This Standard sets out requirements, general principles and recommendations for the permanent lighting of exterior workplaces. It applies to exteriors in which specific visual tasks are undertaken. It applies only when this area is being used as a workplace. The provisions have the object of producing a visual environment in which essential task details are made easy to see and adverse factors that may cause visual discomfort are either excluded or appropriately controlled.

Recommendations for the lighting of interiors or activities are provided in AS/NZS 1680.1 and the AS(/NZS) 1680.2 series.

This Standard generally does not address:

(a) Outdoor workplaces that are temporary and short term, e.g. emergency road or service repair. However, the recommendations in this Standard should be considered in selecting and locating the temporary lighting. Clause 4.1.2 contains specific considerations for the directional effects of lighting.

(b) Any outdoor work area covered by a roof. Such work areas should be designed in accordance with AS/NZS 1680.1 and the AS(/NZS) 1680.2 series. Refer also to AS/NZS 1680.0 for basic requirements for safe movement.

(c) Lighting for the purposes of decoration, display, entertainment, dining, sport or security (including CCTV).

(d) Lighting of Category V roads as defined in AS/NZS 1158.1.1.

(e) Lighting for individual industries, such as airports, surface mines, chemical plants and railway stations. Many industries have internal or other lighting standards. However, in the absence of particular advice, the recommendations in this Standard should be considered.

(f) Daylight design of exterior workplaces.

NOTE: Attention is drawn to the AS/NZS 2293 series, which sets out requirements for the lighting necessary to alleviate panic and to permit safe evacuation of the workplace should this be required in the event of loss of the normal lighting.