LUXury or not - LUX and how to measure it in Galley areas

Do you have proper lighting in your galley areas?

A common finding in USPH reports across all cruise lines is about proper lighting in galley areas.

But it is not only about the inspection – decent lighting plays a role in safety as well.

And it is one, that inspectors often see immediately after entering the area.

However, with some preparation, you can avoid receiving any findings and be ready for inspection.

The Requirements

According to the "bible" - the vessel sanitation program - there are two light intensities, required:

220 LUX/20 Foot Candles

For instance, a light intensity of 220 LUX/20 Foot Candles is required in food preparation areas, handwashing facilities, ware washing areas, equipment and utensil storage, pantries, toilet rooms, self-service areas, and waiter stations during cleaning.

110 LUX/10 Foot Candles

On the other hand, a light intensity of 110 LUX/10 Foot Candles is needed in walk-in refrigerators, dry storage areas, other areas during cleaning, behind and around mounted equipment, and handwashing stations in bars.

We'll talk about this further later. But these are the general intensities, your lighting in catering areas should have.

Luxmeter Models

But how to ensure, above values are met?

To measure the llight intensity in your galley, you need a professional lux meter device. If you have one on board, skip this section. If you don't try to order one.

There are several models available on the market - in all price ranges.

Here just a few examples:

Testo 540 Luxmeter:
- Measures a range of 0-100.000 LUX
- Has an accuracy of +/- 3%
- With only 95 g its one of the lightweights
- Price tag about 150 EURO

TROTEC BF06
- Measures a range of 0-40.000 LUX
- Accuracy of +/- 5-10%
- weighs 138 g
- Price between 20 and 50 EURO

Testboy TV 335
- Mesures a range of 0-400.000 LUX
- Accuracy of +/- 3%
- Weight about 250 g
- Costs about 130 EURO

Apps
While there are luxmeter apps available in the app store, research has shown that their accuracy can be as low as +/- 30-40%, which is not suitable for measuring light intensity in the galley. So, don't use an app, if you want to be on the safe side. It is best to invest in a professional Luxmeter device.
Just to name a few. A test report with more Lux meters can be found -> here (German)

How to measure
You have your equipment? You know what values to reach? Great.

But where exactly do we take the measurements? Reading the VSP can be a little confusing at times. So, lets try to break it down further.

- In food preparation areas you need to reach 220 LUX on the preparation surfaces!
- And 75 cm above the deck
- Handwashing facilities    220 LUX/20 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Ware washing areas     220 LUX/20 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Equipment and utensil storage     220 LUX/20 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Pantries     220 LUX/20 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Toilet Rooms     220 LUX/20 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Self-service areas     220 LUX/20 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Waiter stations during cleaning     220 LUX/20 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Walk-in refrigerator units     110 LUX/10 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- Dry storage areas     110 LUX/10 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- other areas and during cleaning    110 LUX/10 Foot Candles  75 cm above the deck
- behind and around mounted equipment     110 LUX/10 Foot Candles
- Handwashing stations in bars (also those for passengers)     110 LUX/10 Foot Candles at the station, but  220 LUX/20 Foot Candles during cleaning operations

To make the testing process during operation a little easier, I prepared an excel sheet, which you can download for free. You can easily modify it to the locations on your ship.

This is the theory of LUX measurement. Of course, doing the measurements during operation, you might find additional challenges.

Like the operation of the galley team, reflection of the stainless-steel surfaces, and so on.

But I'm sure, you'll find a way and get your LUX values under control before inspection.

And if you don't have the required spare parts on board, ensure you have your order in place. To have something to show during inspection.

What are your experiences with the galley lightning?

I'd be happy to get some comments below.

Fair winds to all of you - Stay safe and enjoy what you do!

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