PDFWAC 296-307-57005

Provide and maintain adequate lighting.

Note:
This section establishes minimal levels of lighting 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.
(1) The employer must provide and maintain adequate lighting for all work activities in the workplace. See the following table.
Lighting Table
Activity
Minimum
Acceptable
average
lighting level
inan area:
Any one single measurement used to determine the average lighting level* cannot be less than:
 
(Foot-candles)
(Foot-candles)
Indoor task
10
5
Outdoor task
5
2.5
Nontask activities for both indoor and outdoor
3
1.5
*
Lighting levels must be measured at thirty inches above the floor/working surface or at the task.
(2) The employer must have adequate light for employees to see nearby objects that might be potential hazards or to see to operate emergency controls or other equipment, if general lighting is not available.
Notes:
1. Lighting levels can be measured with a light meter.
 
2. Conversion information: 1 foot candle = 1 lumen incident per square foot = 10.76 lux.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. WSR 20-21-091, § 296-307-57005, filed 10/20/20, effective 11/20/20. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. WSR 01-17-033, § 296-307-57005, filed 8/8/01, effective 9/1/01.]