Lighting, heating, cooling and ventilation

Thermal comfort is important to staff and patients

Efficient heating and cooling will also reduce your expenses and environmental footprint.

When setting the temperature in your practice’s rooms and areas, consider:

• the comfort of patients who need to disrobe for some examinations and procedures.
• That the optimal comfort for sedentary work is 20-26^oC, depending on factors such as the season and clothing worn.

By installing insulation, and carefully designing the layout of your practice (including windows and ventilation), you can minimise the need to use air-conditioning and heating systems.

The Australian Standard AS 1680.2.2 – 2008: Interior and workplace lighting Specific applications – Office and screen-based tasks, includes specific recommended lux levels for different tasks. Lux levels can be measured by an electrician.

• A warm white lighting (2700-3000 k) is generally considered to be more calming and comfortable.
• Use lights of the same lux level within each room, and ideally throughout the practice.

To minimise glare from windows, and overhead or reflected lighting:

• avoid facing monitors directly towards or away from external windows
• adjust overhead lights to the correct lux level
• use anti-glare filters if other measures have not succeeded.