How often is it required?

Where the risk assessment shows lighting may fall below the minimum values, the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 require illumination measurement by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 24 months (regulation 11). Emergency lighting must be tested at least every three months.

What does the report contain?

Measured lux levels per area and task against the minimum maintained average illuminance values, with a floor plan and recommendations.

What must we prepare?

A floor plan and access to all work areas, including night-shift areas where relevant.

ILLUMINATION SURVEY & ASSESSMENT

Adequate workplace lighting is essential for employee safety, visual comfort, and work quality. Illumination levels that are too low or too high can strain the eyes, reduce concentration, and increase the risk of errors, accidents, and injuries. Poor lighting is common in workplaces and often goes unnoticed due to the human eye’s ability to adapt to sub-standard conditions.

An illumination survey evaluates lighting levels in the workplace and determines whether they comply with South African occupational health and safety requirements.

REACH OUT

Worker cutting steel with an angle grinder as sparks fly

WHY IS POOR ILLUMINATION A RISK?

Inadequate or excessive lighting may result in eye strain, fatigue, and headaches, reduced concentration and visual discomfort, increased error rates and accident risk, reduced work quality and productivity, long-term visual discomfort and strain.

Proper illumination supports safe movement, accurate task performance, and overall employee wellbeing.

Employers are legally required to assess and maintain adequate workplace lighting in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993); Physical Agents Regulations, 2024; Mine Health and Safety Act (29 of 1996), where applicable.

The Physical Agents Regulations replaced the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, 1987. Where the risk assessment calls for it, illumination must be measured by a competent person at intervals not exceeding 24 months.

Interior of a large industrial warehouse with overhead cranes

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Foundry workers in protective gear pouring molten metal

OUR SOLUTION

Qualitas Occupational Consulting is a Department of Employment and Labour Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) and a SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17020) inspection body for asbestos, lead, noise and hazardous chemical agents, and applies the same quality system to all its assessments.

We conduct professional illumination surveys using calibrated light-measuring instruments to evaluate lighting levels against statutory and task-specific requirements. Clear, practical recommendations are provided to improve lighting quality and ensure compliance.