Section 22 Ergonomic Lighting Design – ELD optional notation
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2022 - Part 16 Control and Electrical Engineering - Chapter 2 Electrical Engineering - Section 22 Ergonomic Lighting Design – ELD optional notation

Section 22 Ergonomic Lighting Design – ELD optional notation

22.1 Objectives

22.1.1  The requirements in this Section are applicable where the optional class notation for ergonomic lighting design is requested.

22.1.2 The design and installation of indoor lighting is to facilitate visual task performance, safety and visual comfort. In order to achieve this goal the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 22.2 Positioning and installation are to be complied with.

22.1.3 The requirements in this Section do not address emergency or navigational lighting.

22.2 Positioning and installation

22.2.1 In order to meet the ergonomic requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 22.3 Luminance distribution the positioning and installation of lights is to comply with Pt 16, Ch 2, 22.2 Positioning and installation 22.2.2

22.2.2 Natural lighting through the use of windows and doors is to be provided as far as practicable.

22.2.3 Lights are to be positioned, as far as practicable, in the same horizontal plane and arranged symmetrically to produce a uniform level of illumination.

22.2.4 Lights are to be positioned so as to reduce bright spots and shadows as far as possible.

22.2.5 Lights are to be positioned taking account of structures such as beams and columns etc. so the lighting is not blocked by these items.

22.2.6 Lights are not to be positioned in locations which would result in limited illumination.

22.2.7 Lights are to be positioned taking account of air-conditioning vents or fans, fire detectors, water sprinklers etc. so the lighting is not blocked by these items.

22.2.8 The position of lights configured to strips or tubes is, as far as practicable, to be at right angles to an operator’s line of sight while the operator is located at their typical duty station.

22.2.9 Any physical hazards that provide a risk to operator safety are to be appropriately illuminated.

22.2.10 The positioning of lights is to consider the transfer of heat to adjacent surfaces.

22.2.11 Lights are to be positioned in locations that are easy to reach for lamp replacement or maintenance.

22.3 Luminance distribution

22.3.1 In order to provide even, fatigue-free illumination the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 22.3 Luminance distribution 22.3.2 are to be complied with.

22.3.2 The light levels falling on the plane in which a task is performed are to be suitable for the type of task, i.e. they are to consider the variation in the working planes.

22.3.3 Sharp contrasts in illumination levels across an operator task or working plane are to be avoided, as far as possible.

22.3.4 Sharp contrasts in illumination levels between an operator task area and the immediate surround and general background area are to be avoided, as far as possible.

22.3.5 Where required, local lighting for operational tasks is to be provided in addition to general lighting.

22.3.6 Lighting is to be free of perceived flicker.

22.4 Glare

22.4.1 In order to minimise glare (to avoid dazzle, discomfort and fatigue) the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 22.4 Glare 22.4.2 are to be complied with.

22.4.2 Lights are to be positioned so as to reduce, as far as possible, glare or high brightness reflections from working and display surfaces.

22.4.3 Lights are to be positioned so as to provide even illumination and minimal glare on controls, displays and indicators.

22.4.4 Where necessary, suitable blinds and shading devices are to be used to prevent glare.

22.4.5 Surfaces are to have a non-reflective or matt finish in order to reduce the likelihood of indirect glare.

22.4.6 Where a transparent cover is fitted over a control, display or indicator, it is to be designed to minimise reflections.

22.5 Location of lighting controls and outlets

22.5.1 In order to allow convenient use of lighting the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 22.5 Location of lighting controls and outlets 22.5.2 are to be complied with.

22.5.2 The lighting system is to be easily maintained and operated by personnel.

22.5.3 Lighting is to be controllable locally in accommodation and working areas, except where this conflicts with safety requirements.

22.5.4 Light switches are to be fitted in safe positions for personnel.

22.5.5 The mounting height of switches is to be such that personnel can reach switches with ease.

22.5.6 Power outlets are to be provided where temporary, local, task lighting will be required, except in hazardous areas.

22.6 Night vision

22.6.1 In order to maintain night vision and facilitate safety during hours of darkness the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 22.6 Night vision 22.6.2 are to be complied with.

22.6.2 Lighting on the ship’s superstructure is to be directed away from, and shaded to prevent direct illumination of, the bridge windows and lookout points.

22.6.3 Instrument lighting is to be such that the operator can read dials and indicators without impediment of night vision.

22.6.4 Lighting of instruments, keyboards and controls, is to be adjustable down to zero, except for the lighting of alarm and warning indicators and the controls of dimmers, which are to remain readable.


Copyright 2022 Clasifications Register Group Limited, International Maritime Organization, International Labour Organization or Maritime and Coastguard Agency. All rights reserved. Clasifications Register Group Limited, its affiliates and subsidiaries and their respective officers, employees or agents are, individually and collectively, referred to in this clause as 'Clasifications Register'. Clasifications Register assumes no responsibility and shall not be liable to any person for any loss, damage or expense caused by reliance on the information or advice in this document or howsoever provided, unless that person has signed a contract with the relevant Clasifications Register entity for the provision of this information or advice and in that case any responsibility or liability is exclusively on the terms and conditions set out in that contract.