The lighting of outdoor workplaces is regulated by the standard DIN EN 12464-2 “Light and lighting – Lighting of workplaces – Part 2: Outdoor workplaces”. It has been updated and was published in July 2025. The standard specifies requirements for the lighting of workplaces with outdoor facilities such as construction sites, ports or airports. This is because wherever work is carried out outdoors, employees must be able to perform their visual tasks safely.

Employees are exposed to particular dangers at night. When it is dark, accidents occur more frequently than average and are often more serious. During the day, we perceive most sensory impressions through our eyes, but at night this flow of information decreases rapidly. In addition, people are more easily dazzled in the dark and are usually already tired. The right lighting for outdoor workplaces protects against accidents.

What is new in DIN EN 12464-2?
The new version of the standard includes an additional section summarising symbols and abbreviations. New applications have been added to the tables. The recommendations in DIN EN 12464-2 have also been changed with the aim of taking greater account of user requirements. For example, the required illuminance is now specified in levels so that context modifiers can be applied. In addition, information on grid cell size, flicker and stroboscopic effect, and sustainability has been updated. A new Annex A provides information on the reflectance of some building materials used outdoors. The new Annex B provides additional information on the specific requirements for railway installations.