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  1. Light
  2. Low-glare workstation design

Low-glare workstation design

Features>Light>57. Low-glare workstation design

57. Low-glare workstation design

Intent: 

To minimize visual discomfort by situating computer monitors in a way that avoids glare and luminance contrast.

Glare is commonly generated when high-intensity electric or natural light reflects off glossy surfaces that may be positioned at suboptimal angles in and around occupant spaces, in relation to windows. The resulting discomfort can be a hindrance to an otherwise comfortable and effective work environment. Adjusting the angle at which the light hits a surface can help guide the light away from reflecting directly into the eye, thereby avoiding glare.

Part 1: Glare Avoidance

The following requirements are met:

a.81 To minimize glare caused by incoming sunlight, all computer screens at desks located within 4.5 m [15 ft] of view windows can be oriented within a 20° angle perpendicular to the plane of the nearest window.
b. Overhead luminaires are not aimed directly at computer screens.
Nervous
Muscular
Skeletal

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New & Existing Buildings New & Existing Interiors
Part 1: Glare Avoidance - O O
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Restaurant Retail
Part 1: Glare Avoidance - O - - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
Part 1: Glare Avoidance Visual Inspection

81

Ontario Ministry of Labour. Computer Ergonomics: Workstation Layout and Lighting. Toronto: Ontario Ministry of Labour; September 2004: 16.
57.1.a

The Ontario Ministry of Labour's "Computer Ergonomics: Workstations and Lighting" recommends that worker's line of sight is parallel to the plane of windows.
Features>Light>57. Low-glare workstation design