The SLL Code for lighting (SLL, 2012) has a number of recommended lighting levels for staircases based on the type of buildings in which they are located. The values given are based on the values in European Standard BS EN 12464-1 (BSI, 2011), but the SLL is not certain of the reasoning behind the differences in the values given in the standard for the staircases in different types of building, see Appendix. The SLL hopes to fund research into optimum lighting levels on staircases, which it is hoped will give some validity and consistency in future recommendations in both BS EN 12464-1 and in a future edition of the SLL Code for lighting.
This Lighting Guide covers where on a stair to calculate and measure the values presently recommended in the Code; shows safe places to position luminaires so that they do not present an impact risk for those passing up or down the stairs; identifies luminaire positions that may cause risk due to placing access equipment on stairs for maintenance that block exit routes; and, finally, safe control of stair lighting.
Contents:
1 Introduction
2 Definitions
3 General principles
4 Main landings and intermediate landings
5 Refuge areas for wheelchair users
6 Ramps
7 Escalators
8 Dim environments
9 Lighting for the visually impaired
10 Siting of luminaires
11 Glare from luminaires
12 Control of the lighting
12.1 Presence detectors
12.2 Push-button timers
12.3 Dimming lights
12.4 Links to fire alarm system
13 Emergency lighting
14 Exit signage
15 Calculation and measurement points
16 Examples
16.1 Low-level lighting
16.2 Lit handrails
16.3 High-level lighting
Appendix: SLL Code for Lighting and other lighting recommendations
A.1 SLL Code for Lighting
A.2 British Standards
A.3 Health and Safety Executive HSG38
A.4 Emergency lighting levels
Acknowledgements
Author: Paul Ruffles (Lighting Design and Technology)