General Working Conditions >> Illumination

Adequate illumination is required in walkways, work areas, and access to provide a safe work environment. [29 CFR 1915.82(a)] Permanent, temporary, and emergency lighting must be provided as required. The components of the lighting must be safe for the location in which it is installed.

Figure 1: Temporary lighting used during night ship repair operations

Potential Hazards

Inadequate or poor-quality lighting systems can create:

  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Electric shocks and burns
  • Inability to exit the space

Requirements and Example Solutions

  • Figure 2: Temporary light bulbs protected with bulb globes and suspended out of the way
    Temporary lights must have guards or be recessed to prevent accidental contact with the bulb. [29 CFR 1915.82(b)(1)]
  • Figure 3: Temporary lighting with heavy duty cord properly suspended by hanger on bulb fixture
    Temporary lights must: [29 CFR 1915.82(b)(2)]
    • Be equipped with heavy duty electric cords.
    • Not be suspended by their electric cords.
    • Have splices equal to the insulation of the cable.
  • Cords must be protected from damage. [29 CFR 1915.82(b)(3)]
  • Exposed non-current-carrying metal parts of temporary lights must be grounded. [29 CFR 1915.82(c)]
  • Portable emergency lighting (e.g., flashlight, light sticks) must be provided. [29 CFR 1915.82(c)(1)]
  • Figure 4: Marine Chemist entering dark space with portable light
    Workers must not enter dark spaces without suitable portable light. [29 CFR 1915.82(c)(1)]

Additional Resources

  • A11.1-1973, Practice for Industrial Lighting. ANSI Standard.