School officials shall:
(1) Provide light intensities that meet or exceed those specified in Table 2. General, task and/or natural lighting may be used to maintain the minimum lighting intensities. Energy efficient lighting systems, lighting fixtures, or bulbs that meet the minimum lighting intensities in Table 2 may be used.
Table 2
Lighting Intensities
Measured 30 inches above the floor or on working or teaching surfaces. Some lighting fixtures may require a start-up period before reaching maximum light output. | Minimum foot-candle intensity |
General instructional areas, for example, study halls, lecture rooms, and libraries. | 30 |
Special instructional areas where safety is of prime consideration or fine detail work is done, for example, family and consumer science laboratories, science laboratories (including chemical storage areas), shops, drafting rooms, and art and craft rooms. | 50 |
Noninstructional areas, for example, auditoriums, lunch rooms, assembly rooms, corridors, stairs, storerooms, and restrooms. | 10 |
Gymnasiums: Main and auxiliary spaces, shower rooms, and locker rooms. | 20 |
(2) Control excessive brightness and glare in all instructional areas. Surface contrasts and direct or indirect glare must not cause excessive eye accommodation or eye strain problems.
(3) Provide lighting in a manner that minimizes shadows and other lighting deficiencies on work and teaching surfaces.
[Statutory Authority: RCW
43.20.050. WSR 10-01-174, 10-12-018, 11-10-080, 13-09-040, 15-09-070, 17-14-055, 19-14-107, 21-14-056, 22-14-021, 23-16-005, and 24-14-089, § 246-366A-115, filed 12/22/09, 5/21/10, 5/3/11, 4/11/13, 4/15/15, 6/28/17, 7/2/19, 7/1/21, 6/24/22, 7/19/23, and 6/28/24, effective 9/1/25.]