Lighting of the task is the main criteria for industrial lighting; therefore the task area needs to be clearly understood. Lighting is often required for a vertical task. This is much more sensitive to changes in the spacing between luminaires than when lighting a horizontal surface.

Industrial areas generally contain obstructions that affect the lighting. Where possible install lighting below any overhead obstructions. If the area contains a few large obstructions ensure that all parts of the space are lit by at least two luminaires. If there are many or extensive obstructions, reduce the spacing between luminaires to counteract this and consider additional low level lighting. In all cases take care that obstructions do not cause shadowing on the task.

For areas using machinery high frequency control gear should be used to prevent any problems with stroboscopic effects resulting in rotating machinery appearing to be stationary. Alternatively install alternate luminaires on different electrical phases. Making sure that critical areas receive light in approximately equal proportions from more than one luminaire. Alternatively lighting of the machinery may be supplemented using local luminaires.

Emergency lighting will be required to aid in the safe evacuation of the building when the normal lighting fails. In some industrial applications there is an additional requirement to ensure all processes are in a safe and stable state before evacuating the area. For others there is a need to continue operations, even though the normal lighting has failed.

Luminaires should be chosen to ensure they are suitable for the environmental conditions they will face, such as excessive heat, cold, vibration or a corrosive atmosphere. Information on any airborne chemicals is important as plastics and rubbers have differing resistance to specific chemicals. Additionally in hazardous environments the lighting equipment has to be carefully selected to ensure it does not pose a risk of fire or explosion.