Lighting designed to suit working conditions is a fundamental requirement for the prevention of accidents. In Germany, lighting for work premises is thus governed by a Workplace Ordinance (Arbeitsstättenverordnung - ArbStättV) and a number of implementing regulations (ASR workplace regulations) setting out specific requirements for various applications.

Workplace lighting requirements are defined in ASR 7/3. By 2010 at the latest, the legislature plans to revise and simplify all ASRs. ASR 7/3 will be superseded by the new "ASR A3.4 Lighting" currently under preparation. It is due to be approved in 2009.