Section 296-79-070. Illumination.

(1) Illumination required. Lighting that is adequately adjusted to provide a margin of safety for all work tasks must be provided and maintained.

(a) The minimum level of task lighting for all indoor activities must be an average of ten-foot candles measured thirty inches above the floor or at the task.

(b) The minimum level of task lighting for all outdoor activities must be an average of five-foot candles measured thirty inches above the working surface or at the task.

(2) If general lighting is not provided throughout the work area, the employer must provide illumination which is adequately adjusted to provide visibility of nearby objects that might be potential hazards or to see to operate emergency control or other equipment. The minimum level of nontask lighting for all indoor and outdoor activities must be an average of three-foot candles measured thirty inches above the floor or working surface.

Note:

This section establishes minimal levels of illumination for safety purposes only. Guidelines pertaining to optimal levels of lighting and illumination may be found in practice for Industrial Lighting, ANSI/IES RP7-1979. The minimum levels specified in subsections (1) and (2) of this section represent averages with the lowest level in an area to be no less than fifty percent of the indicated value.

(3) Emergency or secondary lighting system required.

(a) There must be an emergency or secondary lighting system that can be actuated immediately upon failure of the normal power supply system. The emergency or secondary lighting system must provide illumination in the following areas:

• Wherever it is necessary for workers to remain at their machine or station to shut down equipment in case of power failure.

• At stairways and passageways or aisleways used by workers as an emergency exit in case of power failure.

(b) Emergency lighting facilities must be checked at least every 30 days for mechanical defects. Defective equipment must be given priority for repair schedule.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and [49.17].050. WSR 99-16-083, § 296-79-070, filed 8/3/99, effective 11/3/99; Order 74-24, § 296-79-070, filed 5/6/74; Order 70-6, § 296-79-070, filed 7/10/70, effective 8/10/70.]

RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040 and [49.17].050. WSR 99-16-083, § 296-79-070, filed 8/3/99, effective 11/3/99; Order 74-24, § 296-79-070, filed 5/6/74; Order 70-6, § 296-79-070, filed 7/10/70, effective 8/10/70.