Light Reflectance Value Testing

Designers need to ensure that buildings comply with the Building Regulations. Since 2004, guidance has existed in a new Approved Document on Access to and Use of Buildings. The guidance is particularly concerned with provisions to assist the disabled including those who are visually impaired.

The guidance highlights the need for certain surfaces and features to "contrast visually" with their surroundings. Areas of particular interest are:

• Wall to ceiling and wall to floor junctions;
• Exposed edges of sloping floors;
• Seating and its surroundings;
• Leading edges of doors, door opening furniture and door surfaces;
• Sanitary fittings and grab bars.

This is relevant to a wide range of non-residential buildings such as hospitals, schools, hotels, theatres, etc.

The current guidance in the Regulations and in the relevant Codes of Practice, BS 8300: 2001 is that adequate visual contrast is provided if the Light Reflectance Values (LRV) of the contrasting areas exceeds 30 points.

Manufacturers are advised, for example, by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery to publish LRV values for their products and indeed designers are beginning to demand them.

If you need measurement of LRVs or confirmation of visual contrast, please contact us at CERAM as our many years of experience in colour measurement and standards enables us to provide a comprehensive service.