Laws and professional guidelines shaping lighting design in Croatia

Although lighting is a fundamental element of everyday life, its proper design, use and installation are subject to various laws and regulations, which ensure safety, energy efficiency and reduction of negative impacts on the environment. In Croatia, there are numerous laws and regulations that deal with lighting issues, from occupational safety to reducing light pollution, and each of them has its own specific goal – to ensure that lighting is safe, environmentally friendly and in accordance with the legislative framework. First, the Occupational Safety and Health Act clearly stipulates that workplaces must be equipped with appropriate lighting that meets ergonomic and safety functions. Lighting at workplaces must provide good visibility, reduce eye strain and thus reduce the risk of accidents at work, all of which greatly affects the final design of each lighting fixture.

Design according to regulations and laws

The Law on Protection from Light Pollution also deserves attention. This law sets clear guidelines to reduce the negative impact of artificial lighting on the environment, especially in urban areas. The aim is to reduce light pollution and preserve the quality of the night sky, which is important for human and animal health. In the context of energy efficiency, the Ordinance on the Energy Efficiency of Buildings also applies to lighting, prescribing how to design and install lighting systems in buildings so that they are as energy-efficient as possible. Although we may not think about them every day, these laws and ordinances play a key role in shaping a safe, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly environment in which we live and work.

From European standards to professional guidelines

Below we present some of the laws and regulations that need to be taken into account when designing, manufacturing and installing lighting in buildings of all types and public spaces, or what needs to be kept in mind when creating lighting fixtures.

1. Occupational Safety and Health Act : This law regulates safety at workplaces, including the issue of lighting in workplaces. Workplaces must be equipped with appropriate lighting that meets ergonomic and safety functions, in order to prevent accidents and reduce risks to workers’ health. Lighting must be installed in a way that does not cause eye strain and allows good vision in all working conditions.
2. Ordinance on occupational safety conditions in areas with special working conditions: This ordinance prescribes in detail specific requirements for lighting in areas where there are specific working conditions, such as production facilities, warehouses or areas with hazardous substances. Lighting in these areas must meet high standards to ensure visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
3. Fire Safety Regulations for Construction: In the context of lighting, the fire safety regulations also play an important role, as they regulate the installation of emergency lighting and fire escape lighting. Emergency lighting must be installed in all buildings according to the prescribed standards, and the installations must be designed to ensure safe exit in the event of an emergency.
4. European standards: Although not national laws, it is important to note that Croatia, as a member of the EU, adopts European standards relating to lighting. The standard EN 12464-1 applies to workplace lighting, while EN 1838 provides guidelines for emergency and safety lighting.
5. Construction Law: The Construction Law regulates aspects related to construction, including the installation of lighting in new construction projects. It prescribes the requirements for installing lighting in buildings and infrastructure, taking into account safety, energy standards and aesthetic appearance.
6. Law on Protection from Light Pollution: Lighting also has an impact on the environment, especially in the context of light pollution. This regulation prescribes measures to reduce light pollution, especially in urban and rural areas, in order to preserve the quality of the night sky and the ecological balance.

However, in addition to laws and regulations, there are also industry guidelines and rules that relate to the design and application of lighting. Professional guidelines usually come from professional organizations, trade associations or regulatory bodies, and are based on best practices, technological advances and safety standards. In Croatia and beyond, several important guidelines and standards shape the way lighting is designed and used. The Croatian Chamber of Electrical Engineers (HKIE) issues guidelines and recommendations for the design of lighting systems, including proper light distribution, safety and energy requirements, as well as the reduction of light pollution. European standards such as EN 12464-1 (lighting at workplaces) and EN 1838 (lighting for emergency lighting) define the minimum technical requirements for lighting in various environments, from office spaces to industrial facilities. These guidelines ensure that lighting is safe, energy efficient and in accordance with health and safety standards. There are also ISO standards, among which perhaps the most well-known standard in the lighting industry is ISO 8995 (Lighting in workplaces), which is used as a guideline for the design of lighting in office spaces, public and industrial buildings. Professional organizations such as the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) and the European Light Pollution Guidelines provide guidelines for reducing light pollution. This includes recommendations for directing light, using low-emission technologies and installing appropriate outdoor lighting to preserve the quality of the night sky. These guidelines and rules of the profession allow lighting to be not only functional and aesthetic, but also safe, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly through design. Lighting experts, architects and engineers, in collaboration with legislators, ensure that these guidelines are integrated into projects to ensure the quality of life in urban and working spaces.