The federal government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration is responsible for ensuring workplace safety. OSHA has established guidelines in lighting, specifically in the minimum amount of lighting required for working areas, the wiring standards, the safety of lighting outlets and controls, the minimum clearance from light fixtures, artificial light safety and emergency lighting.
Worksite Lighting
OSHA standard 1926.56 established minimum lighting requirements in foot-candles—the amount of illumination produced by a candle from 1 foot distance and abbreviated ftc— for a variety of work environments. General construction area lighting, warehouses, corridors, hallways, exitways must be at least 5 ftc; general construction areas, concrete placement, evacuation and waste areas, active storage areas, loading platforms, refueling, and field maintenance areas must be lit to a minimum of 3 ftc; general construction plants and shops including indoor bathrooms and mess rooms must be lit to 10 ftc; first aid stations, infirmaries and offices must be lit to 30 ftc.
Lighting Outlets
Lighting outlet and switch placement is governed by OSHA standard 1926.403 (j)(3)(ii). This standard requires that outlets be placed in such a way that an employee changing bulbs or making a repair is safe from injury by other moving machinery or live parts. In addition, light switches must be well away from moving machinery or any other potential hazard.
Installation Requirements
Standard 1910 governs all electrical wiring installation and applies to lighting. It sets forth minimum standards for grounding, wire size and installation locations and procedures. 1910.305 provides for temporary lighting, not to exceed 600 volts, for remodeling, maintenance and repair of buildings. It also provides for temporary Christmas lighting and carnivals; such lighting cannot exceed 90 days. OSHA standard 1910.304(c)(5) states that lights used outdoors must be placed below all live transformers, conductors and any other electrical equipment unless adequate clearances and safeguards are provided.
Artificial Light Safety
OSHA recommends that a workspace be ergonomically arranged to reduce glare and excessive lighting, which can result in eye strain and headaches. OSHA states that light diffusers should be used on computer screens to limit glare and direct light; desks should be arranged so that ceiling lights are parallel to workers' lines of sight; blinds and drapes should be used on windows to reduce light levels.
Emergency Lighting
OSHA requires that all emergency exit routes must be illuminated so that an employee can see to exit. This lighting must function even if there is a power failure. Each exit must also be marked with a sign stating "Exit." This sign must be lit to at least 5 ftc of illumination at all times. If the sign's letters are self-illuminating, the surface lighting must be to a minimum of.06 footlamberts.
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