Stairs and footbridges vary in openness and construction. Effective lighting enhances safety and capacity by illuminating walking surfaces, treads, and risers. Additionally, it creates contrast between adjacent surfaces, ensuring visibility even when spaces are sparsely or fully occupied.
Lighting from each side can give sufficient directional quality of light. Equal highlighting of horizontal treads and vertical risers on the stairs is important whilst maintaining the natural lit contrast between the two. Luminaires mounted at low level can minimise troubling glare. Care should also be taken to minimise glare to train drivers and dispatchers.
Lighting could also be provided by column mounted luminaires either around the bridge or mounted on it, or a combination of both. Care should be taken to achieve suitable levels of uniformity
In many situations, lighting could be fully exposed to the elements, making high IP rated luminaires essential. Moreover, for longevity and to minimise costs, the external finishes of luminaires should be highly resistant to degradation.
Technical Support
There are some differences in recommended levels across standards. EN12464-2:2014 calls for 50 or 100 lux in outdoor applications dependant on passenger numbers. Whilst the Rail Industry Standard calls for 100 lux on footbridges and 150 lux on stairs.
In our experience 150 lux throughout is often selected for covered applications. BS 5489-1:2013 calls for 15-30 lux outdoors and 150 lux for enclosed areas. In all cases due consideration should be given to contrast between adjacent areas and surfaces.
For further lighting advice speak to our technical sales team on 020 8254 2022 or e-mail technicalsales@designplan.co.uk
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