standards in domestic housing.