Lighting


The appropriate use of lighting can assist people with disabilities to:

  • move around (ie. lighting should illuminate the way, without glare, confusing reflections or shadows, for people entering, using and leaving a building)
  • identify features (ie. facilities and features where people have to operate controls, such as information panels, directional signs, call buttons, access panels and interactive terminals, should be clearly lit)
  • communicate with others (ie. the level and source of lighting is important to people who need to lip read. Counters and reception desks should be correctly positioned, so that a window or bright light source is not behind either person speaking).
Picture of a lamp on a hotel reception desk.


The kinds of adjustments that you could make include:

Pre-arrival, Arrival and Reception

  • Lighting must be even, diffuse and non-glaring (appropriate for the purpose intended e.g. to aid lip readers).

Bedrooms

  • Bedrooms must have uniform, even lighting.
  • Increased lighting e.g. reading lamp to be positioned around writing/dressing table/bed areas.
  • Bedside lights within reach of head end of beds.
  • Recommend main lights to be controllable from the bed.
  • Flashing the bedroom lights on and off will help to alert a sleeping guest.
  • Establishments that do not require a fire certificate should consider supplying a flashing light in toilets, bathrooms or washrooms.
Picture of a hotel bedroom with several reading lamps positioned around the room.

Public areas

  • Balanced lighting must be provided for guests who are lip reading.

Ramps

  • Lighting must be balanced and effective around ramps.

Steps

  • Lighting must be balanced and effective around steps/stairs.
Picture showing a staircase with indirect recessed lighting.

Interior

  • Lighting must be appropriate for the purpose intended.
  • Adequate lighting must be positioned to illuminate the receptionist/serving staff and the desktop or counter top without creating glare or shadows.

Internal Passageways and Corridors

  • The end of the corridor must be highlighted for example by good colour and tone contrast between walls and flooring and a change of light.

Lifts

  • Internal lighting must be balanced.
  • Avoid use of spotlights and down lighters where possible.
Picture of a bedside table lamp.

Approach/Car Parking

  • There must be lighting around accessible bays and throughout route to entrance.


Acknowledgement

The information contained in this section was collected from the following source:


Legislation:


* Illuminance recommendation taken from the SLL Code for Lighting 2001
min = minimum illuminance (lux)
SMI = Standard Maintained Illuminance (lux)
Picture showing kitchen counters with task lighting.


Manufacturers of Reading Lamps


Further information:

 


Other information:

Picture acknowledgements