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Light Reflectance Value Testing
In 2013, 'Access to and Use of Buildings' was published within the Building Regulations. This publication is primarily centred on requirements used to assist the disabled, including the visually impaired. This outlined a need for certain surfaces and features to 'contrast visually' with their environment. One way of ensuring that this is achieved is through the use of Light Reflectance Value (LRV) testing.
There are particular areas which are of more interest when considering visual contrast.
These include:
- Wall to ceiling junctions
- Wall to floor junctions
- Seating and its surrounding area
- Leading edges of doors, door opening furniture and door surfaces
- Stair nosings
- Sanitary fittings and grab bars.
Through the use of our color measurement and standards experience, we offer both LRV testing and consultancy. We have full knowledge of the current regulations and Codes of Practice, including BS 8300:2009 +A1:2010, which states that a minimum LRV should be a minimum of 20 points for surfaces that have illuminance values greater than 200 lux.
We work with a range of designers, end-users and manufacturers (such as the Guild of Architectural Ironmongery) that are often advised to publish LRVs for their products.