ABSTRACT

Background: Good lighting at workplace plays an important role in preserving health by enabling employees to perform their work comfortably and efficiently. It also allows employees to clearly read the labels on medicines and instructions to ensure compliance with safety measures for the prevention of errors. Also, in hospitals adequate illumination provides patients a good experience and increases patient satisfaction. Various studies have established the fact that lighting plays an important role in the human alertness and mood. Insufficient light during daytime may lead to workers’ mood disturbances and low alertness. Also, appropriate light in hospitals is important for timely recovery of the patients.

Methods: There are many guidelines available which specify the minimum illumination levels in various clinical, diagnostic and support areas of the hospitals. In this study, illumination levels in the hospital were examined during morning, afternoon, and night. All the findings were recorded and compared with the prescribed Indian standards given under National Lighting Code 2010 of India. This is a cross-sectional observational study, conducted in two parts. Firstly, illumination measurements were noted with the help of digital Lux meter. Readings were then compared with prescribed values in National Lighting Code 2010 of India. Second part of this study was to conduct a survey interview with a validated structured questionnaire. A sample size of 406 healthcare workers was selected.

Results: It was observed that majority of the areas of the hospital had adequate illumination levels as prescribed levels. More than 90% the workers were aware regarding the benefits of good lighting at workplace as well as hazards associated with poor lighting conditions. However, some areas were having low lighting conditions. Majority of clinical areas were equipped with LED lights and had illumination as per recommended values.

Conclusion: Outer areas of hospital may be improved in terms of artificial lighting, as many corridors and patient waiting areas were having good natural lighting but after evening and night-time lighting was lesser than the recommended values.