Shedding Light on Desk Work

Adequate lighting at a desk is a necessity, not a luxury.

If implemented these guidelines can make paper work easier to see and can help users avoid eye strain:

--Surfacing the desk with a non-glossy material helps eliminate reflected light.

--The distance between the desk and the light source is the key to achieving proper task-light levels. The bottom of the shade should be 15 inches above the desk.

--Locate a desk lamp about 12 inches from the front of the desk. Position it to the left if right-handed; to the right if left-handed. For maximum illumination, use a white, translucent shade with a white lining.

--Ordinary desk work requires a 150-watt soft-white bulb; prolonged study or close work requires 200 to 250 watts.

--Fluorescent light fixtures spread light evenly over an entire work area. Locate the fixture 15 inches above the desk top. Select a 36-inch, 30-watt tube or a 40-inch, 40-watt tube.