WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR TASK LIGHTING ?

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Task lighting is found in many different environments, from the home to offices and workshops. Some of the reasons for task lighting are set out below.

ILLUMINATING THE READING AREA

When reading in the home or at work, illumination of the reading area is very important. Reading in poor light is uncomfortable and in the long term damages eyesight.

CONTRAST REDUCTION TO PREVENT LOSS OF VISIBILITY

The best lighting enhances the contrast between different objects being illuminated. Poor contrast can lead to poor visibility, making it difficult to see precisely.

FOCUSSED LIGHT (task light) AND STRAY LIGHT

There is a subtle difference between the focussed light created by task lighting and stray light. Stray light, is light projected unintentionally, from the focussed light. This is general light that radiates into the surrounding environment. Stray light is sometimes the result of a poor design. For example, if you are sat near a person using a reading light, you may not want the light illuminating your space as well.

A task light should project light that is focussed on a particular object / area. For example, a reading light is usually focussed in the area of the open book.

ADJUSTABLE / INCLUSIVE DESIGN

Most task lights are adjustable, allowing the light to be focussed in a particular area. People will be able to use an adjustable light for many purposes. An adjustable task light is an inclusive design. This means that there will be a wider range of potential customers, as the task light will have a wider range of potential uses.

EXAMINATION / OPERATION LIGHTS - MEDICAL, DENTISTRY

Some task lights have specific functions. For instance, a dental task light has specific purpose of allowing the dentist to see inside a patients mouth and to view teeth clearly. Lights in an operating theatre have a similar serious practical application.

ILLUMINATION OF MACHINERY (LATHES, DRILLING MACHINES)

Some task lights are attached to specific machines. Take for instance the lathe opposite. A low power light can be positioned so that the work being ’turned’ can be seen clearly. This is a significant safety feature.

Another example is a drilling machine. These should have a task light that focusses on the drilling area.

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