Plant Services - September 2007 - (Page 57) Tuning up your system can improve both the efficiency and effectiveness of illumination any factors influence a lighting system design. Among these are the costs of installation, operation and maintenance. Additionally, the lighting quality for each task environment can have a significant effect on productivity, safety, efficiency and, ultimately, on the quality of the end product. Careful selection of lamp type, source and control can lead to significant energy savings while still providing the best possible visual environment. Flexibility is a critical need in many plant environments. Changes in tasks or work zones; modifications of assembly, inspection or packaging areas; and plant expansion are among the concerns a lighting system should be able to accommodate. Key factors that influence a good lighting design also include the following: • Occupancy type: A warehouse, bindery and small parts assembly line each has different layout and control needs. • Tasks performed: This is a function of the visual acuity necessary for large machines with moving parts, fine detail performed manually or color rendering being critical. • Plant environment: This addresses whether it’s unconditioned, the presence of harsh chemicals or explosive vapors, cold storage or processing. September 2007 Quality breeds quantity Recent studies show a correlation between higher-quality lighting and better worker performance. In addition, when lighting quality improves for a particular task environment, the overall quantity (measured in foot-candles at the task surface) can be reduced without adversely affecting performance. Therefore, introducing lamps having a higher color rendering index (CRI), reducing glare, properly directing the illumination, and increasing a worker’s control over lighting levels can result in a system that consumes less wattage than an equivalent system without these considerations. Managing contrast and uniformity for the work area also has an effect. If contrast is inadequate, a task can become much more difficult to perform. Tuning your facility begins with an evaluation of each task type and environment that exists or might exist in the planned future. The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) recommends illumination levels based on the task, speed, accuracy, contrast and size. Using these guidelines, you can recognize that a warehouse requires less illumination than an inspection station. 57 www.PLANTSERVICES.com http://www.PLANTSERVICES.com
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